Choosing Your Wedding Reception Entertainment

Although the actual wedding ceremony may be the star of the show, your reception is an important part of your big day that will last for generations in photographs and memories.  The reception offers a chance for your guests to relax and enjoy themselves, surrounding you with support.  Choosing the right entertainment can greatly enhance your entire wedding day, adding to your current atmosphere and theme and giving everybody a chance to socialize.

According to a BRIDES American Wedding Study, during 2011, 36% of total wedding costs were channeled into receptions.  Depending on your tastes, you might spend less or more.  Sometimes the most suitable entertainment is not the most expensive.  In 2003, the St. Louis Bride & Groom Magazine polled recent brides and found that 78% wished they had spent more time and energy choosing reception entertainment.  Remembering the following five tips will ensure that you do not have any regrets after your wedding reception is over.

1. Interview. Whether you go with a DJ, live music or any other option, the people who provide your entertainment will be sharing a very important day with you.  It is essential to find people who will respect your wishes and actively work with you to create the best possible reception.  Interview potential entertainers to find someone who seems friendly and professional, even if it means spending extra time finding the right entertainment.

2. Think about your guest list. The reception is an excellent way to thank your guests for the generosity and support they have shown.  While your wedding day is about you and your new spouse, take some time to make sure everybody is happy or comfortable.  Schedule a variety of songs that will give everybody a chance to dance, rather than focusing on one genre.  If you will have a lot of elderly relatives present or if you know your guests will prefer conversation, aim for more casual background music rather than energetic or loud entertainment.  If there are children present, see if your band or DJ can offer occasional entertainment for a younger crowd.

3. Remember your budget. Cash back credit cards offer a simple and effective way to earn a little back from your entertainment costs, so discuss different payment options early.  If you know friends, family members, coworkers or acquaintances who are skilled performers, you may be able to cut costs by working with people you already know. Choose the entertainment package that works for your budget, without unnecessary extras.

4. Consider your venue. If you have a smaller area reserved for your reception, fitting a large band into the venue will be difficult.  If your venue is very large, however, guests might wander and end up missing the music.  Try to adapt the entertainment to your setting.  A DJ may be more suitable for a small, personal gathering in a compact space, while a full band and extra entertainment such as photo booths, fill up a large space and make the reception feel more exciting.

5. Match the entertainment to the theme. For a classy, formal wedding, a string quartet provides a classical atmosphere and puts everyone in the right mood.  For a quirky, close-knit event with lots of personal details, get creative.  Hire a group of professional dancers for a fun private performance or hire an artist to paint caricatures.

Today’s guest blog was written by Ashyia Hill from CreditDonkey, which helps consumers find credit card deals.  Remember, cash back credit cards offer a simple and effective way to earn a little cash back from your reception’s entertainment cost.  Keep a checklist of the different considerations including budget, venue, atmosphere and more. Start looking for entertainment early, instead of saving it until the last minute.  By planning ahead and considering all the different aspects, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable reception that will do your ceremony justice.