STARS Productions, Weddings, Corporate, Nerds, Northern New Jersey, Amish Outlaws, The Benjamins, Steve Tarkanish, Staz
Music during your wedding ceremony and reception may be one of the longest-lasting memories for you and your guests. We are dedicated to helping you from choosing your musicians to planning the event. Listed below are the questions or concerns often asked during this process. STARS Productions Weddings will answer any questions you may have about your special day.
Frequently Asked Questions
01
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How many breaks does the band usually take during a four-hour reception?
The timing of how and when the caterer wants to serve courses will ultimately determine when the band breaks. We try to only break around the two natural breaks during a 4 hour reception- when the hot entree is served and after you've cut your cake when dessert and coffee is served.
Will the we have continuous music?
Yes, of course. During the dinner break we will provide background music via ipod or a live DJ and we'd be happy to personalize our mixes to accommodate your tastes. STARS Productions provides not only the band, but a DJ with every event we do. During the dessert and coffee break we will provide anything from quiet background music to professional DJ dance mixes, depending on what is best at the moment. The only time entertainment will not perform continuously is if we are requested not to. An example of this will be when speeches are made, we will without a doubt accommodate you. All receptions have an ebb and flow and it's the sensibilities of the band to determine what's best for the moment. Sometimes it's to play, sometimes it's to press play. And some songs are best left to the recording.
03
What are the components of a ceremony and reception?
Excellent question! The Ceremony includes bridal entrance, prelude, processional, interlude, recessional, and postlude. The Reception can include, if you wish, everything from the first dance, father daughter, mother son, cake cutting, banquet toss, and the last dance. The highlight, of course, for your reception is a celebration of the best night of your life!
04
Can music be provided for our ceremony and cocktail hour?
Yes, below is the list of available choices. In addition, we have a battery powered sound system available for rental at sites where electric power is not available.
Solo keyboard (piano)-This is the most common choice. Our keyboardist has performed at hundreds of successful ceremonies and cocktail hours and would be happy to play his repertoire for you over the phone if you'd like.
Solo guitar- Our guitar player is also a classically trained violinist and can play either or both instruments.
String trio or quartet- We have a close working relationship with many of the area's top groups.
Horn trio or quartet- Players are from the area's top performing orchestras.
Jazz duo, trio or quartet- For cocktail hour.
Ethnic groups- For cocktail hour, ceremony, or alternating between band sets.
If other instrumentation is desired, such as a vocalist, harpist, flutist, or bagpipes, we will be happy to arrange that as well.
05
Who does the emceeing and coordination between the caterer, band, photographer, and videographer?
We do. You've no doubt spent a lot of time planning and organizing your reception over the last year. Your only job that
day should be to relax and be in the moment. Leave all the logistics to us and feel assured that everything will run smoothly,
as planned.
06
What does the band wear?
Unless otherwise requested, for all formal affairs the band typically wears black suits with various colored shirts. The female vocalist wears formal attire. For more casual private parties, we typically wear solid black attire. A show band, such as THE NERDS, will appear in the costume that fits their image.
07
When does the band setup?
Most bands do not have their own set up. A production company handles the set up, which normally takes two hours. The bands have to relax because their goal is to perform and entertain. The last thing you want is to see a band working up a sweat setting up their equipment and immediately performing thereafter. Typically, the production company takes an hour to pack up after the event.
08
How much space does the band need?
Different configurations of your room set-up may warrant otherwise, but we'll present best with an area approximately 23' across by 10' deep. We will be happy to coordinate with the caterer to determine what is best for your reception. We have played in much smaller areas too.
09
How are payments made?
The contract is emailed to you and the signed contract is mailed back to us along with a deposit. This secures your date. Balance of payment is due prior to your event date. Gratuities are payable directly to the bandleader. Over-time rates, if applicable, will be at predetermined pricing in your contract. Other payment schedules may be arranged, upon request.
10
Are the musicians that appear on your `band' page the ones who will perform at my party?
Yes. This is big distinction between STARS Productions and many other bands. Unlike many bands, we do not use substitute musicians. The players you see on our site are the ones that play at your event. In case of an act of God, we will substitute the musician with a highly experienced understudy.
11
Should the size of my party determine the size of the band?
With the exception of a small combo for small parties (under 30 people), the size of the band should not be related to the size of the party. What is important is that the band plays the right music at the right volume for the room.
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What makes STARS Productions better than the rest?
We provide a DJ with every wedding band giving you continuous music from beginning to end. We provide entertainment for all your needs with the best high end and national acts available.
Got a question?
starsproductions.com | info@starsproductions.com | 973-300-9123