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With rare exception, most wedding receptions will offer musical
entertainment. This has been the case for thousands of years and it's not
about to change any time soon. That having been said and agreed upon, you
must decide upon the general type of musical performance you wish. |
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following topic discussions will assist you in the decision
process. You may choose any topic from the "quick jump" menu to
the right. |
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Available Entertainment Resources |
| DJ |
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A "disk jockey", or DJ, brings a sound system and a
collection of pre-recorded music (CD's, etc.). Most good DJ's are
performers themselves and utilize a microphone to interact with the
crowd. Wedding DJ's are particularly adept at keeping
things flowing smoothly at a reception. |
| Club
Band |
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A
club band is a collection of musicians that play
their normal tunes the same as they usually do in a nightclub setting.
While often quite talented in their chosen genre, most club
bands do not coordinate play lists and address the myriad
other unique aspects of a wedding reception. |
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Wedding Band |
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A
wedding band must have a wide repertoire of tunes and, most importantly, have
extensive experience with the peculiarities and unpredictabilities of
wedding receptions. The Basics Band is an excellent
wedding band. |
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Play List/Repertoire |
| DJ |
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Since a DJ doesn't actually have to perform any music,
the repertoire and playlist is theoretically unlimited. All songs
sound EXACTLY like the studio recorded versions you have heard. On the
downside, if the crowd really gets into a song, the DJ can't make it
any longer than was originally performed. |
| Club
Band |
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No musician can possibly know every song and no band
can EXACTLY reproduce a recorded song the way it came from the
recording studio - not even the original artist. While some club bands
might be willing to learn a new song for a reception, most
have chosen a fairly rigid play list based on the genre in
which they excel. |
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Wedding Band |
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A good wedding band, such as The Basics,
generally has a more extensive repertoire than a club band,
incorporating many genres, and can perform tunes designed to
provide background ambience as well as livelier, dance/party
songs. Not limited by the inherent time constraints of a
pre-recorded song, the wedding band can modify the performance
on the fly. |
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Pre-Event/Event Coordination |
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Pre-event coordination includes
working with the Wedding Couple well in advance of the reception to be sure that
the tentative play list appeals to the guests. Additionally, a schedule of events
is prepared to be sure that everything happens as is desired. Special songs,
such as The Bride and Groom's First Dance, are prepared. Event coordination
means the performer acts as emcee for the event, does all the announcing at the
proper times, and continuously interacts with the "wedding coordinator" to be
sure that unexpected changes and events are dealt with. |
| DJ |
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Most experienced wedding DJ's do well
with these duties. Unfortunately, not all good DJ's are good "wedding"
DJ's. Be sure to check references. |
| Club
Band |
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The typical
club band contracts to
perform a certain number of sets of whatever music they normally play.
Generally, they do not coordinate before or during the event and don't
serve as emcees. Unless they know the "special songs" you want, you
will be expected to bring them on a CD. |
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Wedding Band |
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Pre-event and event coordination are part
of the package. The Basics are masters of these
important aspects of the wedding reception. There is, of course, NO
CHARGE for these additional duties. |
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Presentation/Performance Format |
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While a wedding reception is in fact a party celebrating the
marriage of two people in love, it is nonetheless a dignified
affair that recognizes a heterogeneous crowd of folks of all
ages and musical tastes. Unless a "theme" wedding that
dictates otherwise, the performers should be formally dressed
in tuxedos/gowns. Most importantly, the real "stars" of the
reception are the Bride and Groom, not the band. |
| DJ |
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Most good
wedding DJ's address the
presentation and "performance" issues well. |
| Club
Band |
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Club bands are always the "stars" at
their club performances, most have worked hard to achieve this status,
and many will not allow the Wedding Couple to usurp their status. They
may or may not have access to formal wear. If not, their final total
fee will include tuxedo rentals, sometimes as an "add on". Few will
modify their play lists to address the preferences of older guests or
children. |
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Wedding Band |
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A good wedding band, such as The
Basics, always tailors its presentation and performance to the
desires of the Wedding Couple and the guests. |
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When it comes right down to it, your
budget is the main deciding factor. In your considerations, however, remember
the time actually spent by the performer(s) in providing your entertainment.
First, a typical reception requires
the performer(s) to dedicate a minimum of nearly twice the length of the
reception - "load in" of equipment, setup prior to the arrival of the first
guest, sound checks, "dress out", the actual reception, and finally "load out".
Second, travel imposes financial and
time "overhead" that must be absorbed by the performer(s).
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Third, most professional performers
are doing this to make money, often it is the primary source of income.
Fourth, all the professional
equipment you see is very expensive - both in initial purchase as well as
maintenance and repair. For example, the sound system and instruments The
Basics Band typically uses at a wedding reception costs well over
$20,000.
This is one of those rare exceptions
- you really do get what you pay for!
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| DJ |
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Generally the least expensive. An excellent wedding DJ (the only one we would
recommend) goes for $600-800. |
| Club
Band |
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Highly variable, anywhere from $500 to
$1500. |
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Wedding Band |
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Generally the most expensive, but
remember - you really DO get what you pay for! |
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Summary/Recommendations |
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If you have less than $1500 to spend
on entertainment, hire a good wedding DJ with references (and check them!). Put
the difference into your catering, your honeymoon or into your bank account. If
you can expand your budget somewhat, hire a good wedding band such as The
Basics Band. |
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| This site was last updated
03/21/06
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