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Congratulations!!
You've found a friend, a lover, and a life-long
companion all rolled into one. This is an occasion to Celebrate!
Now its time to plan a wedding that
will provide joyous memories to last a lifetime.
Celebrations Unlimited
is pleased to offer you the following
online wedding music planner. Use the following links to navigate:
Mobile
Music Basics | Ceremony Music Guide
Reception Guide and Planner
Mobile Music Basics [back
to top]
History
Over the last 15 years, the mobile music industry has grown by leaps
and bounds. Great sound, a wide variety of music and affordability are
all reasons for this rising trend. As in any other industry, quality of
service and product vary as does the cost. A little bit of homework can
help you find the right service for your special event.
Complete the "Mobile Music Basics".
Determine what you need and what you
want-
1. If
you want dancing to serve as your principal entertainment, you need a
DJ who knows how to get your guests up and moving. This can be a formidable
task and a DJ's success at this can make or break your function.
There are two basic categories in which successful disc jockeys fall:
A. "the
quiet DJ" - this person should have at least 5 years experience and
an aptitude for knowing what music to play to get the crowd going.
Their personality tends to be more introverted, preferring to use
the microphone sparingly.
B. "the
DJ/ Entertainer" - this type of DJ should be charismatic and outgoing
with a talent for building rapport with your guests and conducting
group activities. When your event requires more than just music, use
this type of DJ.
2. Determine
your budget - Your reception entertainment is the single most important
factor that will determine its success. Budget enough money to hire a
person you feel confident will do a good job. Rates vary from $300 to
$1,500 for a 4 hour event. A service on the low end could do a great job
but you have to factor in more risk.
Use your sources to find a good recommendation
1. The
easiest and best way to hire a DJ is to get someone you've already seen
and liked. Recall an event you attended where you really enjoyed the DJ.
If you didn't get a business card, call the host and ask them who it was
they hired. If you're drawing a blank, pay attention at future functions.
Good service providers are always valuable contacts.
2. Friends
and family are good resources for DJ recommendations. Pick people whose
opinion you trust and if they can't help you now, have them keep their
eyes and ears open. WARNING: amateur "friend of the family" DJs have been
the source of frequent disaster stories.
3. References
from caterers and consultants may prove valuable (remember some "hand
washing" may be going on). There is no substitute for speaking with your
DJ individually to make an informed choice.
What to consider in the final selection
process 3
1. Hire
someone who is experienced. DJing requires an in-depth knowledge of music
and the ability to anticipate what people will dance to. An emcee must
be at ease in front of a crowd and be able to articulate what s/he wants
to say. DJ companies sometimes have several DJs working for them and not
all of them are experienced.
2. To
find out if a DJ is experienced and knowledgeable - ask:
A. How
many years have you been in business?
B. How
many DJs do you employ?
C. How
much experience does my prospective DJ have?
D. How
old is s/he?
E. How
many years has s/he worked for you?
F. What
does the DJ do in addition to playing the music?
G. Can
you describe their strengths? Weaknesses?
H. What
kind of training/education have they received?
I.
Do you carry liability insurance? With who? (if you sense dishonesty,
ask for a copy of liability certificate)
3. If
you find someone you like on the phone, ask them to send 5 or 6 references
(if you have trouble getting that many - beware). Go ahead and call a
few of them. While no DJ would give you a number of someone who didn't
like them, you can get some candid comments from actual clients. Sample
questions:
A. Did
you feel you received good value for your money?
B. Did
the DJ play the music you requested?
C. Did
s/he have a good rapport with the guests?
D. What
did the DJ do that you liked?
E. Was
there anything you didn't like?
F. Was
the DJ flexible and responsive to your input?
4. Book
an appointment to meet your prospective DJ face to face. People who give
you a sense of honesty, confidence, and friendliness will no doubt do
a better job than those who don't.
5. As
one bride put it, "The most important quality a DJ can have is flexibility.
A DJ who can roll with the punches is a DJ who is worth his weight in
gold."
The Music
1. While
large numbers of songs are impressive only 60 to 70 can be played in 4
hours. It's more important that the DJ have the right 100 songs. Request
a songlist be sent to you and this will give you an idea of the music
in their library.
2. Once
you have a songlist, look it over and see if it contains music that appeals
to you. While most lists contain only the more popular selections, it
should contain a wide variety of styles and several songs you like. Additional
titles in the style of your choice should be available upon request.
3. Check
to see if the service guarantees to have the music you specify. Frequent
complaints are that some companies show up without the music the client
has requested or, if they have it, fail to play it!
4. In
most cases, you will probably want your guests to be able to make requests.
