Choosing the right entertainment for your Boston wedding or function |
With so many decisions to make, choosing the right entertainment for your wedding or function shouldn't be complicated. There are a variety of bands, entertainment and DJs available. The Music Company, Boston, MA can help you sort through the options and help you find the best entertainment; whether it be wedding reception music, cocktail hour background music, or the hottest DJ entertainment in town, we can introduce you to some of the finest musicians and bands in the Boston, MA area. Our website also allows you to listen to wedding music online! We will also provide you with wedding reception music lists from each of our bands. But first, let us help you distinguish between the many types of entertainment available.
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Band or DJ? |
| Without the assistance of a wedding planner, booking a band or DJ can seem like an impossible task. Many couples have trouble deciding whether to have live music or a DJ for their reception. While bands are generally more expensive, live music is often perceived as being more sophisticated or upscale than DJ services. On the other hand, most young adults these days are very familiar with and have grown up in a DJ culture. If price is the main issue, then DJ services are definitely the right choice. A great band with DJ services on the break is the ideal compromise. Both bands and DJs can be broken down into subcategories. |
Types of Bands: |
General business- This is by far the most versatile kind of band for wedding reception music or function entertainment. A good "GB" band can convincingly play several styles of music. For example, most weddings in Boston and New England call for a dinner set. Some nice jazz and swing is often called for during this period. After the dinner is over and perfunctory announcements have been made, the band is ready to launch into a dance set. This will typically consist of a combination of Motown, classic rock and Top 40, and maybe even some current contemporary hits. Also included may be an ethnic favorite or two, if requested. Reading the crowd is the duty of the bandleader, and this a very
important ingredient in any band. A good bandleader knows when to
speed it up, what song will work well in a given situation, and
when to bring things down a bit for the benefit of the guests or
bridal party. |
| Jazz and Swing- Some functions call for a low-key approach to musical entertainment. A "cocktail reception" or even wedding reception music for the cocktail hour may require a jazz combo, usually consisting of a three to five piece instrumental group, with or without an accompanying vocalist. These quieter, mostly acoustic groups provide a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere with an urban feel. Combined with a vocalist, these groups will play songs from The Great American Songbook, i.e. standards, showtunes, Frank Sinatra favorites, etc. If a quality acoustic piano, such as a baby grand, is available (and in tune), the pianist will use it, and the bass player will play an upright bass. A drummer and one or two horns such as sax or trumpet will complete the group.
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Big Band or Swing Orchestra- This is a larger and louder version of the band just mentioned. These bands are for clients who want to hear authentic renditions of big band classics from the swing era. Their repertoire consists of music by The Benny Goodman Orchestra, Duke Ellington, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, and many others. With twelve to twenty band members with a large horn section, these bands are more appropriate for larger functions. |
Ethnic- For every ethnic group, there is a band! Some weddings or functions call for music representative of a particular geographical or cultural area. For example, many Jewish functions call for a klezmer group. A steel drum or reggae band would be appropriate for a Caribbean wedding. Also available are mariachi, Italian bands, Celtic bands and harpists, German "oompah" bands, Dixieland or Cajun bands for a New Orleans flair, and many, many others |
How much? |
DJs start around $750 for a four hour period for a Saturday wedding
between the months of April and November. High energy teams of DJs
that offer many extras and promote guest participation can cost
as much as $2500. |
When should we book our entertainment? |
Once you're engaged, you should immediately look for entertainment. Some couples book the reception site and photographer, but put their entertainment on the backburner. Good bands book 8 months to a year and a half in advance. DJs usually book up 6 months to a year in advance. |
Where do we find a Band or DJ? |
Word of mouth is still a great way to start. Ask your friends what Band or DJ they used. Most couples will be glad to share their experiences with you. And of course, look in wedding periodicals for a local vendor. An internet search can be helpful also, although sorting through the vast amount of options can be intimidating. The Music Company tries to take the guesswork out of this process for you. The bands and DJs we work with have been carefully screened, and have performed well for us over the years. The Music Company's website highlights a variety of Boston, MA based bands, for wedding entertainment or general functions. From General to Ethnic, from Big Band to Jazz, our gallery includes the finest musicians in the area. Just browse through our "Artist Gallery", select the type of entertainment you're interested in - be it DJ, Band or Singles, Duos and Acappella Groups. Choose from conventional DJs to interactive DJs, from bands that perform Jazz/Swing/Blues to Celebrity from Ethnic to General. Then, just click on any that peak your interest. We've set up our site to make your selection of wedding entertainment and function entertainment as easy as possible. We've provided photos so you can see the bands, a history and description to familiarize you with the bands and audio clips so you can listen to wedding music online. Many of the wedding bands aslo have wedding reception song lists available for download on the site. We've made if possible for you to audition over 200 bands from the comfort of your living room --- and we're available via e-mail, telephone or online to answer any and all of your questions. So sit back and relax. Enjoy the search and give us a call with any questions!
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How do I know my entertainers will show up? |
| This is probably the most-asked question we hear. Ask your entertainment agent to supply references for any specific band or DJ. Agencies spend many years screening the Bands and DJs they use, thereby saving you that trouble. Make sure your agency is bonded and licensed by the State Dept. of Public Safety. |
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