There are lots of things to organise when you decide to get married and the entertainment is just one part to making the day as special as it can be. Where you plan to marry and the kind of evening you enjoy will depend on whether you are interested in live music, a dj, a band or solo artist, or other forms of entertainment.
First you need to work out what your budget is and then do some research into the type of event you want and the prices they charge. Also take into consideration the tastes of your guests, after all, apart from the actual ceremony the night's entertainment is generally the last part of the celebration and will be remembered for years, so you really want that to be a positive experience! Think about the type of people you are inviting and also what sort of things you like or particularly dislike about the music at any weddings you have ever attended and use this to make your choices.
You can't really go wrong by choosing to play music at your reception, it's the perfect accompaniment to any party and enjoyed by all ages. Music played at appropriate times throughout the day and into the evening will help people relax and enjoy themselves, it also acts as an ice-breaker for families and friends to get to know each other better.
If you are set on a particular certain kind of performance but it looks like it may be out of your price range then consider asking for a discount, or try to come to a compromise, they could reduce their playing time for instance. If the act you book is really good then it will result in a great impression on the guests and they won't even realise it's been cut short! And you can always fill in the rest of the evening by hiring a local dj who could just be a friend of the family with tunes supplied from your i-pod. Also you should think about whether you want a live band, or a pre-recorded cd with your own chosen songs, or a solo wedding singer. The genre of the music will be a reflection of your personal taste in music, but never forget your guests - you want them to have a good time too.
There are all kinds of acts available these days for weddings, the more adventuress amongst you may be interested in a fire show or magician, whilst those who like to follow tradition will be happy with dancing and music. Rent a karioke machine