For an extra special wedding reception, it is important to make the right choices about what music to have playing. Leaning towards a live band? Here is some information you should consider when making your decision to hire wedding band.
Why choose a live band?
A good band can offer a tailored approach to the music and a unique audience relationship that a DJ usually cannot achieve. Bands with a lot of experience, especially in wedding receptions, have the flexibility to choose songs that reflect the atmosphere and the audience that is present. They can also take on the role of MC and keep an eye on things throughout the night to ensure that everything goes according to plan.
The lead up to your wedding:
Ideally you would begin searching for a band to play at your wedding reception at least six months before the event. This gives you plenty of time to ask around about good bands, listen to some of them play, and work out all the details they will need to know before they play.
Looking for a wedding band:
When you have decided what style of music you would like played at your reception, it is time to start looking for the right band to perform it. Word of mouth is always the best way of finding a good, reliable band, so ask your friends and relatives, wedding consultants and event coordinators. Try and choose a band that already has some experience with wedding entertainment. If they haven’t, you will have to make sure they know exactly what they are doing and when, to ensure that the night runs smoothly.
Listen to the music on offer before you hire your wedding band. Preferably, go and see them playing live somewhere, if they have a gig on. Otherwise ask them for a tape or video of some of their songs. Videos are best as it will you give you an idea of their performance style as well as their musical ability.
Details, details, details:
Before your wedding, settle on a play list of songs you like, including any special favourites. If a band’s play list is missing a particular song that you want, ask if they can learn it for your wedding reception ‘ most bands are more than happy to do this.
Call up the venue ahead of time and ask if they have any kind of restriction in place for noise levels or the space the band uses. Talk with the band too, and ask about any special requirements, how many power points they will need, how much space they need to set up, etc. Have a look through venue and double check that it will be suitable for your band to play in.
A contract is necessary to make sure that everyone understands what is expected of them. It should contain all the details of dates, times, set-up and departure, payment of the band, break times and refreshments, attire, insurance, transport arrangements, overtime, and other unforeseen costs. If you would like the band to act as your MC for the evening, this must be added into the contract. Band members should be named individually in the contract, and the desired play list or musical style should be written down.
Have the band get to the reception venue about an hour before the event is set to start. This will give them time to set up and perform sound checks.
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