What music will my guests like at my event? A question asked of many people when they are planning a special event for family, friends or even co-workers. The answer isn’t always clear. Music is a powerful way to communicate emotion and inspire action – so it makes sense that some types of music should be chosen for an event over others.
If you’re inviting guests to your wedding, what type of music will they want to hear? Will they prefer classical or jazz? If your budget doesn’t allow for hiring a pianist or a string quartet, will you be able to hire other types of performers, such as a dance troupe, an opera group or a band from your local town? Some types of entertainment are better suited for larger events like Weddings, graduations, concerts and other large gatherings where the audience may be much larger than the size of the event. If your budget simply won’t allow for hiring professional entertainers, there are other options available to you, such as renting a dance studio and having a number of your guests take lessons.
If you’re planning a concert at a local hall, such as the church or another venue, how do you determine what type of music to play? Are there certain types of music that have been popular or are favorites of certain audiences? For example, if you’re planning a children’s musical event, are there children who will appreciate the beauty of Broadway or a concert with classical elements? Will some of your guests (or their parents) prefer jazz or rock to classical music?
What type of music should you choose for an outdoor event? Consider the season. Is the temperature expected to be very warm? Would your guests prefer something soft and romantic or a more energetic type of music? An outdoor concert would be a great choice during the fall and winter months when the temperatures may be freezing. The temperature during springtime or summer can become very warm and uncomfortable for a variety of guests.
What genres do you typically hear at an event? Some events incorporate several different genres, while others tend to stick to one particular genre. An event such as a wedding would most likely incorporate some form of traditional music as well as some modern selections.
What is the level of professionalism of the musicians performing? How well prepared are they for the concert? Do they have the proper lighting and equipment? Does the musician understand the special aspects involved with lighting and sound? A professional guitarist won’t mind playing in the dark – it’s part of their job.
What type of entertainment am I hiring? Will my guests enjoy the DJ? Are they going to be comfortable dancing to a recorded piece? Are they going to feel comfortable sitting on the couch and watching the live band perform? Professional entertainment provides an atmosphere that is enjoyable for all of the attendees.
Music is one of the key elements to any event – whether it’s a concert, wedding reception or any other type of event. The first question that people should ask themselves when they are planning an event is “What music will the guests like?” Keep these above questions in mind as you plan your next concert.
Another important question is “Who is playing?” Are they a popular local band or a new band that hasn’t had an entire album released yet? Will the crowd enjoy the music or is it very loud and hard to hear? If the band is new, they may not have performed at all in the past. What impression does the audience have of them? A good concert goer will be happy to share their opinions with you.
What other music should I have at the concert or do I need to rent some equipment? Sometimes, you just don’t want to be left without any music at an event – music makes or breaks an event. Will you need to rent some instruments or can you simply rent a few pieces of equipment that you don’t need?
What are the costs? Usually, venues charge an admission fee to allow people into the building and sometimes they will have a cover charge if they are open for performances. You could always offer to cover these fees. Other expenses you should include are things like lighting, sound and lighting equipment, tables, chairs and lighting for your show, lighting for your stage, video/DVD rental and entertainment. This all depends on the size of your event and how much equipment you will need to run it properly.
