Choosing the perfect wedding venue
June 27, 2009
Youve found the perfect groom. Youve bought the perfect dress. Youre expecting a perfect wedding. Now all you need is the perfect wedding venue. Having a perfect wedding relies largely on having a perfect venue. Thats why you should treat finding a wedding venue as if you are buying a new house. It is, after all, where you will receive and treat your friends and relatives in probably the most memorable night of your life.
Here are some tips to help you search for that perfect wedding venue.
Trust your instincts. As soon as you arrive in a particular venue you will automatically have a certain feeling towards it. You have to trust your instinct. If you feel a certain positive vibration to the venue then thats a good start. In the same way, you will know automatically if a certain venue is not right for you and your wedding. This doesnt mean though that you should not be logical in choosing a wedding venue. Its the place where you will exchange vows with the man you love so it has to feel right.
Take your time. Dont ever rush in choosing the perfect wedding venue. A wedding is a very important event so take time to get the venue right. Ideally, you should start looking for a venue at least a year before the wedding date. This would give you enough time to make the right decisions and change the venue in case anything happens.
Consider the size. The size of the venue is a very important consideration. If the venue is too small, the wedding will loose its intimacy. If its too big, it will be cramped and uncomfortable. The size of your wedding will depend of course on the number of your guests. So before looking for a wedding you must at least have a rough idea of how many guests you will be planning to invite. Be as precise as possible. You cannot say that youre planning to invite from 200 to 500 guests. The 300 person difference would matter a lot in terms of the venue size. You must also leave ample space for the dance area. The more guests you have, the larger space you need to allot for the dance area.
Check the parking space. One of the complaints of people who have attended weddings is the lack of parking space. Be sure that the wedding venue you will choose has ample space for all of your guests. Parking may be a minor consideration but it can spell the difference between a happy guest and a dissatisfied one.
Know the restrictions of the venue. Be sure to ask about the restrictions of a wedding venue if there are any. There may be restrictions about noise so you might not be able to employ a band or even a sound system. Some venues have time restrictions while some would allow you to party all night long. There are even venues with decorations restrictions. Check if the wedding venue would allow you to bring your own caterer, florist, decorator, etc because there are venues that have preferred contractors and suppliers.
Draw a layout of your wedding. Have a layout of your wedding. Before choosing a wedding venue, you must already have a layout (either on your mind or drawn into paper) of your wedding. You must know where you want gusts to sit, the reception area, the dining area, etc. Then check if the venue fits your layout.
Wedding songs to celebrate the day
May 21, 2009
Wedding songs play a vital role throughout the entire wedding day. Wedding songs help create the mood and ambience of the day from start to end. Choosing the right wedding songs can also help accentuate the emotional significance of the occasion for a more memorable celebration.
In earlier years many weddings showcased traditional wedding songs. However, nowadays there is no limit to the type of wedding songs that couples can choose to play on their wedding day. Selecting wedding songs is also one of the fun things that couples can do to prepare for their wedding day.
Most couples prefer choosing wedding songs that have a significant meaning to them in order to create a more unique and personal atmosphere for their wedding day. A song that was played on their first date or songs of the couple’s favorite artist are typical selections for wedding songs of many couples.
Things to remember when selecting wedding songs
When selecting wedding songs, it is important to take into consideration the venue for the ceremony. Most wedding ceremonies often take place in a church, couples should first check with the minister if there are any restrictions to the type of wedding songs that can be played. Some churches have concerns regarding the kind of wedding songs that should be played during the sacrament of matrimony.
Other venues may not have a strict policy regarding the variety of wedding songs to be played. However it is still a good idea to choose wedding songs for the ceremony that would not turn the occasion into a comedy act. It is best to reserve the entertaining wedding songs for the reception where everyone can cut loose to the music.
Another important factor to consider is the selection of the band or DJ who will play the wedding songs during the reception. Couples with a more traditional wedding theme may opt for a classical ensemble to perform wedding songs at their reception. For an intimate gathering a solo pianist, flute trio or string quartet serve as an ideal choice to play classical wedding songs.
For a more contemporary wedding theme, there are a number of professional bands that cater specifically to wedding receptions. Couples can also choose to hire a DJ to play wedding songs at the reception.
Planning the wedding songs
Couples need to select a number of wedding songs for different parts of the wedding. There are essentially six parts of the wedding ceremony that would require music. The type of wedding songs for the prelude music is used to welcome family and friends to the ceremony. Happy and festive wedding songs can help set the tone for the entire wedding day.
