How To Book A Band For Your Wedding

So you're planning for your big day, and you decide "wouldn't it be great to have a live band play at the reception?" Yes, the right live band could help turn a ho-hum reception into a party your guests will talk about for years. However, since it's very likely this will be your first, and perhaps your last experience ever hiring live entertainment, here are some helpful tips to make sure you get the band you want.

Know What You Want in a Wedding Band and Research Your Options

Highly popular bands may be booked up to 12 to 18 months in advance, so begin your search as early as possible. Consider the kind of special event you'd like to have. What are your favorite kinds of music? What do you think your guests will respond to? Think about how the band is going to flow with your event - do you want a band that will "take over" the celebration, tempting people to pack the dance floor, or do you want a band that will play background music? You may even want a combination of both.

Work Out an Agreement

Live entertainment agreements are fairly boilerplate. However, make certain your particular concerns and needs are clearly addressed. Outline the specific hours, location, and be sure if there are fees for any additional musicians who need to be added to the set (extra horns as well as vocalists, for instance), together with other services to be conducted, such as including musicians for your wedding ceremony and/or cocktail hours and/or a Master of Ceremonies. If the band must travel to your event, the contract should clearly state whether the fee includes hotel, plane tickets or production charges. Most clients want an all-inclusive rate.

Select the Songs

Some couples worry about what specific songs the band will play. If it's important to you that specific songs are played, communicate these needs to the band leader at least a month in advance. However, keep in mind that during the event, a good band leader will have the ability to read the audience, and play the best songs at the most suitable time. You don't want a band to feel so restricted to stick to a particular set list if it's clear your audience is beginning to lose interest.

How many breaks does the band usually take?

Some bands will rotate musicians and keep a skeleton crew onstage to allow some of the musicians to take a break. Some choose the full band to break during the entree for them to recharge and possibly switch outfits. It's understandable that when you're paying good money for a wedding band, you want to get your money's worth and keep the band onstage and performing as much as possible. But be aware that not only do musicians need breaks, but your audience might also welcome a break from the music every 60-90 minutes. Or at the very least, if the band has been "rocking the party all night long", your audience might welcome a slow song or two, with piano and vocals only.

Get The Wedding Band You Want

Overall, you will want the band that sets the tone that you envision for your special day. If you select a professional wedding band that is excellent at what they do, you will have great memories for a lifetime.