Wedding Entertainment Explained (Weddings 101)
Wedding Ceremony
AV Live can provide the music and microphones for your wedding ceremony, whether or not it is at the same location as the reception. We will take care of working through the music selecetion and making sure we have the right song for the right moment in the ceremony. We will even supply a microphone for the officiant of the ceremony.
Typically, background music will be playing as your guests arrive and are seated for the Prelude to the ceremony. After everyone has arrived and the ceremony is to begin, a Processional song is played for the family and wedding party to take their places. Then we play a Bridal Processional song for her grand entrance and walk down the isle. We can also play music during the Unity Candle and for the Recessional. We have even played instrumental backgrounds with live musicians including Violinists and Harpists.
Wedding Reception
Cocktail Hour - If you're having a cocktail hour, the wedding attendees will either meet for drinks and Hors D'oeuvres in the function room that the reception is being held, or a separate one. If desired, AV Live can provide music for your cocktail hour.
Cocktail Hour music can range from classical, to soft rock, to jazz, or even adult contemporary. We often get complements on our cocktail music.
Grand Entrance - After the cocktail hour, wedding guests usually take their seats, awaiting the arrival and introduction of the wedding party. The Grand Entrance is the big introduction of you and the members of the wedding party usually set to music. AV Live will make sure that everyone is lined up in order and knows where they are going as they're introduced.
Dinner Music - We recommend that the dinner music be as low key and non-interruptive as possible. The most important thing with dinner music is that it keeps the ambiance and energy of the room at a relaxed yet festive level. We will monitor sound levels during the dinner, so that your guests can enjoy each other's conversation.
Toasts - Generally, one or more members of your wedding party, such as the Best Man or Maid of Honor, will offer a toast. The sentiment expressed is usually one that imparts best wishes, and hopes of health and happiness. More times than not a great comical memory that shows your good character.
Cake Cutting - Another enjoyable tradition during your reception is the time that you get to cut the cake. For the cake cutting, we can play it low key by simply making an announcement or upbeat by playing some music and encouraging some mischief.
Slide Show - A "new" tradition that is gaining popularity to play a slide show of your history. Most commonly showing photos and video clips of your youth up to current times and then even some photos of you as a couple. Perhaps, your first few dates or exciting travels. All of this can be set to music and save to a DVD. AV Live has produced many of these slide shows and would be glad to build yours for you.
First Dance - Your first dance as husband and wife is typically a song of significant sentimental value. You might have a song that is "your" song. However, if you don't have a specific song in mind, we can provide a list of suggestions.
You can customize your First Dance with any number of different options. You can elect to have the crowd form a circle around the dance floor, so that you can capture the moment as you observe all of your guests witnessing the special moment as you are. You can have your wedding party, or your parents join half way through if you want.
Parents Dances - Though every family situation is unique, most couples elect to have the bride share a dance with her father and have the groom share a dance with his mother. Certain situations may warrant sharing a dance with a stepparent or other surrogate figure. You may even elect to have the Mother/Son and Bride/Father dances done together. Or you may simply choose to forego this all together.
Bouquet Toss - The Bouquet Toss is a fun part of the event for the single ladies in attendance. Typically, we will have all the single ladies line up behind you, while playing a song for the ladies. We've been known to get your new husband to give us a hand too.
Garter Toss - The garter removal can be done may different ways. Some like it hot some like it funny and some keep it low key. Whatever you're looking for we will do it that way. Next, we invite all of the single gentlemen to the dance floor for actual the toss. Much like we do for the ladies for the Bouquet Toss, we'll play a song for the guys, and the Groom will toss the garter, to be caught by a lucky guy.
Depending on your crowd and the nature of the folks who happen to be the lucky catchers of the bouquet and garter, you may opt to do a couple of additional activities including having the gentleman who caught the garter dress it upon the lady who caught the bouquet; or have a separate dance for them.
Dollar Dance - Often times, there are folks who wish to share a dance with the Bride and Groom at their reception. To give these folks a chance, we can set up this optional event. The Maid of Honor and Best Man will collect money from the folks who would like to dance. Typically this will go on for 3 or 4 slower songs.
The Dance - After the formal dances are finished, we will "officially open up the dance floor" to the rest of the guests. We will take the requests or not or even screen requests. All of this is up to your preference. We do not have a "standard" set of music. Every dance is different. Of course, we often play all the fun, friendly, and familiar tunes that you are used to hearing.
Last Dance - For the last dance of the evening, you can select a song that has meaning for you. Or, we can close with a number of different tunes. We even have a signature "surprise" close that works really well. Of course, it is a surprise... even for you.
At AV Live You're The Boss - When it comes to planning your reception, the ideas and options you can have to make it your own are truly limitless. You have the flexibility to customize and personalize as much or as little as you want. As this information sheet has documented many of the traditional formalities, your tastes and your desires will dictate what formalities you choose to do. Some folks may not want to do a Bouquet and Garter formality. Others may only want a simple Grand Introduction. No matter what the preference, we will help you make it your own.