The OurWeddingDay Blog

After you choose your wedding DJ or band, and after you create your wedding playlist, make sure you provide the aforementioned entertainment with a letter of agreement.

A letter of agreement should include the following information:

• Your wedding date along with the expected musician arrival time.
• The address of your wedding.
• A list of equipment that the musicians are responsible for bringing to your wedding. (Music stands, amplifiers, chairs etc.)
• If you are going to hire a wedding band make sure to include the exact number of musicians you’ve booked, their names, and the instruments they will be playing.
• A list of substitute musicians in case there is an emergency and someone needs to be replaced.
• Also include a detailed guide on what the musicians are expected to wear.
• The wedding music playlist.
• Songs that you do not want them to play.
• The time frame you are booking them for.
• The time of their dinner break and any other breaks that might occur throughout the reception.
• The amount you are paying them as well as overtime rates.
• The due date of their payment.
• A policy that covers cancelling or refunding.

Of all the vendors that you interview and evaluate when planning a wedding, DJs are among the most important. Wedding DJ prices vary significantly, and often the more expensive DJs are worth the price. However, there are some excellent DJs that are reasonably priced and pleasant to work with. In order to find these DJs, you will need to do some research.

1. Have several in-person interviews. There are many questions you should ask this contender. Does he have a music database where you can work together to choose your key songs? How does he set up his equipment? Does your venue have specific requirements for set-up (and if so, can he work within those parameters?) Does he do any wedding games?
2. Ask for (and speak to) his or her references. If he or she runs a good wedding DJ service, then there should already be a list of references that you can call. If not, you should move to the next person on your list. Also, be prepared with a list of questions when you call a former client.
3. See if he or she is flexible on rates. Definitely try to negotiate (and remember that most wedding DJ prices have a specific price range), but do remember that DJs work hard for their money. If your DJ is good (and has been distinguished from the many other professional DJs available), then don’t ask them to do your wedding for a price that is unreasonable.

The first major music decision you will have to make is whether to have live wedding music or to hire a DJ. There are benefits and drawbacks to both. Having a live band at your wedding is fun and festive; however, this is typically expensive and not always an option for everyone. You can have a fabulous reception if you choose the right DJ. Just be sure to do thorough research on wedding music ideas beforehand.

• If you really want some type of live music at your wedding but are weary of the cost, consider hiring someone to play music (such as a harpist) for your ceremony, then hiring a DJ to do the reception. If you have friends that play instruments, consider asking them to perform.

Choose the right DJ
If you decide to go with a DJ, it is important to meet with him or her in person on a few separate occasions. People give off certain vibes, and you want someone that gives off the type of vibe you want at your wedding. This is a time to go with your instinct about a person.

• Ask someone you trust if they can recommend a DJ. You want someone who is reliable and who knows how to be a “master of ceremonies.” The DJ is responsible for keeping energy levels up and setting the pace of the reception. Remember that the time will fly by, and most people only have a few short hours at their venue.
• Choose a DJ who has experience with weddings that are similar in size and atmosphere to yours.
• Choose someone who is familiar with the type of venue you are using, for two reasons: 1) the nature of the venue’s space can drastically affect the way a DJ sets up his or her equipment, and 2) venues often have regulations or restrictions regarding music. Make sure that you know anything of this nature well in advance of your reception.

Choose songs that are meaningful and appropriate
Strike the right balance between crowd pleasers and music that is special to you.

• Even though your favorite band might be Radiohead, their music is not the appropriate genre to be played throughout a celebratory occasion. Remember that a wedding is not the time to showcase your identity through your cutting edge taste in music; rather, choose music that you enjoy, but music that will also set the right mood and atmosphere for this type of event.
• When considering wedding music ideas for the first dance, it is extremely important that the bride and groom practice dancing to a few different contending songs. Choose a song that feels right, one that both of you are comfortable dancing to.
• Remember that many top wedding songs have been recorded by different artists, and you should listen to each version to figure out which has the best rhythm. A song such as The Way You Look Tonight has been recorded by Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé, Rod Stewart, Billie Holiday, Steve Tyrell, and others. Also, do not choose your first dance song based on what is trendy at the moment, unless it is a song that you both love or has special meaning to you.

Read more:

• Hiring the Right DJ or Band
• Should You Ban the Chicken Dance from Your Reception?
• Hiring a Live Band

The difference between having live wedding bands or a DJ at your wedding is hefty. This decision will influence the variety of music as well as the overall experience guests have at your wedding reception. Some couples choose to have both a wedding band and a DJ, ensuring that their wedding reception is full of non-stop entertainment and the perfect mixture of songs that range from background music to base-bumping dance jams.

Sophisticated
If you’re a conservative traditionalist and you plan on having an elegant wedding without much dancing, then you should consider hiring a sophisticated string quartet. String quartets are ideal for the ceremony as well and can provide classic wedding music for that portion of your wedding.

Pleasing to Everyone
Some wedding bands are capable of playing classics and modern day pop hits. If you want to please your guests, young and old, then find a band that will play Beatles and Sinatra classics as well as songs by Ke$ha or The Black Eyed Peas. You’ll be surprised to find that countless wedding reception bands offer a wide variety of songs from a handful of decades.

Specific Needs
If you are religious and would like a specific religious song played at your reception, you’ll have to ensure the band or DJ you choose can provide that for you. For example, if you’re Jewish chances are you’ll want the Hora song played at your reception after you and your hubby-to-be make your grand entrance.