Wedding songs for the processional of the wedding party marks the start of the ceremony. The songs are meant to usher in the wedding party and to prepare the guests for the entrance of the bride. The bride’s processional is the critical moment of the ceremony. Though many would opt for the traditional bridal march, it is also a good idea to select different wedding songs that can make it more memorable.
The interludes are the various moments during the ceremony wherein a number of wedding songs can help enhance the overwhelming emotion of the occasion. Wedding songs during the recessional should be festive to celebrate the official union of the couple. The postlude wedding songs are meant to create a pleasant atmosphere to thank guests for coming to the ceremony.
Add more romance with wedding poetry
March 20, 2009
Wedding poetry has been used to spice up any ceremony. It is amazing how poetrys play of words effectively translate the hearts language. This is basically the reason why poetry reading is a standard activity in wedding activities. Poetries are usually used a part of wedding vows, activity programs, ceremonial weddings, speeches and toasts.
There are limitless selections of wedding poetries you can choose from for that big day. You can just grab some snippets from a longer poem or get a shorter one and entirely use it with modifications. Popular poetries are those written by George Sand, Thomas Moore, Kahlil Gibran or Shakespeare. There are other contemporary writers having the same passion that are eminent in traditional poetries. Just by surfing on the internet, you can find poetries that can be used for wedding ceremonies that are submitted by ordinary people. These contributors are simply inspired by love and their poems are very well written too.
If you feel you do not relate with any of published works or submitted poems, you can go ahead and create one or hire a personalized wedding poetry vendor. The interne is a portal to find one. A phone interview or an online conference will be conducted by the vendor. This will be used as a reference for his writing. It is recommended that both the bride and groom will attend the interview.
Looking for poetry provider is not a hard job. You can ask your wedding coordinators, the head of your clergy for recommendations. You might even have a friend or a family member who can write real well. Professional wedding poem providers may charge as high as a hundred dollars. Compare prices and sample works of at least three vendors. This way you can weight your options and select the best vendor with a reasonable price. Pick the one you are comfortable in dealing with. Give the provider ample time to complete the poem, a good one would take time. Be sure to order around six months or so before the wedding.
In personalizing poetry consider the type of ceremony you will be having. A formal event might need elegant and romantic poems while you can add on some humor if it is an informal one. Poems used in wedding toasts must definitely have a lighter note to it. Take note of the mood that you wanted to project. It is important to know your guests and the person who would read the poem.
Poetries along with a good musical background can truly set that romantic atmosphere in any weddings. Through poetry reading you can express your deepest emotions of love and hopes. You can either read your chosen prime poetry during the ceremony itself or during the reception.
Tell every one of your joy and contentment of finding your true love by scribbling wedding poetries on invitations. Another option will be to print out a line or two of you favorite poem on your wedding souvenir. Poetry verses can come along with your photograph, the celebrants name, date of your wedding and your message.
Poetry compliments that romantic atmosphere in any weddings. It can surely add magic on your wedding day. A well rehearsed and a well written poetry can make your partners feet weak and make your heart jump a mile. Nothing can truly beat something that comes from the heart.
Poetry as Important Part of the Wedding
March 7, 2009
Poems, for such a long time, have been used to express one’s feelings and emotions and to record events and thoughts in an artistic form. Reading poems during a wedding can enhance the beauty of the event.
The wedding poem may be composed and be read by a member of the family as a gift to the groom and bride. However, not many have good skills in writing that poem writing for weddings may also be entrusted to professional wedding writers.
Even if the task of writing the wedding poem has been delegated to an experienced wedding poem writer, the groom and the bride or a member of the family should choose the wedding poem writer carefully and coordinate with the writer as often as possible.
Choosing the wedding poetry writer should take place after the sites for the wedding and reception have been confirmed. This is necessary because some of the sites details may be included in the poem that this should be supplied to the wedding poetry writer as soon as possible.
Also, consider the site for the wedding rites. Some religious institutions do not allow alterations with the wedding rites such as including reading poetry during the ceremony. Therefore, in this case, wedding poetry reading should be done during the reception.
The wedding poetry should represent the groom and the bride and should go well with the theme of the wedding. The wedding poem may also be printed in the program and may also be given as a keepsake. Thus, a good wedding poem is very important. For that reason, brainstorming can help a lot when choosing the wedding poetry writer or vendor.
