Entertainment is crucial to the success of your wedding. Make sure you have all the information you need to find someone who can keep your party going all night long.

Consider This

Anthony Avery, Event Producer at A & A Music Events, recommends asking a potential entertainer the following questions:

1. Do you have insurance?
2. Do you have credentials?
3. How many weddings did you perform last year? If they have to stop and think, they didn't do that many, Avery says.
4. Will you be the person performing at my wedding?

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Do I feel comfortable with this person?
2. Do I think they are willing to execute my ideas?

And always check references, Linda Boyko, co-owner of White Orchid Events, adds.

Talk to past clients, ask to see live events, go and peek in the door. Make sure your wedding coordinator has actually worked with them, she says.

Live Band vs. Disc Jockey

Boyko estimates that 85 to 90 percent of couples hire a DJ rather than a live band for their wedding.

DJs are easier, safer, secure and you know who you're getting, she says. DJs often have more options than live bands for clients looking for a video montage, light shows and pictures. Some DJs also act as wedding managers, moving the event along with announcements and introductions.

Although a live band's play list will be significantly smaller than a DJ who comes equipped with thousands of songs, if a couple is fond of a particular musical genre, a live band may be a good choice since they can specialize in that genre.

Rick Jenkins, manager of The Entertainment Team, says that combining the two&emdash;having a live band and a DJ&emdash;is also an option.

Cost Comparison

Finding the right entertainer also means finding one that fits your budget.

On average, a DJ will cost $1,200 for a four-hour event, but fees range from hundreds of dollars to $5,000 or more, according to the American Disc Jockey Association. The scope and size of a wedding, plus additional services such as lighting, projection screens and audio/video material, can equal a big price tag.

Before anything is booked, Jenkins recommends ranking entertainment in importance among all aspects of the wedding.

Also, familiarize yourself with your entertainer's policy regarding pay for extra hours if the event runs longer than contracted, says Avery.

Music Scene

Once the logistics of booking entertainment have been worked out, the song selections can be solidified.

Want to make sure you're happy with the music selection? Draft a list of must-have songs, and a list of no thanks, never songs, and give those to your band or DJ.

Nontraditional Entertainment Options

• string quartet
• mariachi band 
• bagpipers
• circus performers
• stand-up comic
• skit performed by the wedding party
• song written for the happy couple
• iPod as DJ
• belly dancers

Popular First Dance Songs

Jazz

Fantastic, That's You by Louis Armstrong 
"At Last" by Etta James
The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra

Soft Rock

Everything I Do by Bryan Adams
Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton
"Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion
How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You by James Taylor

Rock

Don't Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith
Steady As We Go by Dave Matthews Band
I'll Stand By You by The Pretenders

Country

More Than a Lover by Tim McGraw
Forever and Ever, Amen by Randy Travis
From This Moment by Shania Twain and Bryan White

Soul/Rhythm and Blues

Let's Stay Together by Al Green
Endless Love by Diana Ross and Lionel Ritchie
The First, The Last, My Everything by Barry White

Oldies

As Long As I Have You by Elvis Presley
Can't Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli
Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers