Choosing Wedding Music

For those looking for wedding DJs in Denver Colorado and beyond, we want to offer you a few pointers that will help you when it comes time to make your wedding reception playlist. Choosing music isn't always easy, and there's plenty to think about. You have multiple options when you come to this stage of wedding planning, and we've outlined them below.

1) Do nothing, allowing your wedding DJ to choose all the music.This is fine if you have seen us before and know you will like our selections, or if you do not have the time to choose music. The DJs at A Music Plus are at events every week and can quickly determine the kind of music that you and your guests will enjoy. Additionally, our DJs bring a wide variety of all styles of popular music so that they can adjust to your preferences and those of your guests accordingly.

2) Choose a few songs and/or artists you most enjoy. This is what most clients choose to do. This gives your wedding DJ a clear indication of some of the music that is important to you, while allowing them to take guest requests and play songs that they know from experience will please your guests.

3) Choose several songs and artists and identify a list of "Do Not Play" songs and/or artists, as well as possibly forbidding the playing of guest requests. If you have the time and inclination, this option gives you more control of the music played at your event. While more time consuming on your end, it can help you feel that you have more say in what is or is not played.

4) Provide a list of music choices for your wedding DJ, requiring that only songs on that list be played unless you specify otherwise at the event. This option ensures that you will not hear a song at your event that you have not approved, but is somewhat restrictive and eliminates guest choices as an option for the DJ.

5) Create the list of music you want played, in order, and require that your wedding disc jockey stick to it. While we will happily do this for you, it is not recommended. Making such a list requires a great deal of time and effort on your part. Additionally, it cannot account for or allow flexibility for what may be happening at your event at any given time.

Good luck, and have a great reception!

A Music Plus
Denver Disc Jockeys
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Wedding DJs Pt. II

Of all the Denver disc jockeys out there, we obviously think we're the best. But when it comes to choosing entertainment for your reception, it's up to you to decide which dj will make your wedding fun. To help you make this very important decision, here are four questions you should ask yourself when choosing your wedding dj.

How important is it to you that your guests dance?
This is a huge issue at wedding receptions. We sometimes get clients whose primary concern in selecting music is to demonstrate to their friends and families how eclectic or eccentric their music tastes have become. While we will certainly help them accomplish that goal, we try to warn them not to be shocked if most of their guests don't recognize the music and, therefore, choose not to dance. Again, we make no judgment here as to this being right or wrong, it is just how it is. Most people tend to dance when they feel comfortable, and that usually requires recognizing the music.

What if the DJ is off track with music selection at our event?
We at A Music Plus think of performing at an event much like waiting tables in a fine restaurant. A great DJ will do their best to provide exactly what you want, but they cannot know you want something different unless you say so. If your soup is cold, the finest waiter will not know unless you tell him. If you want the music selection at any particular time tweaked, tell the DJ so they can adjust.

Do we have to hear the same old songs that we hear at most weddings?
Of course not. This is your day and you should have total control of the music played. On the other hand, songs that fall under the category of “popular music” are called "popular" for a reason. Popular songs like YMCA, Loveshack, the Electric Slide, for instance...these are songs that make some people cringe, while others flock to the dance floor. You need to decide what matters most. If hearing a particular song or artist will irk you at your event, you should tell us in advance. If you'll be too busy visiting with guests to notice or care, and the song has your guests dancing end enjoying themselves, then you might be best served to not worry about it.

Should we allow the DJ to take guests requests?
This is up to you. We cannot possibly know you and your guests as well as you do. Sometimes guests come up with some good and fun ideas for music selections. The DJ will always use discretion, anyway, so you shouldn't worry about your wedding DJ playing inappropriate songs. Unless you are concerned about the music your guests might request, or you want the DJ to play from your list only, it is generally okay to let guests make requests.


A Music Plus
Colorado Disc Jockeys
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Wedding DJs Pt. I

Music preferences are so personal that we make no attempt at A Music Plus to determine what is "good" music or "bad" music. The kind of music you like is up to you...not up to your wedding disc jockey. I think that's what sets us apart from other wedding djs in Denver Colorado!

Unlike the other djs you may have met, we do not try to educate our clients about music. We only play the music that our clients ask to hear. With their permission and only with their express permission, we will supplement their choices with selections we feel will appropriately compliment their event.

Live bands are generally limited to the songs they carry in their repertoire. With djs, the choices are much more varied. That doesn't necessarily make it any easier on you -- what if your musical tastes are limited? Don't worry about it. Many clients aren't sure what should be played at their event.