Before deciding on who will be the wedding poetry vendor and writer, consider what type of poem will you need. For a traditional and formal wedding, an elegantly written poem is suggested. If the wedding will be having an informal ceremony, a poem with a touch of humor will work well.
Do not choose a lengthy poem if the ceremony will be longer than two hours. Decide if music will be played while reading the poem.
If you have decided what you will need, you have to stat looking for a wedding poem vendor. The easiest way to look for reliable information is by asking for suggestions from family and friends, the manager of the reception site, the person who will officiate the marriage, or from your wedding coordinator. You can also search online for poetry vendors.
If possible, ask for a rough draft of what the wedding poem will be so you can decide if this is the one that will be appropriate for the wedding. It is preferable to allow one year for composing the poem. This is to make sure that there is enough time to edit the poem to suit your requirements.
Also, check if the wedding poet can work within your given budget. Wedding poems can cost at least $100. Ask for sample works and suggestions to enhance your wedding poem.
When providing information about the wedding to the wedding poetry vendor, make sure that you have included the following details: the interests of the couple, the type of ceremony, the location of the wedding and the reception, the number of guests and their backgrounds, the theme of the wedding ceremony, who will be the poem reader and whatever unique detail that you can include to make the poem unique.
If you have chosen a good wedding poetry writer and reader, you can make sure that your wedding’s tone and ambience is enhanced to make it more memorable to everyone who will be present.
How to Plan for a Wedding
February 21, 2009
Planning for a wedding is not an easy task. It could be an extremely stressful, and trying time, especially as the big day approaches. When couples worry about coordinating all of the details of the wedding, just to make sure everything goes according to plan.
Probably, one of the most important details of the wedding that a couple has to decide on is the actual date of the wedding. This is usually the detail that is taken care of first. Factors in choosing a date include: the availability of the venue where the wedding will take place. Availability of friends and family on the assigned date.
Some venues where weddings are held offer discounts on days when traditionally, weddings are not held. Also, the time the wedding takes place also become a factor in the expense. For example, mornings, and afternoon receptions are somewhat more cheaper that receptions held at nighttime.
It is also advisable to set a budget, even before a couple start to make plans. This way they’d be able to organize the details according to the budget they could afford.
Once you’ve done this, you can now choose a venue for the wedding. Some places offer discounts, depending on the time of year. Just after the holidays, would be a good time to hold a wedding, if you are considering the cost. This time is not considered a ‘peak time’, therefore the price tend to be less expensive.
For couples who are about to get married, it is important to talk about the size of wedding they both have in mind. The dream wedding of one person might not be that of the other. So it is necessary for couples to discuss details regarding the arrangement of the wedding, such as: the location of the venue/reception, the number of people who get invited to the wedding reception, and the choice of entertainment.
It is important to reach an agreement pertaining to the guest list and the entourage. Whether you want to keep the wedding an intimate affair, in which case the bride and groom will just invite their family and friends; or maybe, they’d want to make this affair, into the wedding of the century. In which case, the bride and groom get to invite the whole neighborhood, long lost relatives, high school buddies, etc., in addition to their friends and family. When making the guest list, consider the space capacity of your chosen venue.
Hire a professional to capture this momentous occasion. Sure you friends can take good pictures, and most of them own a camcorder. But for this special occasion, you would want something special, lasting, and visually presentable. So you’d have something to remember this occasion by. This way you could also share them with your friends and family.
Don’t forget the cake! It’s best to have a tasting first, before settling on a cake. Invite your family and friends, for the cake tasting. This way, this task becomes fun for everyone!
Order wedding invitations. If you want to get creative, you can always print your own invites. This way, you can customize them, and add a more personal touch to the invitation.
Don’t forget to start looking for a wedding gown months before the wedding. This way, the bride has plenty of time to make a selection. Also, the groom should make arrangement to rent or buy a tuxedo, preferably in advance also. Just in case you encounter some trouble with the fitting, you’d have some time to make other arrangements.
Couples who don’t have enough time on their hands, or just find the preparations that go into planning a wedding too overwhelming, can always just hire a wedding planner! This way, everything gets organized and coordinated for them.
The Advantages of a Wedding Planner
February 6, 2009
Have you ever wondered why Jennifer Lopez had made such a great impact on her movie, The Wedding Planner? This is because most people, after watching the film, had finally realized the importance of hiring a wedding planner.