If not, make sure to inform the DJ. If there are certain styles of music
or specific songs you don't want played, make it clear which ones they
are and decide if that includes requests.
5. When
guests' requests are important to you, ask the company if they can supply
a comprehensive songlist at the event. People may not know the song they
want but if they can browse through a list they should be able to find
something they like.
Sound Equipment
1.
It is important that the gear used is professional sound equipment. Pro
sound equipment is designed to be transported and to be played at high
volumes for long periods. Any company who uses home stereo components
runs a higher risk of equipment failure. Ask the company if they use any
home stereo equipment. The answer should be a resounding "NO".
2. If sound quality is a top consideration, here are a few points
to remember:
A. Compact discs have the cleanest sound. New compression
technology (MP3) is making it possible to store music on
computer hard drives but the sound quality is not as good as CDs.
B. The power amplifier is the heart of any sound system and
a
professional amp should deliver at least 200 watts per channel at
8 ohms (for small rooms 100 watts per channel should be adequate).
C. A bigger bass sound is produced by using an additional
speaker
called a sub woofer. This speaker boosts the lower sound frequencies
which may be harder on the ears of the older folks but the younger
people tend to enjoy it. This set-up often requires extra equipment
so an extra charge may be added.
3. Make sure to ask if the company carries back-up equipment.
Mechanical devices do fail so everyone should be prepared. Backup
equipment should include CD players, an amplifier, a mixer and a speaker.
[back to top]
Ceremony Music Guide [back
to top]
1. Prelude
- The prelude refers to the time period
in which guests arrive and find their seats. Select approximately 30 minutes
of music that will reflect the mood you want to set for the ceremony.
Traditional Selections:
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Courante from Three Lute Dances
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Francisque
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Adagio from Sonata in E-Flat
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Mozart
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Allegro from Brandenburg Concerto No.4 in G
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Bach
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Air from Water Music
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Handel
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Light instrumental suggestions:
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Time for Love
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David Benoit
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If You Believe
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Jim Brickman
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Wedding Song (Sentimental)
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Kenny G
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Faces of the Heart
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Dave Koz
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2. Processional
- This is the music that accompanies
the entrance of the bridal party. It is a good idea to pick music that
you feel comfortable walking to. Selections should be stately, beautiful
and almost regal. Choose two pieces, one for the wedding party and one
for the bride.
Traditional Selections:
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Trumpet Voluntary
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Clarke
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Prelude to Te Deum
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M. A. Charpentier
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Canon in D Major
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Pachelbel
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Trumpet Tune
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Stanley
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Wedding March ("Here Comes the Bride")
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Wagner
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Ich Hov Dich Tzufil Lieb
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Traditional
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Nontraditional:
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Here Comes the Bride (disco version)
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Paul Jabara
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3. Ceremony -
Vocal pieces or instrumental selections
that convey warm, devotional feelings are appropriate here. Find music
that means something to you.
Traditional Selections:
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Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring from Cantata
147
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J.S. Bach
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Allegro from " Spring" of The Four Seasons
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Vivaldi
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Ave Maria
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Schubert
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The Call from Five Mystical Songs
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V. Williams
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Sheep May Safely Graze
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J.S. Bach
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Ich Hov Dich Tzufil Lieb
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Traditional
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Wedding Song (There Is Love)
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The Letterman/P. Stokey
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You Light Up My Life
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Debby Boone
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All I Ask of You
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Phantom of the Opera
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4. Recessional -
This music should be more upbeat,
sweeping the bride and groom back up the isle. Look for music that can
create an atmosphere of celebration and express your joy of being married.
Traditional Selections:
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"Wedding March"(most common choice)
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Mendelssohn
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"Arrival of the Queen of Sheba"
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Handel
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1st movement Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F
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Bach
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Toccata from Organ Symphony No.5
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Widor
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Nontraditional selection:
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I Got You (I feel good)
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James Brown
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5. Postlude
- Select additional music to be played
as people leave the ceremony. Keep it light and happy.
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Prelude music
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*
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Processional
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*
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Recessional
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*
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Postlude Music
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*
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* You fill in the blanks with your personal selections
[back to top]
Reception Guide & Planner
[back to top]
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Music for introduction
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*
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Groom's Parents
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*
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Bride's Parent's
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*
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Flower Girl(s)
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*
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Ringbearer
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*
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Bridesmaids
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Groomsmen (in
order to be announced)
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*
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&
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*
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*
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&
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*
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*
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&
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*
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*
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&
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*
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*
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&
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*
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*
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&
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*
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*
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&
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*
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Maid/Matron of honor
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*
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Best Man
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*
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Announce Newlyweds as
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*
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SONG SUGGESTIONS
Music for Introductions
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It Had to Be You
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Harry Connick Jr.
