The Ten Spot

The saying that “music is the language of love” will never be more true than on your wedding day. Find the right music, and you’re guaranteeing a more romantic, emotional celebration. Here are ten tips from local musicians and DJs on how you can use music to make your wedding unforgettable.

1. Book your ceremony musicians as soon as you determine your wedding date, and meet to determine the ceremony music at least three months before your big day, says Diane Martinson of Diane Martinson Music, Inc. (dianemusic.com). “For reception bands, you should book as early as one year in advance,” she advises. “The earlier the better.”

2. Choosing what kind of music to have at your reception boils down to two simple things, says Richard Erickson of local band The Resistors. “Find a band that can play music you know, that your guests will also enjoy. It’s a formula for success.”

3. Request a demo, but Paul Young of Macken Music and Entertainment Agency gives this caution when it comes to DJ demos: “A demo can only be trusted if it is recent and shows the event in action, with shots of the DJ and guests intertwined. A professionally produced ‘image piece’ should not be trusted.”

4. Consider the venue. A bigger ensemble isn’t always better, says Barbara Lamb of Regency Trio. “If your reception will be in a large, cavernous space, you may need more performers. If it’s an intimate setting, you will need fewer.” Ask your venue contact person about what size of ensembles have worked well in the past. If you’re using a DJ, be clear that you want the volume to be appropriate for the space.

5. Experience matters. Weddings are extra-special special occasions, so make sure you book musicians or DJs with extensive wedding backgrounds. “Hire a specialist,” advises Shawn Plante of Instant Request DJ Entertainment. “Don’t book all-in-one, cookie cutter vendors who try to be specialists at everything.”

6. Try cutting costs by hiring one ensemble to provide all of the live music for your ceremony and reception. For example, hire a four-piece ensemble but use only two of them for the ceremony, then use all four for the reception.

7. Mix-and-match. Many Twin Cities couples have booked both bands and DJs for their receptions, with best-of-both-worlds results. Your DJ or band may even have recommendations for whom they frequently work with. Both your band and your DJ have to be open to this arrangement for it to work.

8. Don’t let pricing dictate your choice. Music is not an area where you want to pinch pennies by hiring unexperienced or below-average performers or DJs. “For some reason, people seem to think that DJ services are all alike, when in fact we are all so different in so many ways,” says Jay Kochendorfer of DJAY Sound & Light Shows. Even more important than pricing, you should “check references and compare how musicians and DJs are trying to earn your business. Go with what feels right—you’ll be happy you did!”

9. It’s all about pacing. When selecting music for your reception, consider your older guests as much as you consider your peers. “Catering your music in the first part of the evening to the older guests will keep them there, even if you mix in a few of your ‘must have’ songs,” says Matthew Rush of Midwest Sound and Light Shows. “The young people aren’t going anywhere.” After a certain hour, you can kick your music into a higher gear.

10. A simple “thank you” will be music to your musicians’ ears. “Be sure to introduce yourself to your musicians,” suggests Barbara Lamb. “They like to know that you are happy that they are there.”