Long before, most couples are having second thoughts on the idea of hiring a wedding planner. They have doubts if hiring the services of a wedding planner is really worth their money, especially those who are in a tight budget.
Basically, hiring the services of a wedding planner is actually a matter of choice and personal preference. If you think that you and your fianc can handle most of the wedding planning without any burden, then, go on with your plans.
But if you think that doing all the planning from the very beginning is already tedious, then, it is time for you to hire the services of a wedding planner.
Basically, a wedding planner is someone who is adept and knowledgeable when it comes to wedding plans. Wedding planners have already established their contacts with many businesses that are important in the wedding such as flower arrangers, caterers, venues, etc.
So, for most people who are not yet aware the benefits they can derive from hiring a wedding planner, here are some facts that you need to know:
1. Hiring a wedding planner will save you time.
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task. It can even be more tedious if the person who plans the wedding is a participant also like the bride or the groom. It can be really difficult to have an open mind especially with all the jitters and everything.
Moreover, planning a wedding does not happen overnight. Usually, it would take you 200 to 300 hours of planning, thinking, and brainstorming. Hence, to save you time and effort, it is best to hire the services of a wedding planner.
2. More savings
Many people contend that the reason why they do not hire a wedding planner is that it will be an additional cost on their part.
What they do not know is that hiring the services of a wedding planner can actually save you more money because most of the wedding planners have already established solid contacts with some of the common wedding businesses like flower arrangers, venues, and the like. Therefore, discounts are more likely to happen because they have their own connections already.
3. Organized planning
With wedding planners, weddings can be more organized because most wedding planners are very particular from the biggest down to the last details of the wedding.
After all, it is their job so they know what should be done best.
Moreover, wedding planners have actual timeline that they follow in order to have all the details be ready on time or even way ahead of time, leaving all the last-minute changes behind.
4. The decisions are still yours
With wedding planners, the decisions are still with the couple. The wedding planner will just guide, render some suggestions, and assist the couple in making the decision.
Hence, the couple will be able to, still, have their own style and preference with regards to the planning of their wedding.
5. Confidence boosters
One of the best things about wedding planners is that they act as confidence boosters for the bride and the groom.
We all know how jittery and edgy wedding couples can be especially if they are in a rush or having trouble finding the perfect item for their wedding. But wedding planner, they will be more at ease and more confident that their wedding will be perfect because they know that they have laid the details of their wedding upon the hands of a professional.
Indeed, there could be no better person who really knows the ins and outs of wedding planning more than what the wedding planner can do.
So, for great weddings, it is best to hire the services of a wedding planner.
Wedding photos - Memories in print
January 13, 2009
Wedding photos are a vivid reminder of a couple’s wedding day. In essence, wedding photos capture the spirit and joy of that blessed day when the couple exchanged ‘I dos’. Wedding photos commemorate the memorable events that took place on the couple’s wedding day.
Getting quality wedding photos is important for every couple in order to preserve the joyous events of their wedding day. A substantial portion of a couple’s wedding expenses goes into the preparation and production of the wedding photos. Depending on a couple’s style and budget, there are a number of ways they can get the best wedding photos they want at the price they can afford.
Professional services for wedding photos
Hiring a professional wedding photographer is always a good idea for couples that want to have the best wedding photos from their wedding day. But many couples shy away from hiring professional photographers for their wedding photos because of the high costs associated with their services.
Fortunately, there are a number of professional wedding photographers that offer a variety of photography packages for wedding photos at reasonable prices. In addition, many of these professional photographers may also be open to arranging a customized package to help out couples that are on a limited budget.
At the same time, couples should also be cautious about getting the least expensive package for their wedding photos. Most of the time, a couple may end up spending more to get additional shots included in the package they initially ordered. It is better to get a slightly more expensive package that covers a lot more than to spend extra cash at the last minute.
When working with a professional wedding photographer, be sure to get a signed agreement that outlines the terms of service to be provided. The contract would include matters concerning payments, cancellations as well as the delivery of wedding photos after development.
Digital Photography - digital wedding photos
Technology has brought about a marked increased in the development of highly sophisticated digital cameras. Many professional wedding photographers now make use of these digital cameras to produce high quality digital wedding photos. Even amateurs are using the latest digital cameras to produce professional looking wedding photos.
