Consider the theme or style of your wedding
This will help you determine the type of musician or musicians you would like to see perform at your ceremony. It will also help narrow down your options as you find musicians who are comfortable with your chosen theme or style. Think about the sensations you want the instruments to create with their sound. Romantic settings include harps, flutes, and acoustic guitars. String quartets give a more classical feel. Organists and keyboardists can provide a traditional atmosphere. Or maybe you want a more tropical or cultural setting with some light congas playing in the background.
Consider the size of your guest list and venue, and the venue's rules
The size of the space and the number of guests will determine whether or not the event requires a more intimate setting with fewer musicians. Also, make sure your selected song list is approved if you have the ceremony at a place of worship. Many places have rules about the type of music allowed. Some venues may also have a specific list of ceremony musicians to choose from.
Include your partner in the selection process
Your life partner may have some very specific ideas about what kind of music should be played. Make sure you include each other in music decision making. Music should represent both of you, after all, and make you both happy. You can laugh at your individual musical tastes in the process - that's what makes it most memorable!
Get more for your money "
You have already thought about the type of music you want. Now you are looking for musicians who can provide that service. Hire musicians who can multitask if you're on a budget. Select an instrumentalist who can play more than one instrument or who can play all parts of the ceremony, in addition to accompanying the vocalist. You may even decide to hire a pianist or guitarist who also sings and kill two birds with one stone. In the process, be sure to hire musicians who are comfortable with your chosen style and who can play your musical selections. Not all musicians are the same, some are more talented or experienced than others. Would it really be worth going for the lowest priced musician if you wouldn't be satisfied with a less than perfect performance? One word of advice: it is essential to hire people with the right talent and experience for your event. The best thing for you would be to hire the best musicians you can afford.
Start with those who come highly recommended
Word of mouth is the best place to start when looking for potential musicians. Just "any musician" is not enough; the most impressive candidates come highly recommended. Ask your friends or family if they know of a great musician they can recommend, or ask the contact person instead. They may have a list of musicians from past events that they can provide you with. The Internet would be the next best place to look. To narrow your focus, try searching for musicians within a 20 mile radius of your home or venue, and build from there.
Do your homework
Congratulations, you have narrowed down your options! Now what? Once you have a solid list of potential The Deon Lundy Show musicians, it's time for you to contact them (phone contact is best, along with face-to-face meetings). Ask each candidate for a demo CD, videotape, or DVD of a previous performance to help you make a decision. Some candidates may already have audio or video clips available on their websites, making it easier to get familiar with their style. You may also want to preview your performance at one of your upcoming events; ask candidates if this may be a possibility. It is also important to ask for references from each potential candidate, satisfied clients who can attest to their talent, experience and professionalism. Ultimately, there should be good chemistry between you and your candidate. Trust your instincts. If something doesn't seem right about this person, or their personalities or styles clash, move on to your next choice.
Get a contract
Once you have selected your professional musicians, make sure they provide you with a written contract for their services. Be sure to read the fine print and be clear on all details before signing any documents. Be prepared to make a deposit for your services. Make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to future baseline gatherings, rehearsals, and adaptations of musical selections if needed. You must include your contact person for your location for this part to include dates / times for rehearsals.
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