Choosing a Chicago Band or Orchestra for
your Wedding
Choosing the right wedding music can arguably make all the
difference in the tone and mood of your wedding reception. From
soft piano music during the dinner service, to rockin' live
music for the after-dinner dance party, choosing the right band
or orchestra for your wedding reception needn't be a daunting
task. The key is finding a band or orchestra that is experienced
performing at wedding receptions, is diverse enough to accommodate
a wide range of musical selections, is willing to work with
you in music selection, and fits your wedding budget.
It takes more than just a great band or orchestra to pull off
a successful wedding. Not only will your wedding band or orchestra
provide the live music entertainment you seek, but they will
often times act as emcee in introducing the wedding party and
turning your guests attention toward particular highlights of
the evening, such as the newly married couple's first dance,
father/daughter dance, bouquet and garter tosses, and more.
A good band or orchestra will be able to alternate between the
more traditional wedding dances, such as waltzes and polkas,
and more contemporary dance numbers, thus entertaining all
of your wedding guests, both young and old. And a good wedding
band or orchestra will be able to read the crowd, alternating
between slower, more romantic songs and more lively dance selections
that get the crowd on their feet.
Because your wedding music is so important, great care and
consideration should be placed in choosing the right band or
orchestra. When contacting various bands and orchestras, you
should have several goals in mind. You want to know something
about the band, the individual players, their history, level
of experience preforming at weddings, the general style of music
they play, how they dress, and of course, the logistics... rates,
packages, options, availability, etc.... You'll also want to
know how they will react if one or more members of their group
become unavailable at the last minute, if they are willing to
act as emcee at your reception or if you'll need to hire a separate
emcee, and if they offer an overtime option, in case your party
is still rockin' and you're just not ready to call it quits
yet.
One of the most important factors in choosing a wedding band
or orchestra is their sound. Never, ever, hire a wedding band
or orchestra without first hearing them live. Any reputable
band or orchestra will be happy to invite you to a performance,
be it another couple's wedding reception (with their blessing
of course) dance party, or other live performance. Chances are
you've already been to a wedding reception with a great band
or orchestra and may already have one in mind; however, like
anything else, the members of a band or orchestra can change
and with changes in players, come changes in sound. Don't let
the memory of a great wedding reception and a great band or
orchestra performance from two years ago replace a live audition
today.
After you've interviewed several and feel you've found the perfect wedding band or orchestra for your wedding reception, you'll need to iron out the details. Make sure you get a contract that specifies the name of the band (you wouldn't want a last minute replacement without your concent), the date, time(s), and location(s) at which they are to perform, the specific tasks they will undertake (emcee, cocktail music, dinner music, etc...), the number of band members that will be performing, the specific hours (including break times) during which they will perform, all costs including travel and overtime rates, payment terms, and refund and/or cancellation terms. A sign contract will protect both you and the band or orchestra if plans change at the last minute.
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Confetti
Dance Band
Website: www.confettidanceband.com
Email: gcierny@comcast.net
Chicagoland's finest all occasion, party, rock,
cover and variety dance band has been providing live music in
the Chicago area since 1987. We are wedding, private party and
corporate event entertainment specialists. If dancing is a major
priority, and you need a live band that can truly do it all, Confetti
is your best choice. We cover an extremely wide variety of musical
styles authentically, and our repertoire lends itself to audiences
composed of a wide range of age groups.
See
Our Wedding Coupon: $150 off with this coupon from the CWD!
Serving Chicago & Suburbs | 847-934-6352 | fax 847-991-7996 |
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Dave
Ivaz Music
Website: www.daveivazmusic.com
Email: dimusic@comcast.net
Tired of the same old song and dance? We offer
more! We play the "classics,” from society standards
and swing to Motown, disco, and today’s chart-toppers plus
a large selection of classic and alternative rock not usually
found on dance orchestra play lists. And we're the right musicians
for this repertoire. Dave Ivaz has performed with artists like
Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Bob Hope, Nancy Wilson, the Fifth
Dimension and more. We're a fun, high-energy group that will keep
your dance floor full and your guests delighted. The Dave Ivaz
Orchestra is known to thrill audiences at weddings, fundraisers,
festivals, and special events of all kinds. Make your event extraordinary…make
it Dave Ivaz Music!
707 Harms Road, Glenview, IL 60025 | 847-724-3731
| fax 847-724-3715 |
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David Rothstein
Music, Inc.
Website: www.drsmusic.com
Email: david@drsmusic.com
Imagine your dance floor packed with you and
your guests dancing to our national award winning Chicago
wedding band? We understand trying to there are many Chicago
wedding bands to choose from. Visit our website and find out
what makes us special. For your ceremony music, choose from 6
ensembles. A jazz trio for your cocktail music, and our 7-10 piece
wedding band for dancing. David will be your emcee and coordinator.
We take care of everything. My mother requires me to tell we have
won 3 national awards (National Modern Bride 2006 & 2007,
The Knot 2007) as well as played for numerous celebrities. While
she's very proud of me, all that really matters is us doing an
outstanding job for your Chicago
wedding. Let's get started!
1948 W. Fletcher Street, Chicago, IL 60657 | 773-244-1239
| fax 773-244-0626 |
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Jeff
Sandler Orchestra
Website: jeffsandlerorchestra.com
Email: jsorch@gmail.com
Jeff Sandler Orchestra is recognized as Chicago's
best dance band. When you want to dance to Sinatra's best,
soul, motown, rock, and the newest pop and dance music, you need
the best Chicago
wedding orchestra, the JSO. Just listen to what our clients
have to say... "Everyone had a blast and kept asking where
we found such a great band! You did a great job, we couldn't have
been happier with how everything turned out. Thanks again, Amy
Clark." and "Wow, the JSO were incredible!!! I can't begin
to count the amount of guests that complimented their music. We
were out on the dance floor dancin' up a storm! I can't imagine
a better band! Jenny Meyers Hutchen." Entertain your guests
with the most superb
wedding reception music... give them the JSO.
3304 N. Leavitt Street, Chicago, IL 60618 | 773-935-6255 |
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Peter
Hennes Orchestra
Website: www.peterhennes.com
Email: peter@peterhennes.com
Experience Chicago's hottest celebration! Recommended
as one of the top four Chicago
wedding bands by Chicago Magazine, this incomparable orchestra
will ignite your event with entertainment perfectly tailored to
your needs. Check out our website to learn more about our services
for Chicago
weddings and for planning tips on our wedding
blog. Take a moment to listen to our music and envision what
our band's energy, musicianship, and charismatic stage presence
could do for your wedding. Imagine having the perfect party. Set
a precedent with the Peter Hennes Orchestra!
Serving Chicagoland | 847-947-1835 | fax 847-465-9584 |
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Judy
Bridges Trumpet/Brass Ensembles for Weddings
Serving Chicagoland
Phone: 630-269-5299 || Fax: 815-577-9788
Email: judy@bridgesbrass.com |
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