WEDDING PLANNING

The Entertainment Exchange provides a wide range of wedding music and entertainment including: live bands, disc jockeys, classical string ensembles, jazz groups, soloists and many more.

Please browse through the following sections for suggestions on how to make your wedding planning a success.

Wedding Ceremonies

Music is typically played as guests are arriving and during the processional, recessional and throughout other parts of the wedding ceremony. Your choices are virtually unlimited in this area. Some wedding ceremony suggestions are offered below.

• Bands: Consider using your band's piano player, horn/flute player (if applicable), acoustic guitar, or vocal soloist.
  
  
• Disc Jockeys: Your DJ will be able to provide ceremony music if requested.
  
  
• Variety Acts: You may be interested in meaningful ethnic or specialty music such as bagpipes, klezmer or brass ensembles.
  
  
• Classical and String Ensembles: Traditional and elegant. Choose from quartets, trios, piano and string ensembles or harpists.
  
  
• Jazz Groups: Many jazz groups can provide a soloist for the wedding ceremony and then provide more varied jazz music during the cocktail hour or wedding reception.

Wedding Cocktail Receptions

Many weddings have an hour break between the wedding ceremony and the beginning of the wedding reception. This is done in order to accommodate travel from the ceremony site (e.g., church or synagogue) or to give the photographer time to photograph the wedding party. In some instances where the ceremony and reception occur at the same place, the caterers need at least an hour to prepare the room for the reception. Many of our clients choose to provide musical entertainment during this time. Some possibilities are presented below.

• Bands: All of our bands are able to provide musicians for the cocktail reception. You can choose to have a solo pianist or put together a small combo like piano, bass and saxophone.
  
  
• Disc Jockeys: Your DJ will be able to play music for you during the cocktail hour.
  
  
• Classical and String Ensembles: When hired for the ceremony, the charges for a string ensemble also typically cover a cocktail reception as well. This usually makes for a very economical and sophisticated option.
  
  
• Jazz Groups: You can contract a solo jazz pianist or some members of a jazz/swing ensemble to perform for your cocktail hour. Swing is in vogue, so if you're considering a swing band, also consider using some of the musicians to provide a lighter jazz fare during cocktails.

Wedding Receptions

Music and entertainment for the wedding reception is our specialty. Of course we are somewhat biased here, but we often hear from our clients that the most important element of their wedding was the choice of music for the wedding reception. A good dance band or DJ can create the fun and excitement that carries through your entire reception. If your guests are having a great time, you'll have better pictures and video to remember your special day later.

• Bands: All of our bands are "variety" dance bands that specialize in appealing to partiers of all of ages and musical tastes. Preview each band online or request a free band promo pack.
  
  
• Disc Jockeys: Our DJ's will provide exactly the right combination of music to keep your guests on the dance floor. You can choose music in consultation with your DJ to create the style of reception you would like to have.
  
  
• Classical and String Ensembles: Although not typically for dancing, high quality, elegant classical music performed by one of our professional string ensembles can provide the appropriate music for brides and grooms that want a more understated affair.
  
  
• Jazz Groups: From easy listening to fusion or jump and swing, our jazz groups can provide the musical backdrop to an elegant affair or a raucous dance party. The choice is yours.