The Cost of Getting it wrong
This article is written by Magnet Entertainment

Your wedding dress is incredible, your church ceremony is enchanting, the photographer and videographer capture you and your partner looking your best on the most perfect day.

You arrive at the wedding reception to a beautifully appointed setting, whilst your guests enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres before the biggest celebration of your life commences.

You've remembered everything…or have you?

Did you put the same effort and expense into choosing your reception entertainment?

For the next 5 hours, your entire wedding celebration rests in the hands of the entertainment that you have chosen for your reception, and the extent of their expertise and professionalism can make or break your wedding day.

Your choice of acts includes Soloists, Duos, Trios, Bands or DJ's, and the type of entertainment you choose is determined by the style of celebration you require.

However, the top 12 questions you should consider when making your crucial entertainment selection are:

1. Does the act have a professional information package?

Every performer should have a professional brochure that provides you with clear information about what sort of entertainment they deliver.

2. Does the act have a demo CD that you can listen to?

Every performer should be able to supply you with a professional demo CD, showcasing the type of music you can expect at your reception.

3. Does the act's song-list suit the occasion and your musical taste?

The most popular choice is an act that can provide of a variety of music, ranging from rock'n'roll, 70's, 80's, 90's and today's top 40. This is an excellent option, as it covers the tastes of many guests. Other options to consider are Jazz, Classical or Multi-Cultural music.

4. Does the act offer MC services?

The best outcome for your wedding is to allow the coordination of the events to be delivered by a professional MC host. This ensures that the evening runs smoothly, and that the entertainment is seamlessly integrated with the reception schedule. Most acts that have performed at wedding receptions, should offer this service.

5. Does the act provide suitable music during the set breaks?

To maintain the atmosphere during your celebration, ensure that the act can provide suitable CD/Tape music when on a break.

6. How long does the act perform for during the celebration?

For a 5-hour reception, an act should perform for approximately 4 x 40 minute sets, this may vary depending on the schedule set for the evening.

7. Is the act flexible with the varying requirements of the reception?

The performers should liaise with the function coordinator, and be available and flexible at all times during the evening.

8. Will the act's equipment fit into the designated stage area?

This is an important step in determining the type of act that can accommodate your requirements. There are many acts that simply cannot fit onto the stage area provided. Be sure to check the space needed for your act.

9. Has the act had experience entertaining at wedding receptions?

Weddings require specific expertise, and you should strive to select an act that has experience in this area.

10. Can you see the act performing "live" prior to booking?

To ensure that the act is suitable for your reception, it is an excellent idea to see them performing "live' prior to booking.

11. Should the act perform the Bridal Waltz?

The act will usually perform the Bridal Waltz if it is in their repertoire, otherwise they should have the ability to play a CD/Tape version normally provided by the bride and groom.

12. How much are you paying for the act?

The price you will pay for an act varies, depending on the size of the act, their experience, professional expertise, and the range of services offered.

Regardless of your decision, be sure to choose your entertainment carefully, based on the above recommendations, making certain that you do not compromise your wedding reception entertainment because of price limitations.

Ultimately, choose the entertainment that you feel confident can make your special day, one to remember…the celebration of a lifetime!

This article has been reproduced on Wedding Central Australia with permission.
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