What kind of music do you want for your wedding? A soothing string quartet or a rock band or just energetic dance music played by a DJ with a knack for mixing? Chances are you can find any kind of music in today’s wedding market. It all depends on what type of wedding you’re planning, what your guests might like, and what you, the special couple, want for that post-wedding dance.
Bob Gail Orchestras and Entertainment (bobgail.com, 310.202.5200) is a large company serving the greater Los Angeles area for all wedding needs, with all services provided “under one roof.” Company president and CEO Bob Levine says the important thing about a wedding band is that “they have to be very eclectic-that’s the key to a successful wedding. After all, you’re going to have everyone from grandparents to children, so you need a band that can do everything from swing big-band music to hip-hop.”
Bob Gail Entertainment’s catalogue includes musicians of “world-class” caliber, experienced with live performance. Some of the musicians have performed with well-known entertainers like the Eagles and Whitney Houston. Levine also notes that band leaders need to know “how to run the wedding,” in order to work with all the other elements and provide a “seamless evening.”
If you’d rather have a DJ, many wedding entertainment companies provide DJs and sound systems. A big database of DJs is available at Planning.ProDJ.com. Other services include DJs At Your Service (310.614.3031), House Entertainment (310.948.2999), and Hey Mr. DJ (310.591.0988).
For a more offbeat wedding “reception,” maybe you’d like to have karaoke? While karaoke equipment and “KJs” can be rented for any venue, the low-cost alternative is to simply take your wedding guests to a local club that features karaoke. In Santa Monica, karaoke venues include The Cock ‘’ Bull Pub (2947 Lincoln Boulevard, 310.399.9696) and Ye Olde King’s Head (116 Santa Monica Boulevard). The “back room” at the King’s Head can be rented for parties, including weddings-contact Lisa Powers at 310.451.1402.
If you are up to hiring talent on your own, the Los Angeles area abounds with local bands and solo artists who’d be happy to play a gig. Directories such as bizbash.com and wedalert.com list musicians who specialize in weddings and other parties, from harpists to steel drum bands. And you might even know a local band or solo artist who’d like to perform. This of course, is your call-make sure that the musician(s) who perform for your big day are up to snuff.
And what songs are popular right now for weddings? According to Planning.Pro’s Most Requested Songs List, the top requested wedding songs include “At Last” by Etta James (Number One), Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love” (Number 11), and Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight” (Number 16). Number one song for the Bouquet Toss? Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want To Have Fun.” And for the cake cutting-get ready for this-the Archie’s “Sugar Sugar.”
