Page 44 - Pittsburgh Botanic Garden

Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
THE wedding ENTERTAINMENT
Selecting the right sound and entertainment for your wedding will help set the tone for your event. Whether you are looking for a high-energy DJ, an eight-piece band or a romantic string quartet, you will want to select a vendor that will help create the vibe you desire.
DJ’s, are of course, in high demand. DJ’s with the best reviews and high popularity will be booked quickly – typically a year in advance – so be sure not to procrastinate when booking! Think about the style of music that will play as you transition from the ceremony to cocktail hour to the reception. Your DJ will create a playlist based on your style.
After dinner, it’s time to get the party started! Talk to your DJ about the dance music you’re interested in – a mix of modern hits, maybe some throwback songs mixed in, potentially the classic wedding songs that really get the crowd on the dance floor.
A fun idea to get your guests involved in the entertainment is to add a line to your return cards asking guests to list a song they want to hear at the reception. It’s a great way to make sure everyone makes their way to the dance floor!
Musical entertainment will help to keep the event flowing smoothly and act as a natural transition between the ceremony and reception. You may consider live music as an option. Imagine a violinist or string quartet to welcome your guests and add a soft sound as you process down the aisle. You may choose to have live entertainment throughout the evening – the string quartet playing throughout cocktail hour, a strolling violinist visiting each table during dinner, or a full band to keep the party going during the reception.
44
Photo booths are another popular entertainment option. Guests can have fun with silly props and leave you special messages to look back on afterwards. This can also double as your guest book!
For children attending the wedding, it’s nice to provide age appropriate goodie bags filled with small games, crayons and coloring books. Some may even choose to have a “kids table” at the reception to provide an area just for them! Lawn games can also provide amusement for children and adults alike.
Don’t forget the older guests too. Your grandparents, aunts and uncles may enjoy a few feel good classics more than techno music. The older generation and smaller children might not stay until the very end, so remember to play any special songs earlier in the evening and to save the more contemporary dance music for later on.
In the end, remember it’s your special day and it should be both personable and memorable for the two of you!