The Top 5 Ways to Save on Wedding Music
Photo by Angi Unruh
Wedding music is one of those aspects where, if you take careful short cuts, you can save money without anyone ever being the wiser. Here are five ways to do it.
Hire a Live Band
Yes, hiring a band is generally more expensive than hiring a DJ. But that is not the case if you can find talented amateurs that will play at your ceremony or reception for you. For the ceremony you might consider asking a friend to play the harp or the flute. For the reception, check out local bands and see what they would charge to play at your wedding. Pay particular attention to the bands that are more available than others, as they will have a smaller fee when they are trying to get gigs and also look at bands that don’t have a lot of experience. Remember that inexperience doesn’t always equal poor quality and they are sure to be cheaper than other bands. Just be sure to have them rehearse for you before you sign them onto a contract. Negotiate with bands that you speak to. Ask if they will provide a discount if you provide them with a meal and allow them to take the number of breaks that they ask for.
Advertise
Place a small ad in the newspaper or on craigslist months before your wedding. Put in the ad that you are looking for a live band or DJ for your wedding and describe what you would need the band or DJ to do. Do not advertise what you are willing to pay for the service but instead, ask that respondents prepare a quote for you after you have spoken. By advertising what you need, you will have different bands and DJs calling and bidding for the job. This is the best way to ensure that you get the lowest price possible.
Ask a Friend to DJ for You
DJs bring a more casual feel to a reception than a live band does and this may be the perfect option for you. When hiring a professional DJ, you may be limited in the choice and amount of songs you have and they still may not be able to provide a price within your budget. Asking a friend or relative to be your DJ will save you money and allow you to have whatever music you choose to be played at your wedding. In exchange, you can tell the friend that this can be their wedding present to you, saving them money as well!
Decide If You Only Want Music
Many people decide to only have music played at their wedding reception and this is what is relied on as the entertainment. There is nothing wrong with this as it does provide a very nice atmosphere for having some cocktails, mingling, and of course dancing! But if you are looking to save money on music, you may choose other forms of entertainment that won’t cost you quite as much.
Take Charge of the Music Yourself
Make wonderful use of your iPod by loading it with all the songs you want and plugging it into a soundsystem. As you’ll be in control of the play list remember that your guests may not be into the same kind of music. Make sure that there are a few popular classics in there.
