How to Work With Your Band or DJ

by Anne Chertoff, Posted Mar 26th 2010 8:00AM

Cheryl Hoffman

A killer band or DJ can make or break your wedding. It's very important to find musicians who can play music that you, your parents and your grandparents will enjoy, and, most important, music everyone can dance to.

Here are a few tips on hiring and working with a wedding band or DJ:

1 - What type of music will your guests enjoy? Like most couples, your guest list will be multigenerational, so look for a band that can play music from the 40s through the 60s, 70s and today's top hits, too. If you are only inviting your friends, you should find a group that specializes in contemporary music or your favorite genre: swing, country, salsa, etc....

2 - Don't take their word for it. Ask to see them perform. Many bands and DJs perform at showcases where brides and grooms can hear them live and see how they interact with an audience.

3 - The Play and Do-Not-Play Lists. Go over song playlists with family and friends to create a list of songs you want to hear on your wedding day as well as the ones you don't. You and your groom should also decide whether requests will be allowed at the wedding and tell the band or DJ your decision.

Tags: tip of the day, wedding bands, wedding DJ, wedding music