First, ask yourself what do you want the music at your event to do? Is the purpose of the music to provide a format for dancing, to provide ambience, to set a mood or enhance the moment? Determining what you want the music to do will help you decide what should be played.

Then, ask yourself how much control you want over your wedding reception playlist. Again, this is up to you, but here's an analogy. You've asked the chef to prepare a wonderful meal for everyone. You've told him/her what you like. Now, do you stand over his/her shoulder and direct the preparation of the food? What spices to use, what temperature to cook the food at, which pots and pans to use, what order to prepare the food in, etc.?

Providing music for dancing is similar. Your wedding dj should know what you like and dislike and try to play music accordingly. But micro-managing the disc jockey at your event tends to take away much of your enjoyment of the party and makes a long night for everybody.

Balance is best -- tell your disc jockey what you absolutely do want to hear and what you absolutely do not want to hear, and let him or her fill in the rest. We can't vouch for the other Colorado disc jockeys out there, but we here at A Music Plus will always abide by your wishes!

A Music Plus

Denver Wedding Disc Jockeys

http://www.amusicplus.com/

Wedding DJs Keep It Moving

Your wedding DJ will do more than just spin tunes as your wedding guests dance the night away. He or she will set the tone for the entire event, because it's the wedding DJ who orchestrates the shifts in mood and tone using music. Whether you like swing, funk, or contemporary pop, the order of your wedding music can make or break your reception. The wedding DJ chooses songs that compliment the events taking place at the wedding and help keep the party flowing.

Here are some suggestions we think make a wedding reception perfect based on our years of experience.

For the Grand Entrance
The guests are assembled at the wedding reception venue and eagerly awaiting the arrival of the newly married couple. When the wedding DJ announces the arrival of the bride and groom at the wedding reception, there's electricity in the air. Your wedding disc jockey can help you choose a song that's dramatic or fun, like:

Bittersweet Symphony, The Verve
Celebration, Kool and the Gang
Let's Get it Started, the Black Eyes Peas

For Cutting the Cake
When the wedding disc jockey announces the cake cutting, he can play a traditional song or something more tongue-in-cheek. Some fun choices include:

How Sweet it Is, James Taylor
Pour Some Sugar on Me, Def Leppard
The Sweetest Thing, U2

For Throwing the Bouquet
When the single ladies gather to catch the bouquet, it's all about having fun. Not all couples opt for the bouquet throwing (or the garter toss, for that matter), but for those that do, the following songs fit nicely:

It's Raining Men, Weather Girls
Girls, Girls, Girls, Motley Crue
Hey Ladies, Beastie Boys

Tossing the Garter
Not all brides wear a garter and some find this ritual a tad offensive, but some brides take part in this ritual just so the groom can remove it and toss it to the single male guests. If you choose to have a garter toss during your wedding reception, some fun songs to play include:

You Can Leave Your Hat On, Joe Cocker
The Stripper, David Rose Orchestra
She's Got Legs, ZZ Top

For the Last Dance and Your Exit
All good things must come to an end, including your reception. You can let the wedding DJ wind down with a slow song or end on an energetic note. Popular last dance songs include:

Last Dance, Donna Summer
We are Family, Sister Sledge
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life), Green Day

You may or may not take part in all of these events depending on the tone of your wedding reception, but you'll be able to relax and enjoy yourself knowing that your wedding DJ is keeping the party moving and playing the right soundtrack to your important day. Isn't it worth it knowing you have one less thing to worry about?


A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Wedding Planning Advice from A Music Plus, Denver's Foremost Wedding Disc Jockey

Wedding Planning Checklist

One of the many things that you have to decide on when planning your wedding in Denver, or in the Colorado mountains, is choosing a wedding reception site. There are hundreds of wedding reception sites in the Denver area and chosing the right wedding reception site can be overwhelming.

In fact, the wedding reception venue is quite a significant part of the whole planning process as a lot of other wedding plans will be dependent on it. To make the decision making easier, here are some vital factors that couples planning to tie the knot should consider:

1. Do you plan to hold the wedding ceremony in the same venue as the reception? If yes, then you don't have to worry about how to bring your guests from the venue to the wedding reception area.

2. Is the place conducive for the theme you plan to set up for your wedding? A beach resort is perfect for a Hawaiian wedding in the same way that a secluded chateau is ideal for a medieval wedding.

3. What time are you planning to hold the wedding reception? Different locations may have varying rates depending on the time and duration of the event.

4. What payment terms does the venue offer? Some couples look for venues that offer installment payment methods, while others opt to pay the whole amount of these accommodations in one lump sum.