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Sirius
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Alan Parsons Project
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Gonna Fly Now (Rocky theme)
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Bill Conti
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Theme from Mission Impossible
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old and new versions
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Theme from Peter Gunn
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Blues Brothers
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Here Comes the Bride (disco mix)
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Paul Jabara
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Chariots of Fire
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Vangelis
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Classical: Also Sprach Zarathustra, Spring [Vivaldi], Water Music
Popular First Dances
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From This Moment/Still the One
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Shania Twain
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Truly, Madly, Deeply
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Savage Garden
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All My Life
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K.C. & Jojo
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I Don't Want to Miss a Thing
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Aerosmith
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Give Me Forever 'I Do'
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John Tesh w/ James Ingram
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I Swear
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J. M. Montgomery or All for One
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I Believe In You and Me
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Whitney Houston
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(everything I do) I Do For You
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Bryan Adams
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Have I Told You Lately
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Rod Stewart / Van Morrison
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Unchained Melody
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Righteous Brothers/LeAnn Rimes
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Wonderful Tonight
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Eric Clapton
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Power of Love/Because You Loved Me
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Celine Dion
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Keeper of the Stars
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Tracy Byrd
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Unforgettable/When I Fall in Love
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Nat & Natalie Cole
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For You I Will
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Monica
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Finally Found Someone
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B. Streisand & B. Adams
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Always
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Atlantic Starr
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Can't Help Falling in Love/Love Me Tender
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Elvis Presley
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Could I Have This Dance
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Anne Murray
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Cross My Heart
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George Strait
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When a Man Loves a Woman
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Percy Sledge / Michael Bolton
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Endless Love
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Richie & Ross / Cary & Vandross
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The Way You Look Tonight
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Frank Sinatra
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True Companion
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Marc Cohn
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Beautiful In My Eyes
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Joshua Kadison
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Always and Forever
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Heatwave / Luther Vandross
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I'll Always Love You
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W. Houston /D. Parton & V. Gill
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Just You & I
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Eddie Rabbitt & Crystal Gayle
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Your Love Amazes Me
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John Berry
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All My Life
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Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville
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To Make You Feel My Love
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Garth Brooks
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Soul Provider/ Completely
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Michael Bolton
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You & I / Ribbon In the Sky
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Stevie Wonder
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Tonight I Celebrate My Love
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Roberta Flack & Peabo Bryson
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I Only Have Eyes For You
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Flamingos / Art Garfunkle
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Someone Like You
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Shawn Colvin
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How Do I Live
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LeAnn Rimes / T. Yearwood
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When You Say Nothing at All
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Allison Krauss
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Save the Best for Last
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Vanessa Williams
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It's Your Love
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Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
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Now and Forever
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Richard Marx
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I Do (cherish you)
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98 Degrees / Mark Wills
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Only You (and you alone)
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The Platters
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For the First Time
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Kenny Loggins
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Parent/Child Dances
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Butterfly Kisses
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Bob Carlisle
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Unforgettable
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Natalie & Nat King Cole
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What A Wonderful World
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Louis Armstrong
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Wind Beneath My Wings
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Bette Midler
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You Are So Beautiful
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Kenny Rogers / Joe Cocker
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Isn't She Lovely
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Stevie Wonder
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A Whole New World
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Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle
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Hero
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Mariah Carey
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Through the Years
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Kenny Rogers
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Have I Told You Lately
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R. Stewart / Van Morrison
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Because You Loved Me
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Celine Dion
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Daddy's Little Girl
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Al Martino
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Can You Feel the Love
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Elton John
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Stand By Me
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Ben E. King
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My Girl
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Temptations
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Daddy's Little Girl (new song)
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Kippi Brannon
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Wedding Party Dances
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That's What Friends are For
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Warwick, John, Knight, Wonder
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You've got a Friend/Shower the People
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James Taylor
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Friends In Low Places
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Garth Brooks
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Truly Madly Deeply
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Savage Garden
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Lean on Me
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Bill Withers/ Club Nouveau
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We Are Family
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Sister Sledge
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Friends
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Bette Midler
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I Will be your Friend
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Amy Grant
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I'll Be There for You
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Rembrandts
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Bouquet Toss
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Girls Just Want to Have Fun
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Cyndi Lauper
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Dancing Queen
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Abba
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California Girls
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Beach Boys/David Lee Roth
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Going To the Chapel
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Dixie Cups/B. Midler
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Pretty Woman
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Roy Orbison
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Ladies Night
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Kool & the Gang
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Bad Girls/Hot Stuff
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Donna Summer
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Respect
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Aretha Franklin
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We Got the Beat
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Go Go's
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I Knew the Bride (when she used...)
