Find the ultimate reception entertainment by viewing it as a pyramid comprised of building blocks; music is the foundation, then sound, and finally, lighting.      

Raffi Kebabjian of DJ Raffi Professional Music Productions approaches each wedding reception with those three elements. Adopt this perspective during the planning process to ensure elite entertainment at your wedding! With your guests in mind, start constructing your desired music styles. Then, factor in sound quality by considering volume control and how the music will be heard throughout the room. Lastly, layer lighting on the top tier of the entertainment pyramid because, when implemented correctly, lighting can elevate a venue.           

Choose the right music mix

The base of wedding entertainment is, of course, the music. The first decision is between live music, a DJ, or a fusion of both. Raffi acknowledges that, “One obvious consideration when having a band over a DJ is the band will be locked into a specific sound.” On the other hand, a DJ can encompass a variety of different styles. “This comes in handy during weddings,” Raffi says, “as wedding receptions are so diverse in terms of guests’ ages and backgrounds.” Mixing live music and a DJ creates more possibilities. Maybe you’d opt to have a string quartet play during dinner and a DJ after, or hire an ethnic band that’s complemented by a DJ who plays a different genre. Whichever option is the best fit for you, the same tips apply. The first of which is to break down how the event will unfold.

“Most wedding receptions last about five hours,” says Raffi. The first three and a half hours – the cocktail hour, introductions, speeches, dinner services – require background music. What’s left is enough time for about 50 songs. This is the main event. The best advice Raffi can offer couples who are creating their playlist is to “allow for some creative freedom” on the performer’s part. “Sometimes, what you plan on paper doesn’t work on the dance floor.” It’s important to keep the crowd in mind. Raffi prefers to “play different styles of music to engage everyone.”

Don’t underestimate the importance of sound quality

Build upon your music choices with high quality and appropriate audio technology. The ability to adapt the volume to the environment is a must, Raffi says. “Some rooms and spaces are more conducive to certain sounds and lighting. We customize different combinations to fit the venue and the number of people. If we’re playing for 50 people, we don’t want to bring out the big guns. If the space is larger, though, it might make more sense to layer speakers, angling them in the correct directions to make them louder so people in the back of the room can hear.” Correctly managing the sound will directly correlate to your guest’s enjoyment.

Explore lighting

Lighting will also greatly contribute to your guest’s experience. It “can energize, and elevate a space,” says Raffi. “It can be used to accentuate architectural elements or to personalize a space.” Of course, each venue and the lighting it can house will vary, but Raffi’s rule of thumb is to, once again, use building blocks. He recommends starting with uplighting. It can be colored to match the season or the décor, and ultimately it allows guests in all corners of the room to see. Complement the uplighting by adding dance floor lighting to make the area more appealing and accessible. From here, the options are endless. “Lighting with moving heads could be incorporated to create a club vibe,” says Raffi, “Or you could do a monogram projection. Once the initial groundwork has been laid, unique add-ons like these can be utilized.”     

So, no matter the type of entertainment you choose, build it up like a professional! Consider your guests through each element by embracing a creative mix of music, suitable sound, and engaging lighting.