What music do you choose for the wedding ceremony?
For the ceremony you don't just choose a beautiful song: you plan the direction of the passages. In church check with celebrant, choir or organist which pieces are allowed, where musicians can stay and when they have to intervene. In the civil or symbolic rite you have more freedom, but it is better to fix entrance, promises, signatures and output. Few well prepared moments are worth more than a long and fragmented running order.
Better band or DJ for the reception?
The band is strong when you want live presence, interaction and a scenic moment recognizable even in photos and videos. The DJ is more suitable if you need many genres, quick changes, more controllable volume and a long party. Before deciding on the age of guests, room for stage or consoles, acoustic limits, end-of-music hours and assembly times. Often live music for aperitif or reception and final DJ is the most solid solution.
What moments of wedding should be covered with music?
The moments to map arrived guests, ceremony, aperitif, entrance to the hall, dinner, cake cutting, first dance and final party. Not everyone asks the same intensity: some are only accompanied, others must become memorable. Prepare a running order with indicative times, places, responsible for the route and priority. The artist must know who gives the signal: celebrant, wedding planner, head room, photographer or referent of the spouses.
How to choose the repertoire without displeased guests?
The repertoire must tell the spouses without forgetting who participates in the party. It prepares three things: indispensable passages, forbidden passages and desired atmosphere for each moment. Avoid rigid ladders of three hours: they seem precise, but often prevent the artist from reading the room. Better to indicate clear boundaries, dedications, preferred languages, any requests of family and controlled freedom on the dance floor.
Is the SIAE fee included in the artist’s fee?
It should not be taken for granted. SIAE's wedding permit also depends on the number of guests and the way they perform, live, recorded or both. Before confirming clear who opens the practice, what data they need, within when payment is made and if the artist compiles any subsequent musical documents. The important thing is not to arrive at the wedding week with an undefined responsibility.
Are audio, lighting and microphones always included?
Not always. Some artists bring complete system, others use the venue service or require an external technician. Checking space coverage, microphones for ritual and speeches, lights for the live part, available current, access for exhaust, acoustic limits, audio test, cables in safety and emergency plan in case of rain. The technique is not an accessory: decide whether the performance comes clean or becomes tiring.
How long before you book music and entertainment?
The right time is when you have given, venue and general idea of the day. For summer Saturdays, bridges and dates much requested should move early, especially if you want a band for wedding, a DJ for wedding or musicians with precise repertoire. Before blocking live video verification recent, experience in weddings, contract, referent of the day, possible replacement in case of impediment and arrival time. Availability is not enough: it needs organizational reliability.
How to compare very different musical quotes between them?
Don't just compare the final price. Put in column duration, number of artists, set expected, audio system, lights, transfers, food and accommodation, extra hours, preparation of special songs, technical contact person, cancellation conditions, backup equipment and weather management or change of spaces. Ask everything in writing. The best quote is not the lowest: it is what makes clear what will really happen and who answers.
