'Un-wedding' bands

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Posted by Rorelai

I'm thinking about booking a vintage-style jazz/swing band as our reception band. This is really our style and I would LOVE to add music to the feel of our wedding/venue. However I know this type of music isn't for everyone and that there will be people who complain about not having typical dance music. The band provides a sound system hook up for music to be played (probably via ipod) when they take breaks. Do you think that would satisfy everyone? Should I be looking to book the band for a portion of the reception and then bring in a no-frills DJ for the remainder? Has anyone seen weddings with an 'un-wedding' band? Any help appreciated!

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I think having a no frills dj for half the night & the jazz band for the other half is probably the best option in terms of keeping all guests happy. It also depends on the crowd but I know mine would like to be dancing. You could have the dj come after dinner because the last 2 hours are usually when people are a little drunk & want to party lol. but again it's your wedding & if you really don't want a DJ then don't feel obligated

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Posted by rcotter90

I was at FH's aunt's wedding over the summer in Florida and they had a regular band that mostly does Beatles cover music. They played a lot of older music, a lot of stuff everyone knows the words to and it was a hit. We all had a great time (keeping the booze flowing didn't hurt either lol). It was an older crowd though, since the bride and groom were 50+. But the younger group of us did have a great time. Do what you guys like. It's your day. Just make sure that if you want announcements and whatnot done, that they've done weddings before and know what they're doing. Otherwise, I'd consider maybe hiring an MC for the night.

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I didn't know you could just hire an MC! They don't provide MC services so I was curious about that. Do you recommend anywhere in particular to look into for just an MC?

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Posted by gonnabefrank

I am having an 'anti-wedding' band (as they call themselves)--basically a cover/rock band. It's more our style than a traditional wedding band. If I had my way though, I would have had a New Orleans-style jazz band. I think if it's your style, you should go with it. I'm sure your guests with enjoy it no matter what. My band is going to be taking breaks and playing an ipod during those times so I'm sure a jazz/swing band would do the same.

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If we don't use the jazz/swing band, we're going with a rock band so I'm just curious who you're using!

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Posted by Rorelai

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Posted by rcotter90

I was at FH's aunt's wedding over the summer in Florida and they had a regular band that mostly does Beatles cover music. They played a lot of older music, a lot of stuff everyone knows the words to and it was a hit. We all had a great time (keeping the booze flowing didn't hurt either lol). It was an older crowd though, since the bride and groom were 50+. But the younger group of us did have a great time. Do what you guys like. It's your day. Just make sure that if you want announcements and whatnot done, that they've done weddings before and know what they're doing. Otherwise, I'd consider maybe hiring an MC for the night.

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I didn't know you could just hire an MC! They don't provide MC services so I was curious about that. Do you recommend anywhere in particular to look into for just an MC?

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I honestly have no clue lol. Maybe throw it up on the vendors helping brides board and see if any of the DJ companies on here offer just an MC. Or maybe consult your banquet manager at your venue to see if they have any recommendations. If all else fails, just start e-mailing all the DJ companies around to find someone.

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Posted by Rorelai

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Posted by gonnabefrank

I am having an 'anti-wedding' band (as they call themselves)--basically a cover/rock band. It's more our style than a traditional wedding band. If I had my way though, I would have had a New Orleans-style jazz band. I think if it's your style, you should go with it. I'm sure your guests with enjoy it no matter what. My band is going to be taking breaks and playing an ipod during those times so I'm sure a jazz/swing band would do the same.

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If we don't use the jazz/swing band, we're going with a rock band so I'm just curious who you're using!

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So I'm having Red Hook Orchestra. They are actually the 'sister' band of the band I had at my first wedding, Dexter Lake Club Band (the lead singer of DLCB manages Red Hook). DLCB was amazing at my first wedding and my FH and I love rock so they were perfect for us. They were also negotiable and much more affordable than other bands. Good luck!