5. How many people are you expecting to come? Is it going to be a "for adults" only affair or will there be children allowed as well?

6. Do you need a special place where the couple or some guests may be able to rest and get away from the wedding festivities? Although some venues give one room for free, others may charge you extra for this.

7. Do you want to hire the catering service of the wedding reception venue or do you want to use someone else's services? Other venues also allow you to bring your own liquor and food giving you a big stretch in your budget. You should consider those areas that currently hold liquor licenses if you do plan to serve alcohol. You will want to know the things to discuss with your caterer.

8. Does the wedding reception venue have special gifts or packages such as a free wedding cake or a two-night stay for the couple?

9. Will the parking area be enough for the number of guests that you plan to invite to the wedding?

10. Do they offer contingency plans like tents for outdoor locations when the weather gets gloomy?

Whether you're planning to have a small and intimate wedding or a big, grand celebration, finding the right venue will spell your wedding's success!

Tell us more about your wedding and how we can help. Whether you are looking for the best wedding disc jockeys in Denver or maybe a selection of the best wedding bands in Denver, Colorado, A Music Plus is ready to help.

A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/

Hiring A Disc Jockey in Denver, Colorado: Eleven Things to Ask Your Wedding DJ

Planning a wedding is a whirlwind of making decisions and choosing vendors. It's a busy time, but don't let that stop you from asking potential DJs the following questions:

1. Can I choose my own music?

Your wedding DJ should have a song list that you can choose from. If your song is not on the list, ask the DJ if he can get it or if you can provide it for him to play. He should be open to playing your special songs. By the same token, if there is a song you absolutely despise, you'll need to make this known to the wedding DJ as well. If you hate the Chicken Dance or anything in the country genre, your DJ should steer clear of this type of music.

2. Can you suggest songs?

You'll probably have some favorite songs you'll want played at your reception, which your wedding DJ should be eager to play. The DJ should also be able to make suggestions for music you're not sure about. Perhaps you've known for years what song you'll want to hear during the father/daughter dance, but what about when the cake is being cut? Your wedding DJ can help you make appropriate and clever selections.

3. What is the cost of your services and what do they include?

Find out exactly what you are getting for your money. Are there any hidden fees or taxes not included in the base price? While a few wedding DJs simply play a bit of music in between smoke breaks, you'll probably want a wedding DJ that acts as an emcee, warming up your guests and keeping the events of the day moving. The emcee, also known as the master of ceremonies or M.C., can keep the party moving along by adhering to a schedule of events.

4. What contingencies do you have if a piece of equipment fails?

While you want your day to be perfect in every way, there's a chance that something could go wrong. It could be something small like a missing corsage, or something a much bigger. There's an old saying that, "If you plan for the worse, the best will happen." If the wedding DJs equipment fails, does he have a contingency plan?

5. What happens when you're on break?

Chances are, your wedding DJ will be working for at least four hours. He may take a break. Find out what your guests will be listening to if the DJ needs to take a quick break. Silence may not be golden. Ask if he can put automatic music on during breaks. And be sure to have this in the contract.

6. What will you wear?

If your wedding is a black tie event, you might not want the wedding DJ showing up in cargo shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. Clarify the dress code in advance.

7. When do you arrive to set up?

This will be based on when the venue is available, but the DJ should be there between one and two hours beforehand. There should be time for the DJ to become familiar with the venue, set-up, perform a sound check, and to work out any last minute kinks.

8. Do you provide a contract?

A contract protects both you and the wedding DJ. Everything should be spelled out in the contract including total price, dates for deposit and payments, and the number of hours the DJ will provide music at your event. It should spell out exactly how the event will be handled by the DJ.

9. Do you provide references?

You should be able to speak with someone who has used the wedding DJ in the past, and if possible see his work. While a good DJ won't allow you to crash a wedding he's working just to see him "in action," perhaps he'll be working at a public event you can attend.

10. Are you insured?

The wedding DJ should have business liability insurance. Your venue may require it. It protects you if your DJ should damage property or if one of your guests is injured due to contact with the DJ or his equipment.

11. What happens if you are unable to perform DJ duties on the day of my event?

Your wedding DJ should have a replacement on call if an emergency prohibits him from working your event. He should have a contingency plan in place.

A good, professional wedding DJ should not have a problem with you asking plenty of questions. Be sure to do so before you put down your deposit and sign the contract.

A Music Plus
Denver's Wedding Entertainment Specialists
Disc Jockeys, Live Wedding Bands, Event Entertainment Specialists
http://www.amusicplus.com/