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Nick Lowe
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Garter Removal and Toss
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The Stripper
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David Rose Orchestra
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You Can Leave Your Hat On
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Joe Cocker
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Hot Legs
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Rod Stewart
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Legs
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ZZ Top
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Theme from Mission Impossible
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old & new versions
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Wild Thing
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Tone Loc
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Freak Me
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Silk
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You Sexy Thing
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Hot Chocolate
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Can't Touch This
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Hammer
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I'm Too Sexy
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Right Said Fred
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Foxey Lady
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Jimi Hendrix
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Macho Macho Man
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The Village People
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Let's Get It On
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Marvin Gaye
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Drop Dead Legs
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Van Halen
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Cake cutting music and other songs with a wedding theme
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Cut the Cake
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Average White Band
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How Sweet It Is (to be loved by you)
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Marvin Gaye/James Taylor
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Happy Together
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The Turtles
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All You Need Is Love
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Beatles
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When I'm 64
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Beatles
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That's Amore
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Dean Martin
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Just the Two of Us
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Grover Washington Jr.
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Hit Me With Your Best Shot
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Pat Benatar
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Better Be Good to Me
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Tina Turner
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I Got You Babe
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UB40-Pretenders/Sonny & Cher
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Sugar Sugar
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Archies
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You Light Up My Life
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Debbie Boone
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All My Life
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JoJo & K.C.
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Additional Considerations
Introductions -
Here are the four basic options :
1. Parents, flower girl(s), ring bearer, and wedding party
2. Just the wedding party
3. The bride and groom only
4. No introductions
Toast - A good time for the toast is after the introductions
or before the meal, the first dance or the cake cutting.
First Dance -
The most common time to do the first
dance is after the meal. This makes a nice transition into the dancing
portion of the reception. Some couples prefer to have their first dance
immediately after their formal introduction.
(note: If you are uncomfortable dancing alone you can invite the wedding
party to join you during the song or you can cut the song short.)
Dismissing tables to the buffet - 1. The caterer
dismisses the tables
2. DJ dismisses tables by designated order or according to the
best response to "which table is the hungriest". 3.Trivia questions
can be devised by the wedding couple and the table with the correct answers
gets dismissed.
Participation during meal - Instead of your guests clanging
their glasses to get you to kiss, you can: 1. Have each table come
up with a love song to sing to you. 2. Ask for "Pearls of Wisdom"
(advice to ensure a long, happy marriage) and you kiss if you like the
advice. 3. Use the song "The 12 Days of Christmas" as "The 12 Months
of Marriage" and have each table come up with an original idea to complete
the phrase "On the month of marriage the newlyweds were heard to say ...".
Bouquet Toss
- All single women form a circle around
the bride who is blindfolded. The women begin to walk around the bride
to the selected music and when the music stops, the bride throws the bouquet.
Garter Toss - The groom goes under the bride's dress and
comes out with panties, boxers, a rabbit or what ever your imagination
comes up with.
Post Bouquet & Garter Toss - The man who catches the
garter is blindfolded and puts it on the leg of the woman who catches
the bouquet. The higher up the garter goes, the happier their future marriages
will be. Option : switch the groom (pant leg rolled up) with the
woman .
Cake cutting choices
1. Before the wedding couple feeds each other the cake, the DJ
says "the more cake they get each on other the more fun they will have
on their wedding night and we want them to have fun, right?!"
2. The bride and groom kiss and stay kissing as long as the crowd
continues to cheer (the DJ will intercede if it goes on too long).
3. DJ leads sing-a-long to "Chapel of Love".
Money Dance - This can be renamed the Honeymoon, Friendship,
or Dollar Dance. Variations are: 1. The women (or entire crowd)
form a circle, the music begins, the groom enters the circle to dance
and the guests put money in his pockets (the best man has filled in for
the groom on occasion). Next, its the bride's turn (money purse can be
used). 2. As the wedding couple dances together, guests pins the
money on them.
Reception Timetable (many
items are optional and the sequence can vary)
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event
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approximate time(s)
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music/comments
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Guests arrive
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*
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*
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Introductions
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*
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*
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Receiving Line
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*
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*
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Cocktails
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*
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*
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Lunch/Dinner
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*
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*
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Toast(s)
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*
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*
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1st Dance
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*
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*
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Parent's Dance
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*
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*
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Bridal Party Dance
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*
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*
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Cake Cutting
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*
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*
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Bouquet Toss
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*
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*
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Garter Toss
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*
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*
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Money Dance
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*
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*
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Last Dance
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*
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*
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REMEMBER - a 1,300 song karaoke library is
available for an additional charge
[back to top]
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