It’s time for the next installment in the WEDDING series on the blog. We’ve already talked about Bridesmaids Dresses, Wedding ring selection and Save the Dates. Today let’s talk about selecting the best entertainment for your wedding reception (or any party).
Happy Monday and Happy President’s Day! Yes, I will have a few SALE alerts for you at the bottom of this post. Congratulations to JENNIFER BRADY. She is the winner of the February surprise box giveaway that I talked about here. Did you participate? All you have to do is start leaving comments on the blog and you might win.
OK let’s talk about the part of the wedding reception that is pivotal in party planning – the entertainment. Whether you are picking a piano player, a DJ or a full band, it is key that you deal with a professional entertainment company. We are using Absolute Entertainment and have been so pleased.
When Taylor and Jeff got engaged and we locked the date, one of the first calls I made about entertainment was to my dear friend Gary Osier. Gary is a talent booker who is one of the best people in the business. When I chaired the Junior League of Dallas Ball he secured The Commodores for me. When I chaired the Cattle Baron’s Ball he booked Sugarland for the main stage and Pat Green as the warm up band. The point is, he knows what he is doing! Gary gave me some sound advice (pardon the pun). He said you want a band that can help you get all that traditional wedding stuff done efficiently and in a timely manner and then let them cut loose and party. He also told me to call Dave at Absolute Entertainment because he knows exactly what we will need. You’ve never seen me speed dial so fast!
The key to a good party band is the make-up of the band members. You want a fantastic, charismatic singer with back up singers, base, guitar, at least 3 horns and drums. Questions to consider about any entertainer you hire: How long have they played together? What is their dress code? What is their playlist capability? What’s your budget? These are all questions you need to ask before booking a band. Let’s face it, entertainment is expensive and can make or break your party.
One of the things I requested when I got my selection down to the final band was to hear them play live. You can also ask to see them on video if you don’t have time to attend a performance. For me, it was key to see their vibe in person. Pete and I casually popped in to a wedding reception (with permission) and listened to the band we were considering for 15 minutes. Watch how the crowd is reacting to them. Is the dance floor full? Are people really responding? If so, that’s the sign of a great party band. Book them!
Dave and his team at Absolute Entertainment are so helpful from start to finish. They handle everything. The band comes “turn-key” meaning you don’t have to worry about generators, electrical details, instruments, microphones and technical things that none of us are experts at. They make it so easy and they only thing you will need is your song selection list.
Do you have a special event, party or wedding coming up? I highly recommend Absolute Entertainment for all your needs. Give them a ring at 214-871-9900.
Do you have a favorite band? Leave a comment with your suggestion. xoxo – Tanya
P.S. SALE ALERT Be sure to check out the fantastic winter SALE happening at Nordstrom. 40% OFF! This wool coat is a steal, this Coach bag is a fantastic deal, these booties that have been featured on here before are now on sale and you an even snag some great beauty products!
This post done in collaboration with Absolutely Entertainment. All selections and opinions are my own.
That’s a good idea to hear the band play live before you hire them. That way you could hear what they sound like before you spend a lot of money to hire them. It would be bad if you had to pay for a band that doesn’t sound very good. I’ll have to make sure that I go see a band before I hire them.