A wedding is supposed to be memorable for a variety of reasons. Ideally the reception entertainment should be as memorable as the wedding itself. Years later, a reception with a big band entertaining your guests will stand out as a wedding among weddings for all time.
The NC Revelers Orchestra will set your reception apart in the memories of your guests with classic romantic melodies that everyone loves, as well as show and dance 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?
If you have a limited budget and there are corners you must cut then a DJ may provide an answer although if saving money is that much of an issue, programming your favorites into an IPOD might be the way to go. Most DJ's can provide a variety of different sounds and some nice colored lights to look at. Volume levels tend to be near the pain point and prevent conversation causing many of your guests to leave the party early. Many DJ's are fond of mentioning the tremendous variety they can provide with a collections of thousands of recorded tunes. On average you can only play fourteen or so full length tunes in an hour so a collection of thousands of recordings isn't really much of an advantage.
With a DJ you might get to hear Frank or Elvis sing their original songs in a sterile studio situation recorded by 1950's recording equipment but this pales by comparison to hearing a live and very talented singer perform the same tune with a live band and a modern sound system. Also as we mentioned earlier, a DJ sound system tends to prevent human communication because with a DJ "LOUD" is the whole show. Most such weddings follow a predictable path, with half the crowd leaving early and few of the guests remembering much about the entire event a week later. The next step up is the live music of a typical "Wedding Band". Usually this is a generic 5 to 8 piece band that tries to be all things to all tastes. They play a little of this... and a little of that, sometimes well and sometimes badly. They look and sound like every other wedding band you ever heard and again no one remembers them or your reception a few days later. It should also be mentioned that the dress code can sometimes be an issue with some of these bands.... if your wedding party is in tuxes you may not want grundge on stage at your reception.
Live Music IS Important
A live orchestra presents music made by people and the sense of entertainment is immediate and personal. There is interaction with the audience and your guests feel that they are part of the celebration instead of just being spectators. The guests tend to stay around longer as the presentation is ever changing and interesting. Yes a DJ is less expensive, and looks that way, and sounds that way. With live music, the presentation is exciting and the memory of your event will stand for a lifetime.
A word about breaks
Another advantage of live music is the live break. DJ's make a big deal about "continuous music" We believe that the short pause between tunes gives your ears a brief rest and a chance to continue conversation or greet someone without having to yell in their ear. DJ sound tends to prevent human communication and thus kills off one of the major reasons that the reception is held in the first place. It also is freqently unrelenting, with each tune jammed right into the next with no reduction in volume. A wedding reception is supposed to be a memorable celebration where family and friends get together and among other things communicate! It is very hard to do that with a DJ screaming non stop in your ear. Nothing can kill off a fun time any faster.
Band breaks are a positive, not a negative and contribute to a sophisticated, classy atmosphere at your event. Do you really WANT your reception to be three hours of LOUD with no gaps at all without even the slightest respite for your guests or a hint of conversation under the level of a shout. Do you really want to have to yell into the ear of the sister who has flown across the country to be at your wedding? That is why tune breaks and band breaks are important. On our band breaks NCRO will provide an Mp3 player connection to our state of the art sound system which will allow you to continue playing your favorite tunes during our brief intermission if you feel a need to do so. The band break is also the ideal time for short speeches, toasts and the all important cake cutting.
Variety
A Big Band plays to a broad variety of musical tastes with an almost infinite variety of tonal color. While unlikely to be mistaken for a beach band, a big band shuffle can make Carolina Shag fans very happy. Add to that some popular Swing Classics, Waltzes, Latin in all styles and you have an incomparable variety that no DJ or small band can come close to. A big band may not provide much in the way of heavy metal or rap but it should be noted that Rap and Metal can be heard on the radio every day . A big band is special, impressive and different. The music will stand out in your guest's memories long after the last note is played. Weddings are all about memories and a full sized dance orchestra sets your event apart in ways that smaller ensembles simply cannot match.
Impressive
We should point out that a full sized big band is an impressive sight. We bring our own staging which fits us neatly into the same space a normal sized rock band would take up. With our custom music stands and tuxedo clad musicians, a big band does look like Hollywood, Vegas or Manhattan has come to town. If you are pulling out the stops to put on a major event, a full orchestra enhances the atmosphere of "Class Act" in a major way.
How much does all this cost?
The vitality of live music, combined with the visual and aural excitement of a Big Band will make your wedding event the one that is remembered for all the right reasons. When you are creating memories for a lifetime, live music and even a full orchestra is a pretty minor expense. That said, our pricing is competetive with most smaller bands and even many high priced DJ's. We prefer working to not working and we really enjoy giving you a high value for your entertainment budget
How long should my reception last?
We recommend about three hours although four hour receptions are fairly common. We see very few longer than four hours. The first hour will be taken up by the band entertaining your guests while you are finishing up with pictures. The second hour for the with father and the all important cutting of the cake. The third hour can be reserved for speeches and testimonials and the 4th hour is a "wind down" time from a very long day for all concerned. This is your chance to socialize with your well wishing friends, toss the bouquet and ESCAPE! If you go for a three hour event, just limit the length and number of the speeches!
The last hour(3rd or 4th)is a good time to gently close the bar, serve some coffee and get designated drivers assigned.
I plan a traditional reception with many well known wedding conventions, how would your music fit into our plans?
Important considerations would be music for:Bride and Groom entrance into reception.Bride's first dance with her new husband as Mr. & Mrs. Bride's dance with father and father-in-law. Fanfare for Cake Cutting, a Drumroll/fanfare for bouquet toss and if you are using the garter toss tradition we have a handy version of "The Stripper" for that too!
We also can provide special music for ethnic traditions if desired.
Do you have suggested songs for the First Dance?
Slow tunes that have stood the test of time include Glenn Miller's "Moonlight Serenade", Carmichaels's "Star Dust" "The Nearness of You". Faster tunes could include: "The Best is Yet to Come", "Fly Me to the Moon" or "The Way You Look Tonight".These are a few among hundreds, including some contemporary tunes. If you wish special music, we can obtain or arrange most any special tune. There may be a charge for custom arranging 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 call you if another call on the date comes in. At that point, a decision will be needed immediately along with a deposit and signed contract if you wish to reserve the date. Our advice is to contract for your musical entertainment as soon as you book the hall for your reception.
Remember that particularly in the Spring and Summer, there are many weddings and only about sixteen or so ideal dates. Call the Revelers today to book a lifetime of memories for your wedding, anniversary or other special event.
This link will take you to our booking page. We will be glad to tailor our performance to your specific needs.
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