Quote:
Originally Posted by Maccalus
So, I made the plunge over the weekend and asked my girlfriend to marry me. Of course, this now means that we have a wedding to plan. I some of you will have just gone through this process and will have some advice/recommendations.
I would love some recommendations for a good and affordable photographer and good djs or live bands (we are up in the air on which we want to do at this time).
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On the question of DJ versus live band, perhaps you might be able to do both (if budget allows). There are definitely positives to each one, and the combination of both often offsets the weakness in the individual acts while magnifying their strengths.
Questions you should ask are:
What music (and by whom) is to play at the ceremony?
- Is this something you require from the DJ/Band? Often the ceremony is located elsewhere from the reception and would require a completely separate setup for either (thus more cost.)
What music is required for the reception?
- A DJ is typically ready to go from this point (guest arriving, wedding party entrance song(s) dinner music, etc), working with the MC to co-ordinate everything right up to the first dance
- A live band performing during dinner time is likely a bit too much, and makes for a LONG night for them.
What music will entertain the most people throughout the night?
- This is where the rubber meets the road. A DJ doesn't have "sets", they just play, and they can play from thousands of songs at their fingertips.
- You may very well may find a band that has enough material to cover a general audience for the night, but is it the right "mix"?
- There are a lot of "special" songs at a wedding, like the first dance, mother/son, father/daughter, combinations thereof etc. Will a band know and be able to play them? And to what quality? Are you going to listen to their rehersals for each of these?
These are but a few considerations for anyone looking into selecting entertainment for their wedding. A good band can definitely wow a crowd for portions of the evening; a clear plus, but looking at the night as a whole, they may not be the best option. Again though, having both can really rock the place!
FYI, I am a licensed DJ and have done many weddings for CPers already. My feedback is more educational than to drum up new business as I have a liimited selection of dates I can do. For the record though, here is my set up last night (Sunday) at Silvertip in Canmore. Tags for a bigger image.
Big system, big GOOD sound. No lighting truss system required as the two Martin Wizard Extremes (as well as three lazers an Elan that are hidden) perform quite nicely. There is a water based hazer on the left that works far better than any fog machine (and allowed in venues like Silvertip/Banff Springs Hotel, etc where fog machines are not).
Bottom line, do your research!
If you have any questions, PM me.
Cheers,
Shawn