The final week before your wedding day can be a stressful time filled with many details that need to be confirmed. Some of the last minutes details that need to be completed in the week before your wedding include confirming the details of your honeymoon, packing for your honeymoon, giving the caterer a final count for the number of guests, confirm details with the photographer, florist, DJ or band and the limousine driver. If the couple is hosting the rehearsal dinner, now is also the time to confirm these arrangements. It's important to attend to all of these tasks but it is also important to take some time to get some rest and relaxation as well. If you have friends and family members who are willing to help out, you can delegate many of these tasks to reduce the stress of the final week before your wedding.
The first thing to consider is whether you want a live band or a DJ to perform at your wedding. There are a couple of things to consider when deciding between a live band or a DJ. The first thing is price. A DJ is likely to cost considerably less than a live band. A DJ is usually just one person or possibly two people while a band usually consists of an average of about five performers. Right there is where you typically see a rise in cost because the fee you see in bands is usually split between quite a few people and therefore higher than the fee for one or two DJs.
Next you need to consider selection. Many bands that perform at weddings have a set list that is typically not as long as the list of recorded music that the DJ has on hand. While this may not seem important because there are not many songs played during the wedding it does come into play if guests request individual songs. The other thing to consider is that a DJ is capable of keeping the crowd entertained for the entire duration of the wedding. They usually even play light music while dinner is being served. Bands however usually play approximately 15 minute sets at a time and then take a break which could interrupt the flow of the wedding. When choosing between a band and a DJ it is important to consider these factors and decide which works best for you.
The most important tip for choosing a live band or DJ is to make sure that you have the opportunity to see them perform before you commit to their services. Most live bands and DJs that perform at weddings gain popularity through their performances at other weddings. The best way to find a live band or DJ that will do a great job at your wedding is to use a live band or DJ that you enjoyed at the wedding of a friend or family members.
In choosing a live band or DJ it is imperative that you ensure that your contract specifies the exact names of those who will be performing at your wedding. This is usually not a problem with a live band because they usually have the same members present at all of their performances. DJs on the other hand are a different story. Many DJs become so popular that they are unable to perform at all of their committed parties. In this case a DJ may offer your party to another DJ for a small finder's fee. In other words the DJ may essential sell the right to perform at your party to another local DJ. Additionally a very popular DJ may also have a number of younger, less experienced DJs that sometimes work for him. If you suspect that this is the case, it is important to make sure that your contract specifies exactly who will be performing at your wedding.
You may find that there are a variety of live bands and DJs available for hire in your area. This could make choosing just one a difficult task. One great way to ensure that you are choosing a good live band or DJ is to seek recommendations from close friends or family members. If you didn't attend their wedding or don't remember their entertainment, ask them if they would recommend their live band or DJ. If they do come highly recommended, ask your friend or family member if you can borrow a copy of their wedding video. Pay special attention to the parts of the video where the guests are dancing and decide if you think the live band or DJ might work for your wedding.
The final week before a wedding can be extremely harried and filled with last minute details but it is important to take some time to relax during this week. It's important to ensure that everything is in place for the wedding and that nothing is overlooked but it's also important to remain calm and not get caught up in the details of the wedding. Allowing yourself some relaxation time will ensure that you are well prepared for your wedding and that you have fully enjoyed the planning process.