In college, figuring out music for your party was as easy as picking a playlist on your MP3 player. But when you’re planning your wedding, it can be more complicated than choosing a menu. Between string quartets, cover bands, and DJs, determining the entertainment appropriate for your event – and how to pay for it – is sometimes like muddling through a Chopin mazurka in your first piano lesson. But have no fear – the band will play on if you follow our seven tips for saving on your wedding music!

Hire a limited engagement. If you simply can’t do without your town’s cover band of the moment but an entire night of live music won’t jive with your budget, then see if they are willing to play just one set during your reception. You can bookend their appearance with a DJ or a playlist on your MP3 player, and you can advertise the evening’s headliner to your guests ahead of time.

Take your reception for a spin. Hiring a DJ is generally cheaper than hiring a live band for your wedding, and they often serve a dual purpose: playing music and performing emcee duties for the night. If the vibe of your wedding can accommodate what’s considered to be a more casual entertainment option, then a DJ is a great way to trim costs.

Trim instruments. A 12-person band will be more expensive than a four-person one, but a smaller headcount doesn’t translate to inferior quality. A guitar solo can be a beautiful way to accompany those special moments at the ceremony, and a smaller band may be just the thing for your intimate reception setting.

Beware of overtime charges. Many wedding entertainment options can be hired for a certain block of time but charge at steeper rates if that time frame is surpassed. Be on the safe side and book your band or DJ for an additional hour beyond when you think you might need them, just in case your guests call for an encore.

via philly.com.

Useful links:
Wedding Music Italy
Wedding Bands Italy