Wedding Reception Entertainment Planning Tips

Long after the honeymoon is over, you and your families will remember the music that made your wedding reception special. The Sentimental Journey Orchestra sets your reception apart from most others with classic romantic melodies that everyone loves as well as show and swing tunes that complement the celebration.

Following, are some frequently asked questions about weddings and receptions.

Why is live music important? Wouldn't a DJ be less expensive?

Think about it. Some of the least memorable moments of your life have been spent at wedding receptions with DJ's providing the music. The variety is there, but usually there is also a loud booming sound system used to enable the DJ to scream at the audience with a fake sense of excitement. Yes, a DJ is less expensive, and looks that way, and sounds that way. With live music, the excitement is real and immediate, and the memory of your event will stand the test of a lifetime. When you are creating memories for the rest of your life, live music isn't really very expensive.

The vitality of live music, combined with the visual and visceral excitement of a big band will make your wedding event the one that is remembered for all the right reasons. We invite you to read a few e-mails from some recent clients:

May, 2006

Hello, Henry!

The SJO made our May 2006 wedding the classy event we were shooting for. We couldn't have been more pleased with their performance. All of our guests were "wowed" by the band, and talked about them for weeks after our wedding! The band learned "Pick Up the Pieces" for our cake cutting, and they were fantastic. Henry Mason is very easy to work with, and I would recommend the SJO in a heartbeat.

Todd and Nicole Fantz

Good Morning Henry,

Thank you for your kind words and let me tell you again how much I enjoyed working with SJO. You all made a great impression on the guests and myself. Thank you again for everything!

I do hope we'll have the chance to work together in the future!

Susan

Susan Graham
Bella Sera Event Design and Management
678.488.0170

(The SJO has worked with many wedding planners and this lady is one of the BEST!)

September 23, 2003
The SJO,

I wanted to take this opportunity to share the thanks of Kelly & Mike and add my personal thanks for making her wedding reception such an incredible experience. I could not begin to count how many people told me what a fantastic band you were! Even now, I'm still getting such glowing reports. As I mentioned to you in person, there were several musicians in the audience, so their praises were the proverbial "icing on the cake"! Your selections, your stage presence, and beautiful playing (and singing) were truly a three-hour treat!

I also wanted to again thank you for allowing me the opportunity to play my surprise "Funny Valentine" sax solo. You were correct when you said Kelly appreciated that "more than I would know". She has already mentioned it several times since! It showed off your flexibility which was evident with the cake-cutting, toasts, and other usual reception activities. You were truly the perfect band for us.

Please feel free to give my name and number to anyone seeking a band for any occasion, but especially a wedding reception. Your musical appeal to all ages is a forte'. Why anyone would hire a 'disc jockey' when you are available, is beyond me. Thank you again for the entire experience before and during the performance.

Sincerely,

Bill Cartus

Hello SJO,

My husband, Andy Woodman and I, Meridith (Keller) Woodman had the pleasure to see the SJO again this past Saturday at our friends wedding -Bryan & Shelley Weinlein! ... We were married on April 10, 1999 and you all played at our reception at Callanwolde! The most magical night of our lives!!

It was wonderful to see you all again and dance our song - "Fly Me to the Moon"!! Bryan was a groomsman in our wedding and he loved you guys so much that he wanted you to play at his wedding! It brought back such truly beautiful and happy memories for us to dance to your beautiful music - special thanks to Steve for wishing us a happy 3 year anniversary and dedicating our song to us!

You all helped to make our wedding day truly magical and the most blessed day of our lives! We would love to see the SJO again soon and dance to that gorgeous music! Please put us on your email distribution and let us know when you will be playing next. We know that you used to play once a month - are you still doing this?

Stay well and thanks truly for the wonderful and cherished memories - this past Saturday too!

Meridith & Andy Woodman

How long should my reception last?

The greatest majority of wedding parties that we do are contracted for 3 hours. The first hour will be taken up by the band entertaining your guests while you are finishing up with pictures.

The second hour is for the important and memorable moments like the bride's first dance, the bride's dance with her father and the all important cutting of the cake.

The third hour is a "wind down" time from a very long day for all concerned. It's a good time to gently close the bar, get designated drivers assigned and provides a chance to socialize with your well wishing friends before you toss the garter and ESCAPE!

We would also suggest that you plan toasts, speeches and the like to take place during our two intermissions. This allows you to take maximum advantage of the planned playing time of 45 minute sets, followed by the customary 15 minute intermissions!

I plan a traditional reception with many well known wedding conventions, how would your music fit into our plans?

We'll make every effort to accommodate your wishes by providing music for many wedding customs. Here are a few of the usual customs which we encounter most often:

Bride and Groom entrance into reception.

Wedding couple's first dance as Mr. and Mrs.

Bride's dance with father and/or father-in-law.

Groom's dance with mother and/or mother-in-law.

Fanfare for Cake Cutting

Drumroll/fanfare for garter and/or bouquet throw!
We also can provide special music for ethnic traditions if needed.

Do you have suggested songs for the First Dance?

Among the most requested slow tunes that have stood the test of time are: Glenn Miller's "Moonlight Serenade", Hoagy Carmichaels's "Star Dust," or "The Nearness of You." We've also had requests for more up-tempo tunes, such as: "The Best is Yet to Come", "Fly Me to the Moon" or "The Way You Look Tonight".

These are a just a few among hundreds. If you wish special music, we can obtain or arrange most any special tune. There may be a charge for custom arrangement of a relatively obscure song, but usually we can find the tunes you want.

Will you hold a date while I decide on the music?

We will take an "inquiry" on your date and put a hold on it until you call to confirm and arrange for a formal contract. However, if we receive another request for the un-contracted date you have chosen, we will call you immediately. At that point, a decision will be needed along with a deposit and signed contract if you wish us to commit that date to your use. It is also a good idea to reserve the date as soon as you book a hall for your reception. Remember, particularly in the Spring and Summer, there are many weddings and desirable venues can sometimes be hard to find.

You too can have beautiful memories!
Call or E-mail today to reserve your date.

770-279-B-A-N-D or 770-279-2263

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