The Wedding Crashers | Connect With Your Band
Your Wedding’s Joy … Starts with You. “Ultimately, energy is contagious; if guests see the happy couple enjoying themselves and having fun, they are going to want to join in, and the band feeds off that excitement.”
“That’s why it’s important to build a strong relationship with your band from the start.”
The Wedding Crashers, 6 Washburn Place, Caldwell, NJ 07006, Damien Musto, 973.226.5150, [email protected], www.theweddingcrashersband.com/
From the Bride
“David and I met at a Halloween party,” says Pamela. “Not realizing our compatible enthusiasm for adventure until five years later, we finally went out on our first date. Since then, we’ve gone on long-distance motorcycle trips, camping, hiking, snowboarding, rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, and more!”
David proposed on a mountaintop in Palenville, NY, at Inspiration Point, and the couple married at Saint Catherine of Siena Church, with the reception held at il Tulipano in Cedar Grove, NJ.
“Choosing a wedding band is one of the most crucial decisions in planning, which can make or break the whole feel of a wedding,” says Pam. “I did my research. Finding The Wedding Crashers through an Internet search and viewing their sample video, I was blown away by their professionalism and entire quality that outshined other bands. Within one meeting, David and I both felt confident that Damien, the band leader, understood our vision. We booked them! Upon attending a future showcase, we knew we had made the right decision. ‘This is our band!’ ”
Pam mentions that working with Damien, “was like working with a trusted buddy who knows his business and would do what’s best for us. He understood our vision and catered to the energy in the room.
Nobody can predict beforehand how 250 people are going to react to certain music, but Damien and the band consistently sensed ‘the mood’ on the dance floor in order to accurately determine their song choices. The Wedding Crashers engaged with our guests, making everyone feel like it was the best night of their lives!
“Communication with Damien or Kristy, one of his talented singers, was first-class,” says Pam. “Concerns and questions were answered thoughtfully and honestly. Their responses may not have been what I expected to hear, but they were right for our celebration.”
The best wedding advice she received was simply, “This is YOUR wedding.” “I did not fully grasp its true significance until deep into planning, when stress was high. This was our momentous day. It was important for David and me to be happy and completely satisfied with all our decisions. This was OUR wedding. And so it was.”
From the Band
Damien Musto, owner of The Wedding Crashers and guitarist, shares his insights about booking your entertainment. “I find that many of the brides and grooms I talk to about booking entertainment tend to focus on song lists instead of the overall experience. But I don’t prescribe to that approach. Instead, I like to figure out the vibe they are looking for and take it from there. Forming a strong connection between the band leader and the happy couple is the key to making a wedding one to remember.”
What do people want to see at their event? According to Damien, “the number one request we get from our couples is a packed dance floor. I assure them The Wedding Crashers are masterful at reading a crowd’s energy — that’s something a playlist simply can’t accomplish. And by working together, we can really bring down the house. That said, we love partnering with our brides and grooms to ensure the specific songs they want are seamlessly incorporated into the event. It’s all about balancing requests with the flow of the energy in the room. ”
What Makes A Wedding Stand Out? … Damien has a straightforward philosophy. “I always say 85 percent of a successful wedding reception is in the preparation, and 15 percent is in the execution that day. Weddings can be overwhelming and scary at times, but we have the experience and confidence to offer our couples honest advice whenever they have a question or concern. While our primary job is to provide the entertainment, we’re also experienced in easing nerves along the way.”
Reading The Dance Floor … “Another critical part of our preparation is discussing what age and/or ethnic groups they are expecting to attend their wedding. This information helps us choose songs and genres that will make people feel comfortable and eager to hit the dance floor. Ultimately, energy is contagious; if guests see the happy couple enjoying themselves and having fun, they are going to want to join in, and the band feeds off that excitement. That’s why we make sure to build a strong relationship with the bride and groom from the start.“From the planning phase through the big day, we work tirelessly to ensure our happy couples are comfortable with The Wedding Crashers. It’s the best way to ensure everyone, from the bride and groom to distant cousins, has the time of their life! That’s exactly what made Pam and David’s wedding work so well. We build a connection from day one.”
The Wedding Crashers, 973.226.5150, [email protected], www.theweddingcrashersband.com
Pamela & David’s Wedding … Ceremony: Saint Catherine of Siena RC Church, Cedar Grove, NJ (Led by Father Tim Christy; Vicor for Evangelization and Communications for the Diocese of Metuchen). Reception: il Tulipano, Cedar Grove, NJ. Gown: Oleg Cassini. Photographer: Alexander Rivero, NYC. Music: The Wedding Crashers! Caldwell, NJ. Florist: Roberto Generoso at Crest Florist, W Orange, NJ. Hair: Destinee Cushing of Vinspire, NYC. Makeup: Samantha Linn, Clifton, NJ.David Liebgold is a transportation engineer. Pamela (Cichy) Liebgold, a model and actress, has a background in graphic and home design and photography.