The right music helps make every party more enjoyable. Wedding music is no exception. That’s why it’s so important for brides and grooms to choose a terrific disc jockey or a rocking band for the big day.

Since most couples have never booked a professional musician or group, the selection process can be tough. But hiring musical entertainment doesn’t need to be a nightmare. Follow these ten tips and you’ll be singing and dancing to a happy tune on your wedding day.

1. Start early.

Don’t wait until the last minute to think about music. Like many other aspects of wedding planning, it pays to book in advance. Remember that lots of other brides and grooms need entertainment for their ceremony and reception too and bands and DJ’s will not be available if you don’t reserve their services early. The standard timeline for hiring a DJ or band is about six to nine months prior to the wedding.

2. Ask about Experience.

Make sure your DJ or band has lots of professional experience. You only want to work with musical professionals who know what they’re doing. That means they should have at least a year of professional training and the proper equipment. Musicians and DJs should also wear appropriate attire. Men should wear a tuxedo or a nice suit, while the ladies should wear a formal dress or skirt and blouse.

3. Get referrals.

Networking isn’t just for job seekers. Lots of brides and grooms network to find wedding vendors. If you already don’t know a DJ or a band, ask another trusted vendor for a suggestion. Your wedding coordinator or your photographer may be able to refer you to a great band or a cool DJ. Ask friends, family or co-workers who have recently married or hosted a party for their musical suggestions. You may even be able to get a discount from the musician if he appreciates the referral.

4. Get references.

Before you hire any music professional, ask for references. You need to hear about the good and the bad and a reference does just that. Ask to see letters or emails from previous clients or better yet ask if you can chat with a former client.

Find out about the musician. How did he handle things like song selection and payment for services? Was he or she courteous to guests and friendly to the bride and groom? If the answer is no, find another DJ or band. Make sure you’re comfortable with this person and that you like her personality and her skills.

Make sure the musician or DJ has a good reputation within their industry and with the local Better Business Bureau.

5. Name your Price.

The first questions most brides and grooms ask a vendor is, “How much is this going to cost?” And sure enough, that’s an important question to ask.

Rates can vary but nowadays most DJ’s and bands charge at least $200 an hour with a four hour minimum. There are ways to get cheaper prices though. Consider having your wedding on a non-peak day or time. Choose a Sunday morning wedding or a Thursday night reception and most music professionals don’t have any other events planned so they can offer brides and grooms bargain rates.

6. Get a Preview.

Before you hire a musician or DJ, ask the vendor for a glimpse of his work. Maybe you can drop in at a wedding he’s performing at one weekend or at the very least you can view a DVD showing his performance at a wedding or another event. A live performance is best but even a tape can show you the musician’s poise, talent and interaction with the crowd.

7. Get it in writing.

Once you decide to hire a musician or DJ, get a contract since it’s the only way you can protect your financial investment. Most music pros have standard contracts that outline both parties’ expectations such as payment, date, time and length of service as well as refund and cancellation policies.

8. What’s that Song?

Savvy brides and grooms have a game plan for the music they want to hear at their ceremony and reception. Couples need to decide the type of music they want and then find a band or DJ to play that style throughout the event.

Before the big day, create a master play list of songs from the introduction song to the first dance to the cake cutting music. Tell them which songs you do or do not want played at the ceremony and reception. Be sure to ask the DJ or band leader if they take requests from the guests since some musicians stick to standard, pre-selected tunes.

Any music pro will tell you wedding music is all about the right pacing. Dinner music should be mellow; the first dance should be romantic; upbeat dancing tunes should be saved for later in the reception when guests are ready to boogie.

9. Ask about insurance.

Professional musicians and DJs need to protect themselves from accidents such as a faulty microphone stand or a blown out speaker. Since brides and grooms don’t want to be held liable for these broken items or others in case of an accident, music pros should carry liability insurance. Most liability polices are for at least $1 million.

10. Have a Plan B.

While all brides want their wedding to go off without a hitch, often time there are bumps along the way. Having a back up plan is essential. Ask your musician or DJ to explain his Plan B to you. What does he do when equipment malfunctions or guests aren’t enjoying the music? Work with the DJ or band leader to anticipate problems before they arise so you can be ready in case of a mishap.

Whether you hire a four piece band, a soloist or a Disc jockey, make sure the music professional is talented, likeable and affordable for your budget. It’s your wedding and you and your guests want to enjoy beautiful music.