6 Surprisingly simple tips for successfully renovating your home

Ask friends and family members for recommendations on ceremony musicians and reception DJs and bands from weddings they’ve recently attended. There’s nothing like a wedding guest to give you an unbiased point of view — find out who was on the dance floor and who wasn’t.

Whom you hire depends on where you’ll marry. You can’t really have string instruments on the beach or your violinist might be drowned out by the crashing waves. Similarly, a classic formal event will lend itself to big-band sounds.

Whom you hire depends on where you’ll marry. You can’t really have string instruments on the beach or your violinist might be drowned out by the crashing waves. Similarly, a classic formal event will lend itself to big-band sounds.

It’s absolutely necessary to see and hear your musicians before you book them: Prior to signing any papers be sure to ask for a videotape and/or sample, or if you can, see them perform live.

It’s absolutely necessary to see and hear your musicians before you book them: Prior to signing any papers be sure to ask for a videotape and/or sample.

Bands and DJs are typically hired for four hours, but if you think your reception might last longer, consider booking them for five hours. If you spontaneously decide to have them stay longer, you could incur steep overtime fees.

Bands and DJs are typically hired for four hours, but if you think your reception might last longer, consider booking them for five hours.

Probably more important than your “play” list — make your DJ or band swear up and down that they will follow it no matter how much cash Aunt Milly is waving.

You must get everything in writing! This includes the names and contact information of your performers; the wedding date and location.

Bands and DJs are typically hired for four hours, but if you think your reception might last longer, consider booking them for five hours. If you spontaneously decide to have them stay longer, you could incur steep overtime fees.

Sure, you’ve got your first-dance song settled; and you’ve always wanted to dance with your dad to “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder.

Bands and DJs are typically hired for four hours, but if you think your reception might last longer, consider booking them for five hours. If you spontaneously decide to have them stay longer, you could incur steep overtime fees.

Probably more important than your “play” list — make your DJ or band swear up and down that they will follow it no matter how much cash Aunt Milly is waving.

While you’re dancing, whisper soothing things to each other and keep each other grounded, because your adrenaline is going to be going so fast. Also, make sure videographers and photographers.

While you’re dancing, whisper soothing things to each other and keep each other grounded, because your adrenaline is going to be going so fast. Also, make sure videographers and photographers stay off.

Probably more important than your “play” list — make your DJ or band swear up and down that they will follow it no matter how much cash Aunt Milly is waving.

If you’re using a prerecorded CD for your first-dance song, write down the name of the song and track number for the person in charge of hitting play. Or, better yet, make everyone’s life easier and copy the song on a blank CD so there’s no mistake.

Don’t forget to talk to your DJ or bandleader about what he (and/or the group) plans on wearing for your event. Divas in mini skirts may worry your grandma.

Don’t forget to talk to your DJ or bandleader about what he (and/or the group) plans on wearing for your event. Divas in mini skirts may worry your grandma.

If you’re using a prerecorded CD for your first-dance song, write down the name of the song and track number for the person in charge of hitting play. Or, better yet, make everyone’s life easier and copy the song on a blank CD so there’s no mistake.