Wedding Entertainment Advice
How to Select an
Entertainer for Your Wedding
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Copyright © 2004
The Bridal Cafe, L.L.C.
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Chicago Party Pianist Kathie Nicolet
Suggestions For Selecting Your
Party Musicians
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Many people are overwhelmed by having to make numerous decisions in planning birthday parties, anniversaries, christenings, etc. What caterer should provide the perfect food? Who will take photographs/videos to capture these “once in a lifetime moments”? What florist has only the freshest, beautiful flowers? Please, allow me to assist you in selecting your party musicians!
As a professional Chicago pianist/musician for over 21 years, I have been a significant part of thousands of celebrations that included “behind the scenes” negotiations, phone discussions, music selections, recommendations for additional vendors, etc. Particular clients were searching for only the best, and I’d like to share suggestions in how you can do the same to ensure that your event is fun, festive, and successful so guests will be talking about YOUR party for years to come !!
Let the Professionals Handle the Details
Relax and trust the event professionals to help you by virtue of their expertise. For instance, I have had countless years of experience and witnessed almost every possible scenario imaginable:
Despite the challenges presented, these events were absolutely beautiful, with much credit given to professional vendors who knew how to handle them. When selecting your vendors, be sure they can offer you top references and have professional materials to share that represent a quality business. If your phone calls are not handled professionally and promptly, you are wise to go to someone else.
Remember: You may be planning your first party; we help plan thousands!
Many people are looking for value today and may believe that because Aunt Frannie plays the piano, she’d be perfect as your cocktail pianist. Aunt Frannie may know “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” but do you want to hear it 35 times in an hour? Will your guests be disappointed because she doesn’t know how to play anything else? Let Aunt Frannie be a guest. Leave the music to the professional who has a wide repertoire for everyone present. A professional musician is trained to take requests, play polished, professional arrangements, and do it all while smiling and carrying on a conversation without taking their hands off the keys.
Live Music is Recommended
All celebrations should have “live” music!! If you are absolutely on the tightest budget, you can hire a solo musician for a very reasonable fee. It’s smart not to “cut corners” with ambience. Music sets the tone for your party! Your guests will notice the difference between a very fun party pianist who can take requests and a CD. A celebration without music is only a meeting!! Make your party stand out !!! Who can resist a spontaneous sing-a-long if you’ve invited guests who happen to love Billy Joel’s “Piano Man”?
Ask for Qualified References
Ask your friends to share names of local vendors they have dealt with for their special occasions. If you don’t know of anyone, local banquet halls/hotels where you may be planning your event usually have a list of preferred musicians for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and corporate events that include wonderful people such as bands, orchestras, DJ’s, florists, photographers, caterers, videographers, etc.
Also, consider asking your catering coordinator for their list of professional musicians in your area. This is the best possible resource you can find in that recommended vendors do not pay to be listed. Preferred vendors are specifically recommended for consistent quality service and impeccable reputations. Event planners at many area banquet halls, golf clubs, hotels, etc., would be happy to offer a name for you.
Anyone can get listed in a phone book or a wedding magazine for a fee. Recommendations will cost you nothing but are tremendously valuable resources. If a facility recommends someone superior who guests are talking about for weeks to come following a party, this reflects extremely well upon the vendor and the facility. If we look good, they look good, and YOU look good
For those seeking recommendations for Chicago vendors, please contact me, anytime! My personal recommendations are provided as complimentary service for those seeking only the best that Chicago has to offer for your VERY special party !!
- Kathie Nicolet
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Visitors Seeking Information On Piano For Corporate Special Events, Please Visit Kathie's Homepage.