Are you planning an upcoming wedding? This can be one of the most exciting times in your life. Most couples have specific ideas about how they want this important event to unfold. Music often plays an important role in the wedding celebration. Hiring a music band can create a fun time for your guests. Imagine laughing and dancing the night away with your family and friends.
To make sure that your dreams come true, it’s important to plan carefully. Keep reading to find tips for planning your perfect wedding. The following questions will help make sure you hire the right band for your wedding.
Questions to Ask When Hiring a Music Band
For many couples, planning their upcoming nuptials can be somewhat stressful. If you want live music, hiring a booking agency can ease this part of the planning. They are experts in providing professional entertainment for weddings.
It's important to effectively describe your wishes when hiring a music agency. Making a list of questions before you meet can help ensure you don't forget anything. The following gives some examples to help you complete your question list.
1. How Should You Budget for Bands?
Start by deciding how much you want to spend on music for your wedding. This will help you narrow down the options. Don’t feel shy when asking about their fee schedule.
Some musicians charge a flat fee for performing at your wedding. The fee is often based on how many musicians, the location, and the length of time. This is a great option because you know exactly how to budget.
Ask about additional fees. This can include an upfront deposit to book their performance. Deposits are often non-refundable either from the booking date or a specified date.
A common deposit is 25% of the total fee. Most of the time, you pay the remaining balance on the day of the performance.
Make a list of any specific songs you would like played. For example, what song do you want for your first dance? Ask the band if they can play that song and if they charge extra for special requests.
2. Do the Musicians’ Have Good References and Reviews
Make sure you take some time to check out the band before you hire them. You don’t want to be disappointed on your big day.
Ask them where they’ve performed. Do they have any upcoming shows you could attend? Can you watch some videos of their performances?
What is their favorite style of music? Ask them about the different genres in their playlist.
Check out recent customer reviews. Ask if they have a list of customers you can contact as references. Ask them to describe the performance they’re most proud of.
3. Will the Band’s Attire Match My Wedding?
Today, weddings range from black tie formal to extremely casual. It’s important for the musicians to match your style of wedding.
Thus, it’s important to discuss your wishes with the band or booking agency. If the musicians' attire and music style doesn’t fit the wedding’s ambiance, guests may leave sooner. This can interfere with your dream day.
4. Will the Band Play Your Preferences for Music?
Make a list of the music genres you would like played at your wedding. Then ask the band or booking agency about the types of genres they find appeal to most wedding guests. They can give you professional insight that you’ve never thought about.
Make sure that the band fits your style of wedding. Do you want a loud party atmosphere or a soft, string quartet?
You may have a guest list that includes individuals with a wide music style. In this case, the best choice is probably a band that plays a variety of styles.
5. Are There Bands in Your Area?
Choosing a local band can decrease your costs because they don't need to travel. These bands will know about the local culture and have a feel for popular music selections. When you hire a local band, pre-event communication can also prove easier.
6. Are There Special Venue Rules?
Often, entertainment venues have a list of restrictions and rules. Make sure to ask about rules concerning musicians when choosing the wedding facility. Have this list with you when you speak to the music booking agency or band.
It’s important to know how much space is available for the band. This impacts the number of musicians and their equipment.
7. What Does the Band Need to Set Up?
Many times, you book a venue for a specific time frame. If you are using live music, you need to consider how long they need to set up before your event starts.
For example, the band may need one hour to set up and be ready to perform. This means that if you want to start your reception at 7:00 you need to reserve the space starting at 6:00.
It’s also important to know how many electrical outlets they need and their proximity to the “stage” area. Will they be setting up special lighting effects? Do they need outlets for this?
Most bands also need an area where they can take a break. It’s common to provide them with refreshments as well. If you’re using a booking agency, they can help with this type of detail that you may not think of.
Are You Planning an Event with Musical Entertainment?
Are you planning on hiring a music band for your wedding? This article has given you some questions to ask to make sure you hire the best choice.
At Blue Sky Atlanta Music & Entertainment, our proven professionals will ease your planning. You can leave the entertainment to us. We pay attention to every detail and offer fast, efficient service.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate, or social event, we guarantee the right music. Our professional musicians and DJs provide favorite music from the last 100 years.
Let us be responsible for booking your entertainment. This lets you concentrate on everything else.
We also manage recurring event bookings for private clubs and country clubs across the Southeast. Contact us today to ask questions and book entertainment for your next event.