While receptions with bands have a reputation of being swanky or platinum, in reality, a good band can enhance your reception.

The benefits of a band are all in the personalization and flexibility of a good, professional variety band. The band should have experience with wedding dances and offering a wide repertoire of songs and music styles. If you want, the band may be able to personalize the songs. Got blue eyes? Ask the band to change the lyrics to Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl.” If you want your first song to be longer or shorter, a band can adapt where a DJ with recorded CD’s cannot.

Having a singer personally serenade your dance can add sentimentality, since the live person can feed off of your emotions and reflect your feelings back to you. Another benefit of a band is that the lead singer or band leader can act as your Master of Ceremonies to properly direct guests to the significant points in your reception (cake cutting, toasts, first dance, bouquet toss, etc.).

Before choosing a band, listen to the demo CD and see if you can watch them perform. Make sure the band has practice and experience with many types of music and talk with them about specific songs you want. Remember your guests may not share the same musical tastes so switch it up and keep it entertaining for everyone. Consider giving the band the flexibility to adapt to the crowd, not just your one, specific genre. A band will play “test” songs to watch the audience’s reaction. They will keep hitting on the same types of music that get the best crowd reaction on the dance floor. Great entertainment will keep your guests around for the fun and details you diligently put into place for their enjoyment.