5 Steps to Find a Wedding Singer

Hiring a wedding band that will get everyone (even Aunt Jean who we all know hates dancing) up out of their chairs and kicking up their heels sounds simple enough.

Step one: listen to a bunch of bands.

Step two: pick the best one.

Step three: –wait. There is no step three… is there?

There most certainly is. Don’t for a second think that picking out the musical entertainment for your Big Day is going to be easy breezy. But the great thing about music at a wedding is that it can boost your wedding day from “nice” to an affair to remember. Larson Jewelers breaks it down for you in 5 steps.

1. Big Band v. DJ

There are a couple factors that will play into the decision of live band versus DJ.

Money Live bands are more expensive than DJs. Much more expensive.

The “performance” aspect Live bands are (duh) made up of people. People can make mistakes, and people have personalities. Both of these aspects have the potential to pop up in the course of your reception in unforeseen ways (think Adam Sandler in The Wedding Singer). To be fair, DJs are also people and can also do unexpected things during your wedding. But a band has more people, so the risk is higher.

Atmosphere The tone of your wedding reception is in large part determined by the type of music played. Live big bands and jazz bands are synonymous with class and tradition. Rock bands or alternative bands pump up the funk factor. DJs are as varied as they come: some are cheesy, others are addicted to the Top 40, others prefer 50s bee-bop in original recordings.

It will be up to you and your fiance to figure out whether a band or a DJ is more appropriate for your wedding.

2. Choose a Wedding Singer That Fits Your Wedding

We all know you think you have great taste in music. Maybe you do. But even if your relationship with your fiance all started at a fateful Pearl Jam concert, not everyone is as keen on the Seattle grunge scene as you are. Choosing a band that can play a range of music – classics, danceable number, maybe even some PJ – will allow the most people at your wedding to have a good time.

3. Discuss the Playlist Prior to the Big Day

A wedding singer has a certain degree of artistic license – and there are several DJs who agree that they too are artists. If there are songs that you flat out know you don’t want to hear, or a list of must-have songs, make sure the musical entertainment is able to fulfill your expectations. There is nothing worse than hearing Sir-Mix-Alot when you had your heart set on Louis Armstrong.

4. Give Them A Try-Out (In Person!)

Don’t rely on demo-tapes and online testimonials. See a live performance if possible. Sometimes a middle-aged white guy performing Lil Jon backed by saxophones works. Sometimes it doesn’t.

Also, talk to these people to see if the lead singer or DJ is a good match. Chances are the head of the musical entertainment will be speaking at some point during your reception. Make sure you like what he or she is going to say.

5. Have a Back Up Plan

A back up plan is necessary. Remember, in the case of a music emergency, an iPod with a pre-determined “Wedding Playlist” is better than no music.

Above all, remember: it’s not about things going perfectly. It’s about having a blast. So shake off any little quirks that spring up, and start shaking your tail feather instead.