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Before researching music for your wedding, it is important to know the location of your ceremony and reception, the number and ages of your guests, and you and your guests' musical preferences. You must also determine whether you want to dance. In other words, is background music sufficient, or do you and your guests feel that a function is not complete (or as much fun!) without dancing? Keep in mind, that if dancing is not essential but you want the ambiance of live music, background music can be performed by a smaller group than that required for dancing, saving you money. In other words, you add to the price of live music when you add pieces or hire a larger group. To dance, you usually need at least a four-piece group with a drummer. Most groups that play lots of weddings have a member who can act as an emcee. Regardless, you want to hire musicians who are familiar with and experienced with the special needs of wedding ceremonies and receptions. They need to be adaptable and realize this is your day. Book early, at least six months in advance if possible, especially if you are getting married in a month that is popular for weddings. Ask the musicians about their attire, space and time needed for set-up and breaks. You want to hire musicians who try to work their set up and breaks with the flow of your reception and ceremony. When choosing musicians for the ceremony, make sure they have allocated enough time in case you have a last minute emergency. You do not want to hire a group for your ceremony that cannot stay a little longer if your ceremony should run a little late (within reason). This obviously also applies to music for the reception as well. For wedding ceremonies, it is helpful to give the groups a program, or the actual words of the ceremony if available. If you have a program for the reception, provide that to the musicians as well. Weddings are very special events, including your and your future partner's closest friends and family. Be sure to strongly consider what live music can add, to both your wedding ceremony and reception. This is your day, and your choice of music will reflect upon you and your future spouse, setting a mood for both the ceremony and reception.
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