Read more:

• Tips for Hiring a Live Wedding Band
• Hiring Your DJ
• Should the Chicken Dance be Played at Your Wedding?

by Alison Rowe, Bridal and Jewelry Expert

As exciting as it is, shopping for your wedding bands can feel a bit daunting.  After all, you’re choosing a ring you will wear for the rest of your life. Not to mention, you’re asked to make this important decision in the midst of ordering flowers, testing caterers and designing invitations.  Luckily, there’s a style for every personal preference for her and him. Try finding a basic style that you love—it could be as simple as a solid platinum band—and then add your own personal touch.  This not only helps ease the selection process, but it actually gives your ring even more meaning as a symbol of your enduring love and commitment.  Here’s a bit of insight into today’s latest trends.

• Engraving:  Engraving is on the rise, and many couples are inscribing a sentimental message or significant date on the inner rim of their wedding bands. If you’re thinking about engraving, be sure to choose your metal wisely.  White gold will need to be re-plated to retain its white luster, and over time, the message will fade.  Platinum will be your best bet as it’s the most durable of all the precious metals. Your inscription will never wear away, and your meaningful message will live on for generations.
• Go Vintage:  Many brides are incorporating pieces of family heirlooms into their band’s designs—everything from their grandmother’s platinum engagement ring setting to a sapphire from an aunt’s favorite brooch.  Not only does this give a bride creative license over her ring’s design, but it also allows her to carry a piece of her family’s history with her everyday for the rest of her life.
• Metal Harmony:  There’s no rule that says his and her bands have to match—for example, 80% of women want diamonds in their wedding bands as compared to only 20% of men. However, there is a growing trend toward “metal harmony,” which means matching the metals of your wedding bands. Metal harmony symbolizes the strength of your marital connection, so make sure you choose a durable metal, such as platinum, which can withstand a lifetime of daily wear.

Read more:

• Caring for Wedding & Engagement Rings
• Celebrity Wedding Inspiration: Latest Engagement Ring Trends
• Vintage Wedding Gowns

While you may envision live wedding music at your reception, there's a good chance that you don't have a lot of experience finding or booking musicians. Learn how to find and hire a wedding music band and what you can expect from these professional musicians on your wedding day.

What type of wedding music band should you hire?
As with every other part of the wedding planning process, you'll find you have a lot of options to choose from when it comes to wedding musicians. You may choose a band that specializes in weddings and other special events, hire musicians who play a specific type of music, or ask your favorite local band to play your wedding.

Although the choice is ultimately yours, the easiest option is to work with a band that has experience performing at weddings. An experienced wedding music band will be familiar with managing the flow of the reception and announcing specific events throughout the night. Wedding musicians usually play a wide range of music as well and have a good idea what type of music will create the atmosphere you desire.

In addition to the type of music played, you will also need to continue the size of your wedding music band. Budget will be one factor as most bands charge per musician. However, you'll also need to consider the size of the venue where the band will be playing.

Where do you find a wedding music band?
The best place to find wedding musicians is at other weddings. If you've attended a reception in the past and enjoyed the band, ask the couple for the band's name and contact information. If you don't already have a band in mind, contact a local entertainment agency for referrals.

Do not hire a wedding music band before hearing them. You should have the opportunity to hear a band audition by audiotape, video or live audition. You might be able to attend another wedding reception or event where the band is playing.

What do you need to tell the band before your wedding day?
You'll meet with the wedding musicians before your reception to discuss any songs you specifically want played or not played as well as any special events that will be included in your reception. It's a good idea to have a schedule of events to give to the band so that they can keep everyone moving from one thing to the next.

You should also discuss how many breaks the band will take, how long each break will be, and at what point during the reception they will take a break. Decide whether CDs or other music will be played during breaks in the live wedding music.

Confirm which members of the band will be playing on your wedding day. Include the names of each crucial band member in your contract to ensure that you get exactly the sound and entertainment you're expecting.

Of course, you will also need to discuss start and end times for your live wedding music. Be aware that the specific time of your reception may affect the cost. For example, scheduling live music for a reception that begins at 5:00pm and runs until 9:00pm may be more expensive than an 8:00pm to midnight event because the earlier time slot makes it more difficult for the band to schedule other events on the same day. When scheduling your wedding music band, ask how start and end time may affect your rate.

Read more:

• Traditional Wedding Music for the Ceremony & Reception
• Why Some Couples are Skipping Their "First Dance"
• Hiring a DJ for Your Reception

Not every woman wants a giant rock on her finger, and elaborate wedding rings aren't for every bride!  Check out this perfectly charming beaded wedding ring by Elephantine!  We love it! [via A Cup of Joe]

Read more: Buying Your Wedding Ring, Engraving Your Wedding Ring and The Groom's Ring

We told you a few weeks ago about True Blood stars Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer got married... but did you know that Elijah Wood was their DJ?!?!

Crazy!  Check out a cute video of Elijah telling Jimmy Fallon all about it here.

Read more: Hiring Your DJ, The iPod Vs. the Wedding DJ, Hiring a Live Band

We just posted a new article about The Groom's Ring.

Do you know who picks it out and when?  Or who pays for it?  Or how it should compliment your ring?

Check out the full article here to find out!