What questions should I ask the wedding DJ or band? There are high stakes when it comes to choosing the entertainment at your wedding. From sentimental ballads to upbeat 2000's jams, couples want entertainment that will not only cause the audience to shed a tear at the slow song but get out on the dance floor to the latest Tik Tok trend. If you're reading this, you might be lost on where to begin when looking for a DJ or band for your wedding. You might be asking yourself:   

• Should I pick a band or a DJ for my wedding?
• What questions should I ask the wedding DJ or band?
• How big should my wedding venue be for a band?
• How much should I budget for my wedding entertainment?
• What does a DJ or a band cost for a wedding?
• What do I do if the entertainment backs out at the last minute?

A lot of couples that I work with, and maybe you that’s listening also feel this way, but entertainment is really important to them.

They want their weddings guests to have an amazing time. They want everyone to be on the dance floor. And if they’re not on the dance floor, they still want them to be entertained in some way. 

So today we’re talking to a special guest, who knows all about the entertainment world, Rick Stowe, Managing Director, Dream Fulfiller, and the general Band Guy at East Coast Entertainment.

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 Questions to Ask Your Wedding DJ or Band with Rick Stowe

Today we’re talking to a special guest who knows all about the entertainment world: Rick Stowe of East Coast Entertainment. Rick shares his knowledge on not only wedding entertainment but the music industry as a whole to help couples choose the best musical accompaniment for their wedding day. 

About Rick Stowe of East Coast Entertainment 

Rick has had a long and storied career in the entertainment business. He has either been in a band, on the road with a band or working on the production side of the business for most of his career. In 1996, he knocked on the door of the ECE Charlotte office and would not take no for an answer. Rick began as an assistant, soon became an agent, and in 2005 became an owner of ECE. Currently, Rick oversees the Atlanta, Birmingham, and Florida operations. Together with his talented Atlanta team, they provide world-class entertainment for corporate events, social, galas, festivals, universities and personal celebrations.

Over the years Rick has produced entertainment all over the United States, Caribbean, Mexico, Canada, and Bermuda. A few career highlights include entertainment producer for the Allstate BCS Championship Gala, The Sugar Bowl, major motion picture premiers, numerous corporate events, festivals, college/university concerts, and many other events. He works with some of the biggest names in entertainment like Pit Bull, Usher, Luke Combs, Toby Keith, Zac Brown Band, KISS, Earth, Wind & Fire, Fergie, Train, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bently and the list literally goes on. Many events take place in unusual locations, and Rick has seen it all! Whether the event is at a dude ranch in Montana, Puerto Rican rain forest, a three-story arena show production in a ballroom, private residences, on top of swimming pools, rooftops, cruise ships and even a golf course, Rick can make it happen with the right team!

Rick's been nominated for numerous industry awards and is a past International Entertainment Buyers Association talent buyer of the year.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR EPISODE 43: Questions to Ask Your Wedding DJ or Band

Here's a summary of our interview:

• Meet Rick Stowe of East Coast Entertainment [5:10]
• Should we pick a band or a DJ for our wedding? [9:49]
• How does the entertainment affect the size of the venue we need? [12:40]
• What is a good entertainment budget?  [16:27]
• What is an entertainment “rider”? [23:00]
• Will the band members advertised be the same musicians at the wedding? [32:45]
• What happens if there is an emergency and the band can't make it? [36:21]
• Should a band be drinking at a show? [40:09]
• Final Thoughts [47:23]
• What moments give you the most joy and are the most meaningful to you? [49:00]

Links Mentioned in the Episode: Questions You Forget to Ask Your Wedding Entertainment

• East Coast Entertainment 
• Wedding Vendor Email Templates and Interview Questions Guide

Connect with East Coast Entertainment

• Instagram: @eastcoastentertainemnt
• Online: www.bookcece.com
• Facebook: @EastCoastEntertainment

Thank you to our podcast sponsors! 

• Visit the Ask the Planner Wedding Planning Template Shop – use the code CYBER21 for 20% off your order until 11:59 pm on Dec. 3!
• LoveStream – Get 10% off your virtual wedding package with my code Ask10!

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