Keep in mind that researching should only be a small step along the way; you should never make a decision without a face-to-face meeting with the DJ or muscians who will be working the day of your wedding. Find the perfect fit First and foremost, you’ll want to con- sider the size of your reception site and number of guests attending. An intimate space won’t fit a 22-piece or- chestra, just as a single speaker proba- bly won’t cut it for 400 people. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure you set up the entertainment in a central area near the edge of the dance floor. It can be difficult for your musicians to keep the party going if you have tables set up between the dance floor and the stage/DJ booth. Prepare for the big day Whatever your choice, both bandlead- ers and disc jockeys can help you select the perfect songs to personalize your reception. Both can read the crowd to adjust their music selection and cater it to the wedding style. After all, part of his or her professional expertise is be- ing able to read the crowd and respond to its mood. You’ll need to provide them with a list of your staple selections, such as your entrance, first dance, and parent songs. If you have particular favorites that you definitely want to hear throughout the reception (like the Cha-Cha Slide or Cotton Eye Joe) – or songs you absolute- ly don’t (think, Chicken Dance or Hokey Pokey) — give your musician a do-not- play list and a must-play list of specific songs, genres, and artists that you love and those that you’d rather not hear. A week or two before your wedding, you should reach out to your enter- tainers to confirm the reception’s timeline and playlist (especially for required songs). Making sure that you and your entertainers are on the same page before your reception will ensure that your night is an unforget- table experience filled with killer dance moves, active guests, and all of your favorite songs. ❤ 1. Genevieve Nisly Photography 2. BCR Studios by Brad 3. LMAC Photography 3 READ MORE AT TODAYSBRIDE.COM TODAY’S BRIDE | 57