But keep in mind that many amateurs may not have the artistic skill to create beautiful wedding photos. Unlike professional wedding photographers, most amateur photographers have no concept of light and composition, which are essential factors in taking professional wedding photos. Keep in mind that no amount of computer enhancement can fix poorly shot wedding photos.
How to save on wedding photos
Weddings can be quite expensive considering all the costs associated with the occasion. In particular, wedding photos can eat up a big chunk of the wedding funds because of all the photos that need to be taken. Formal, informal and group wedding photos with family and friends can be quite costly especially for a big wedding. A good way to limit costs is to employ the help of family and friends in taking additional wedding photos.
The couple can hire a professional photographer to cover the ceremony. The photographer would only take the formal wedding photos before and during the ceremony. Family and friends can help take candid wedding photos during the reception. Candid wedding photos are a great way to remember the fun and merriment of the day.
Guide to Good Wedding Photography
January 2, 2009
Its your weddingone of the most beautiful days in your life. How else can you make the perfect occasion last? Capture the momentous event with great wedding photographs. Read this guide to make sure you choose the right wedding photography service for your big day.
The first thing to do is to give the most opportunities for the photographer when scheduling activities during the wedding day. When planning the time of the wedding ceremony and of the reception, couples should incorporate the time that the photographer requires to capture all of the couples special moments. There should be a gap between the end of the ceremony and beginning of the reception, to allow for more photographs for the bride, groom and wedding entourage, especially if they are in two different locations. The photographers and subjects will have a more relaxed shoot and will enjoy all the parts of the wedding if the events are well spaced out.
Next, think of important factors when selecting a wedding photographer. The photographer should be able to show more than one complete set of wedding photos. Couples should not accept someone who shows only selected prints of their best photographs from different weddings. Ideally, all photographs from 3 to 4 complete wedding sets that are at least satisfactory should be a criterion of a professional wedding photographer.
It is also good to have a photographer that gives a package with unlimited coverage for the whole day. Again, this way, photography will not be rushed.
Next, try to be aware of photography companies or individuals that contract out jobs to a pool of wedding photographers or even freelancers. Salespersons often pose as actual photographers and try to woo customers. Make sure companies deal openly, and ask them to show 3 to 4 complete weddings from each of the photographers they offer you, so you can choose. Make sure the one chosen is the one that will cover your wedding. Otherwise, it is better to find a photographer that personally shoots weddings. A two-person team is an even better package because two points of view of the wedding can be taken.
Some photographers only offer the traditional wedding photography style, or strictly a photojournalistic style. It is best to find a versatile photographer that can do both.
Lastly, couples should take note of some important questions to ask a prospective wedding photographer:
Are colored and black and whites included, or would he charge extra for B/W? Dramatic effects can be made with black and white photographs, so ask if this is a premium.
Are hand and digital coloring or digital color separation included in the package or would he charge extra for these? Better pictures are developed when the photograph colors are separated first, improved, and then printed.
What kinds of cameras does he use? Does he use medium format equipment and have a back up? Does have a “leaf” shutter or “focal plane”?
What lenses does he use? Does he use only one, or will he change lenses? Make him show you photo effects that he is able to achieve with different lenses and choose the ones which you like to appear with your photographs.
Is he willing to customize a package that is within your budget?
Asking intelligent questions will encourage photographers to deal openly with customers. Remember, its your special day, and you should make sure that the wedding photography is something that will help you and your loved ones relive those wonderful memories.
Interesting Wedding Night Rituals from Around The World
December 8, 2008
Weddings are occasions of lasting traditions and rituals. All over the world, peoples beliefs, culture and history has affected this memorable event. It is common knowledge that wedding ceremonies are different all over the world, but did you know that the diversity extends even on the wedding night? Read this to know the interesting activities that couples, families and friends do before letting the newlyweds reach a night of wedding bliss!
It is customary in an American wedding for the bride and groom to hop into a get-away car with tin cans attached to the rear of the car, off to their secret honeymoon, immediately after the wedding. Did you know that this rooted from escaping a Celtic wedding night tradition?
