What is the difference between a "schmaltzy" sounding wedding band and The Mystery Band™?

Contrary to popular belief, not all bands who perform at wedding receptions are "schmaltzy"" - but sadly, most of them are. The Mystery Band™ has edge, soul, funk, feel ...whatever you want to call it, but we are definitely not a "schmaltzy" sounding band! There is a right way and a wrong way for a band to approach the songs they are playing - we do it the right way - that is the difference us and the "schmaltzy" bands.

Ask these questions...

Does the band create the fun atmosphere that will keep you and your guests dancing all night long?

Does the band play the widest variety of music from a repertoire that spans 9 decades and over 500 songs.

Does the band professionally announce the wedding party, cake cutting, toast, bouquet & garter toss during your reception?

Does the band have a long standing reputation for excellence in the music business?

Does the band have over 2,100 wedding receptions worth of experience?

Has the band been together for over 21 years and will the band still be together on your wedding day?

The Mystery Band™ proudly answers each of the above questions with a resounding YES! The one thing you don't want at your reception is a band that doesn't know what to do!

We begin coordinating with you long before you wedding day when you fill out our reception planner. You can print this form, fill it out and send it to us, giving us many of the details of your wedding reception.

Coordinating with you and your staff (coordinators, photographers, videographers, catering directors), we act as your MCs throughout your evening, creating a smooth, flowing wedding reception. For your first dance and the traditional dances, we play your special songs, and if the songs you want are not on our song list, just let us know no later than eight weeks prior to the receptions and we'll learn the songs just for you! We also provide i-pod or cd music during intermissions so there's no dead air and no need for a DJ!

Drawing from over 21 years experience and over 2,100 wedding receptions, we've put together a list of tips that may help you in the planning of your wedding reception...

Before The Wedding Reception...

You may want to consult with your photographer about having some of the photographs taken before the wedding ceremony to cut down on the time spent taking photos between the ceremony and the reception.

If your reception or parts of it are being held outdoors, make sure all lawn and garden sprinklers in the area of the reception are turned off for the duration.

Many people place disposable cameras on the guest tables. It's great way to get some candid shots that will be a nice addition to pictures that the photographer will provide.

It's a very good idea to have a timeline for the events (traditional dances, dinner, toasts, cake cutting, bouquet/garter toss, etc.) of your wedding reception, but keep in mind that things can and do happen that will sometimes throw off even the most meticulously planned schedule. Perhaps the food service is lagging, or dinner goes faster than you thought it would, or the photographer needs to change film or batteries, or the bride just wants to relax instead of doing the first dance ...any number of things, we have seen it all! It's better to give a little "breathing room" to the schedule of events rather than try to force things with a rigid timeline.  In our experience, over-planning tends to create a tense reception.

Before the introductions of the wedding party, if any, make sure that the person who will do the introductions is aware of the order of the line-up, and is aware of any unusual or hard-to-pronounce names.

First & Traditional Dances...

Let the band know what your song requests are at least 8 weeks in advance of the reception in case the band doesn't know the song(s) or hasn't played the song(s) in a while.

Keep in mind that proper etiquette is for the guests to wait until the bride & groom have danced the first dance before the dance floor is open for guests. Although some guests are unaware of wedding reception etiquette, others who may wish to dance will not until the bride & groom have danced the first dance.

If you've taken dance lessons and have a choreographed dance, make sure the band knows the exact tempo and arrangement of the song(s) by sending a cd of the exact music you are going to dance to. You may also request that the band play the original artist's version on cd if you feel that you will be more comfortable dancing to cd music instead of the live band.

Let the band know how you want the dances to be introduced. This information may be important if there are step-parents being introduced or if there are others that are included in the dances.

The Toast...

One wedding reception snag that we've seen many times is that when it's time for the toast, the champagne or beverage of choice has not been served to the guests or to the presenter of the toast, and sometimes, not even to the bride and groom. It's good idea to elect someone to notify the person in charge of the service about 20 minutes (or use your best judgment depending on how many guests you have to be served) before the toast.

When using a microphone during the toast or at any time, be sure to speak loudly and keep the microphone close (the closer the better) to your mouth...it's the best way to get and keep everyone's attention.

It's a good idea to follow the toast immediately with the cutting of the cake because you already have your guests attention.

Bouquet & Garter...

From time to time, a groom will try to rush through the removal and tossing of the garter. Try to give the photographer an opportunity to get his or her shots. Have fun with it.

If a minor is involved in the bouquet or garter toss and happens to catch (which they usually do) either one, tradition is to skip placing the garter on the leg of the person who caught the bouquet and just get a picture of the two together instead.

Send-Off...

Sometimes photographers and videographers are hired for only a portion of the wedding reception. Make sure you cover the events you want on film/tape before they leave. Some people do a "fake send-off" earlier in the evening so they can get pictures and video if the photographers and/or videographers are not scheduled to stay until the very end of the reception.

A few words ...

"Words cannot express how much we appreciate everything you did to make our wedding the most fantastic event of the year! You guys were awesome as evidenced by the fact that no one wanted to stop dancing at the end of the night. I will definitely recommend your band to other groups. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart."- Mrs. Aimee Nocero Lewis

"My husband and I would like to thank The Mystery Band for the wonderful job you did. Your professionalism and excellence made our wedding very enjoyable not only for ourselves, but for all of our guests. We are very pleased we chose The Mystery Band for our special day and would highly recommend you to others for any occasion. Thank you again."- Mrs. Michelle Randall

"Thank you for making our wedding day the complete and special event that it was."- Mrs. Katherine Wirick

"You guys were awesome!  Very entertaining!"- Mrs. Lisa Bennett

"Everyone is still raving about the band and how you kept us dancing all night! Nobody wanted it to end! Thanks . . . You made our evening!" - Mrs. Lori Benson

"I'm so glad I got your band for my reception. My girlfriend made the mistake of hiring another band for her reception . . . they were so unprofessional . . . they didn't make any announcements, they couldn't get the crowd going, they even played the wrong song for her first dance."- Mrs. Pam Klavon

"It was amazing how you were able to play something for everyone . . . you were so versatile! Thanks again!"- Mrs. Bernadette McComb

"Thank you for doing such a wonderful job at our wedding. I loved how you kept things moving and the variety of music was a treat. Everyone loved your band!"- Mrs. Denise Schutz

"I have to agree with all my guests, you are the best band around- bar none!"- Mrs. Kimberly Jenkins

"It's easy to see why your band comes so highly recommended by so many people. What a great time we had!  We could not have had a better reception, thanks to you!"- Mrs. Teresa Miller

"Thanks for making our reception such a success. So many guests asked me where I found the band, and commented how terrific you were. Your selection of music, and the talent you expressed through your instruments and voices was a great combination for a memorable evening." - Mrs. Elizabeth Smith

"The music that you played at my reception was so perfect. Your high energy, great attitude and professionalism was much appreciated. We will continue spreading the word. Your band truly ROCKS!"- Mrs. Amy Graves Edelberg

"Many thanks for the outstanding performance at our daughter's wedding reception. You all did a wonderfully professional job and I have received numerous compliments from folks at the party. I saw people dancing that I didn't think danced!  It was great that I didn't have to worry about anything when it came to the entertainment."- Tim Jenkins (Father of the Bride)