cocktail hour music

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Permalink Reply by Sandra Aaron on February 27, 2010 at 10:09pm

Does it have to be electrified music to maintain your vision? Why not instruments that don't need to be plugged into anything. They would be a bit more traditional for cocktail hour and the type of music you want can still be played. All the music does is add ambiance there is no rule that it's required.

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Permalink Reply by Ashley on February 28, 2010 at 11:09am

Well what our issue is, is that the one thing my fiance wanted was his jazz professor from college to play piano. The problem we had was getting a piano there for an hour...it's not only a hassle but it's very expensive to rent one. So we thought he could play keyboard but that's a no since we can't plug anything in. We're not really into string instruments or a harp so we were just considering not having background music for that hour....

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Permalink Reply by Jai Johnson on April 24, 2011 at 10:13am

Perhaps consider a battery operated keyboard.  I'm not a musician and don't know a lot about instruments, however, in my home, I have a large Casio keyboard which can be plugged in or battery operated on D batteries.  If I'm not mistaken, I believe it also has plug ins on the back for additional speakers (which would also need to be battery operated).  It's got built in speakers which are fairly loud though and can fill a pool area with music quite easily.  Just something additional to consider if you really want to have the keyboard music.  Just make sure to use fresh batteries and have extra available! :)

 

--Jai

http://www.artfulmemory.com

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Permalink Reply by Diane Davich-Craig on March 25, 2010 at 7:33pm

You have a lot of great options! You can book a flute, violin and cello to play either full out classical or even some great tangos, waltzes and even some big band pieces that have been arranged for trio. I even have a guitarist I book who has a battery powered amp for those type of situations. Solo guitar, flute, violin and guitar and flute and guitar are all great groups. Have you ever thought of Celtic music? We book Celtic trios too. These groups are tottally acoustic. If you have ever watched a movie before the music is added (as in some of the special features on the DVD ) you can hear how much atmosphere great music brings to the occassion. Live music has the added benefit of adding a wonderful sopfisticaed look to the event. Diane with Nashville Chamber Players

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Permalink Reply by Jean Neuhart on March 27, 2010 at 3:56pm

The thing about music, particularly background music, is that if it's good it just blends in with the rest of the event, but if it's bad, or non-existent THAT's when it's obvious and noticable.
There are definitely acoustic options that sound great for just about any type of music genre, including jazz.

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Permalink Reply by Soulful Engagements on March 26, 2010 at 12:56pm

I always think background music is nice, especially indoors because it keeps the room from sounding like a noisy cafeteria. But in your case since you'll be outdoors so I don't think you'll run into that issue. I was going to suggest hiring a string trio or some other ensemble but I see you're not into that idea. If you decided not to have any music I think it would be fine to skip it for the cocktial hour.

Stephanie
Soulful Engagements

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Permalink Reply by Phillip Brunelle on March 26, 2010 at 6:17pm

The point of a cocktail hour is to stop, relax a little, and to socialize/mingle, and with that in mind, even though you may not like classical music, it does create a very relaxing and social atmosphere. Unless of course you are looking for more of a stand still concert type atmosphere...? The one other question that I have is... can nothing be plugged in by way of using their electricity? The reason I ask this, is because many times now working as a wedding photographer I have been known to bring along a generator to outdoor locations for photo shoots that require lighting or electrical equipment... so my question to you is this... could you question them on whether or not you could use a low noise generator so that you are not using their electricity, or is this too against their policy... just another idea to help you to start thinking outside the box and cutting corners, and hope that it helps. Good luck with everything.

Phillip Brunelle Photography
Massachusetts Wedding Photographer
MA Wedding Photographers

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Permalink Reply by Barbara Ann Fackler on March 28, 2010 at 2:49pm

I just asked a venue nearby me if I could accept outdoor engagements there even though I use a small amp with my instrument. I was told yes. The amplification policy is meant to control loud bands. Talk to the catering manager, explain that this is for a solo pianist and ask if you can go ahead with the keyboard as long as it is no louder than an acoustic piano. The answer might surprize you.

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Permalink Reply by David Kooh on March 29, 2010 at 3:38am

I can not understand, why corrected such rigid? Really it is impossible to make exception?

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Permalink Reply by Sounds To Go Dj Service on December 9, 2010 at 1:50pm

You DJ should be able to help you with the scenario, and you could even work around this one yourself. There are dozens of really decent Battery-Powered PA speakers that you plug in and charge, and then use where there is no power.

Most all of these units have nice basic mixers built in as well, so you can also plug in a microphone for basic announcements along with your music.

As for music, this self/battery-powered speaker option will let you use an iPod (or heck, even a cell phone) to play your cocktail music. If more versatility is required in music, your DJ could plug in their laptop to run on battery power and mix as-usual.

If you aren't working with a DJ, or at least one who is knowledgeable about these types of options, consult a local Audio-Visual rental store to inquire about a day-long rental. It won't cost much to allow you to have music and even announcements in even the remotest locations.

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Permalink Reply by John Lee on December 14, 2010 at 3:06am

wedding I think is the more simple the better

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Permalink Reply by Live Music Consulting on April 23, 2011 at 11:53pm

Hi Ashley,

I think the bottom line is that it's YOUR wedding. If you have never noticed it, perhaps it won't be a big deal to most of the people you associate with.
In our experience, live music does make a significant difference in the ambiance of a cocktail hour, assuming the musicians are good. But not all cocktail hours need to be this "cookie cutter" hour of class.
If you are looking for ways around this common plug-banning obstacle, you might consider a variety of acoustic instruments. We often refer string groups that play radiohead, coldplay, hip hop, jazz standards, and classic rock covers, in addition to more traditional options. Something like this could combine classy AND trendy, without falling victim to limitations on amplified instruments. You might also consider a harp, woodwind or brass group, or acoustic jazz combo. Many of these instruments would provide as much of a visual aesthetic as audible.

Best of Luck!

Dan - from Live Music Consulting

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