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When looking for
musical entertainment, you may be surprised to learn that a DJ
being less expensive than a band is just a myth. The cost for LIVE
entertainment has remained constant while there has been a steady
increase in the costs for disc jockeys. Elaborate sound systems,
light shows, DJ teams, and KJ's are the reason. A band does not
charge extra for equipment handling and new purchase
made.
People
prefer to be entertained by LIVE music than a DJ because a
band provides an experience that is both visual and aural.
There’s a quiet conversation and interaction going on between
those on and off the stage. Electronic equipment cannot provide or
replicate this personal element.
How Much Should I Pay For A Band?
For a 9-piece band,
expect to somewhere around $1000
per hour if you
want a good-sounding, entertaining band. Compared to other big cities and major
markets, the price of a band changes dramatically: the figure starts around
$2000. LIVE entertainment in the Detroit-area is actually quite affordable. As they
say, you get what you pay for, so be cautious when
choosing a band strictly on cost. A low price could mean
that something is missing.
To get an accurate picture on what you're paying for
entertainment, look at the price per person ratio (e.g., cost of
band divided by the number of guests= price per person). Compare
this to the per person price you are paying on food, booze, hall
rental, etc. You’ll be surprised at where entertainment stands.
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What's A Typical Night Like?
The 1st set is dinner music. The song
selection is a light but upbeat mix of instrumental and vocal in
nature. The music is performed at a low level that adds background
to socializing, and encourages guests to make new acquaintances.
This is the primer portion of the evening, as it provides for a
seamless transition from the table to the dance floor.
[Prior to the 2nd set, brief perfunctory
announcements are made. Thank your guests & encourage them to
enjoy the rest of the evening.]
The 2nd set is for the band to launch into the dancing
portion. Your guests have just finished consuming a great meal and
now they’re ready to be entertained by great music. We meet their
expectations by reading the crowd, getting a feel for how the they
will react to song selections, such as when to speed or slow things
up. Setting a tone on the dance floor and creating a bond with your
guests is what we do at this time.
The 3rd set is the "fun" portion of the evening. It begins with
special dances for the bridal party, parents of the couple, and
audience participation songs. By this time, the bride and groom has
had their chance to individually talk to their guests, and are free
to enjoy themselves on the dance floor as a married couple.
The good times continue on the dance floor in the 4th set, as we
choose our song selection to round out the entertainment
portion.
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How Far In Advance Should I Book A
Band?
A good rule of thumb is for formal or
informal parties, 1 to 4 months, and for weddings or holiday
parties, 4 to 8 months. Agents will tell you that you need to find a
band at least 10-18 months prior because the good ones will get
snatched. That’s just bunk! Don’t get stressed out by what
well-intentioned people say or let them pigeonhole you into dates.
There are plenty of great bands out there, use your time wisely. The
internet can help you find them.
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What About A DJ?
The rock-bottom price you’d pay for 4
hours is $500. If you want lights or other effects, the cost can run
up to $800. But people don’t dance to strobe lights and fog machines
-- they dance to the beat of the music. These extra’s are fluff and
add no value to the music. DJ’s create an ambience on the dance
floor that works best in clubs and in discotheques, not at formal
events. To be brutally honest, people abhor DJ's. They view them as
an insincere form of entertainment. But if you think that paying a
man show to play recorded music is worth it, go for it.
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What Kind of Band Should I Get?
The kind of band you should hire is the
one that your guests would enjoy. A band's size determines what kind
of music they can provide. For intimate weddings (60-150 guests) a
smaller group would suffice. But if you are planning a wedding
reception for 180 guests or more, a bigger band is appropriate
because they offer greater versatility and a better sound. Choose a
band that can equally entertain everybody, not just a select few.
This is the key for creating a successful event.
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Which Details Matter?
Three details that people are going to
remember the most about your wedding are: 1) Good Food, 2) Good
Drinks, & 3) Good Music. These are the only details that people
really care about, as it will distinguish your wedding from being
“just another wedding.”
Rightfully so, the wedding ceremony is about you. But at the
reception, there's a slight shift in focus, meaning that this time
is for your guests to share in your bliss. Offer them something they
would enjoy.
Since music is a common element of everyday life, you want the
music details to be extraordinary. A great band will entertain
everybody at the same time, making him or her feel like they’re a
part of the celebration. It’s like a conversation around the dinner
table, you partake in it in either a verbal or a non-verbal way. A
good band knows how to spark up a musical conversation with your
guests.
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Interesting Statistics...
- 72% of
all brides say they would have spent more time choosing their
reception entertainment.
- Almost 100% say they would have
spent more of their budget on the entertainment.
- During wedding planning, brides say their highest priority is
their attire, followed by the reception site and caterer - reception
entertainment is among the least of their priorities. Within one
week after their reception, 78% of
Brides say they would have made the entertainment their highest
priority!
- When asked, 81% of guests say
the thing they remember most about an event is the
entertainment.
- 65% of all couples that chose a
DJ to entertain at their wedding said if they had it to do over
again, they would have chosen a band.
-- USA Today, 2002
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