Including Music in Your Special Event

Every event can be enhanced by music. Whether you are planning a backyard barbeque, a wedding or reception, or a formal dinner, music will add to the ambiance of the event. The type of music you choose should reflect the formality of the event and the overall mood you want to create.

Your budget will also be a consideration. Hiring a band is the most expensive option and the price will vary by the number of musicians in the group. You can choose anything from a three-piece blue grass group to a 15 member swing or jazz band. A band offers less flexibility than a DJ. Most play for 45 minutes, then take a 15 minute break. If you plan to have toasts or make any type of announcements, those activities usually occur during the band's breaks. A band is great for events at which the primary activity will be dancing.

If you are planning a wedding, you might choose to hire a string trio or quartet, a brass ensemble, a harpist, or several guitarists to play for the ceremony. If you have a church wedding, you can usually use the church piano or organ for a reasonable fee.

You might choose to hire just one live musician for your event, such as a harpist or a pianist. This is usually a better option for events where dancing will not occur. The musician can provide background music for your cocktail party or for a late morning wedding or reception. Hiring a single musician is usually less expensive than hiring a DJ.

If you want flexibility at your event, then consider hiring a DJ. A good DJ will read the crowd and get them on their feet if you want them to dance. The DJ will allow you to decide what songs or types of songs you want to have played and what you don't want to have played. Having a DJ also allows you to control the flow of activities at your event. You are free to make announcements, have toasts, and do other things when you are ready to do them, not during a break. Your DJ will also act as the master or ceremonies, making announcements for you.

Be aware, however, that not all DJs are equal. There are good ones and bad ones. For instance, if you hire someone who has been a radio personality, they may spend too much time talking and not enough time playing music. If you hire someone who usually plays the club scene, you may be unpleasantly surprised by some of the remarks that they make or the music they play. If you want to have a tasteful and classy event, choose your DJ carefully.

You can also record your own music and play it using an iPod, laptop, or a CD player. This option works best at small, casual events. You will need speakers, which can be rented if you use an iPod. If you use a CD player, the speakers that come with it may be enough. You will also need to appoint someone to turn the music on and off and who can change songs when needed. Someone may also need to make announcements.

Whatever you decide, adding music to your event will help establish the overall mood and will add to the ambiance of the event. Live music can take your event to that next level, but a DJ can add flexibility. Consider your budget, then do what works best for you.