In Gaelic cultures, it was a tradition for friends and family of the couple to mess with the couples wedding night. In the olden days, when couples spend their wedding night in a barn, girl friends of the bride would dress her for bed and ask each of the male guests to kiss her good night. The friends would do other things to prevent the groom from seeing her new wife. Even if the couple finally comes together, they would disturb the union by making noise outside the barn and even peep into the couple, while drinking the night away. The couple waits for everyone to get too drunk to eventually leave them alone. This kind of prank is something that newly weds want to get away from, thus, they keep their honeymoon destination a secret and speed away after the wedding.
More Celtic wedding night ritual come from Scotland: sleeping in the barn on the first night, sprinkling water on the marriage bed for luck and staying for a week with the bride’s parents before moving into the newlyweds home.
The Germans and the French do a similar tradition of disturbing the wedding night, called Chiverie, known in the US as Shivaree. They make noise outside the place where the couple spends their first night together. Some even play around with the room where they will stay, like put plenty of balloons, spread food all over the bed, and hide alarm clock everywhere, just for fun.
The Romans believed that it was bad fortune when the bride stumbles when entering the newlyweds house for the first time. Thus, after the wedding, male friends of the couple would carry her over the doorstep. At present, the groom is expected to do the job himself.
In Benin, western Africa, they value virginity. The brides mother rewards her with cash if shes a virgin at their wedding night! In the morning, the sheets that the couples used are inspected for bloodstains. Some mothers even “fly the flag” out the window, showing off their daughter’s bloodstained nightgown. Seriously!
For the Chinese, at the night of the wedding, candles designed with a phoenix and a dragon is lit to drive the evil spirit away. The newlyweds will drink wine from goblets tied together with a red ribbon, while arms intertwined. Then the bride will be given half-raw dumplings, which symbolize prosperity.
Marquesasian (from Polynesia) brides have a notable wedding night ritual: they are expected to have sex with all the male guests and then saving the groom for last. Now that can make your wedding night extremely unforgettable!
How to Select the Proper Wedding Music
November 25, 2008
So you’ve exchanged vows, and have said your ‘I do’s, now it’s time to head out to the reception and party like you’ve never partied before. If you want live music playing in your reception, then you would want to hire a live band. But first, you must check with people that rent the venue where you’re going to hold your reception, to see what type of live music they allow. Some venues have stringent restrictions when it comes to live music.
The type of music that you choose to play in your wedding should be an expression of both the bride and groom’s personality, personal taste, and the overall theme of the wedding.
It’s very important to select the right music, because the music will become a pervading presence all through out the wedding, and right down to the reception. Music creates an atmosphere. It will set the mood of your wedding.
During the wedding itself, the choice of music usually depends on the wedding. Most church ceremonies don’t allow secular music. They stick to more traditional, or religious music. A man and a woman duet is usually sung during the ceremony. A church organist usually provides the majority of the music.
For the reception, the bride and groom has a choice of recorded music, or live music. If you opt for recorded music, it would be best to hire the services of a DJ. The best thing about this, is you can request to have all of your favorite songs in the playlist. Ask your friends if they know any good DJs that are willing to play for wedding receptions. If they don’t know any, you could always just search the yellow pages, internet, or even contact your local radio station.
Once you’ve settled on a DJ, have a one-on-one discussion with the DJ. Just to explain what type of entertainment and mood you want to have during the reception. Also discuss, the selection of music that you have in mind. Ask if the DJ’s familiar with wedding protocol. If not, you might want to brief the DJ first about the sensibility of the event.
On the other hand, choosing live music offers you a choice of hiring a band, soloist, instrumentalists, jazz group, etc. It all depends on what kind of theme you have in mind for you wedding.
For more formal weddings, classical groups, piano soloists, and instrumentalists are more appropriate. It would not be a bad idea, to also consider the sensibilities of your guests, to ensure that everyone has a good time!
If you want to have a rocking good time for the reception of your wedding, then hiring a band is the way to go! The energy of a live band gets people going. There’s nothing else that spells a rocking good time better, than a rock and roll band.
Before hiring a band, ask them if you could listen to their music first. This will help you decide if that particular band is just right for you. Also discuss, if the band will do emcee duties, as well as provide the music.
It’s best to hire a band that has had previous experience with wedding receptions. This way, they’d know what to expect, and will be able to provide the proper entertainment that’s fitting for the occasion.
You always want to keep the music going, so include some background music even when the meals are being served, or when the bride and groom are doing their rounds of greeting, having their pictures taken, etc. This will also maintenance the atmosphere of the wedding all through out the reception. So choose wisely, because your choice of music can make or break this occasion!