Planning a wedding is a long and difficult process: both the ceremony and reception require a great deal of preparation, and one of the most important factors that you need to consider is live entertainment. A great wedding band can ensure that the event goes perfectly and that everyone enjoys themselves.
Yet what type of wedding band should you hire? How can you be sure that you've found the best wedding band for you and your spouse-to-be?
In this guide, we're going to take a look at the key steps you need to take to make sure that you have the best band possible.
Are you ready to make a start on planning your wedding's entertainment? Then read on, and find out what you need to do!
1. Think About the Type of Wedding Music You're Looking for
No two weddings are the same, and depending on the mood that you're going for, you and your guests' particular tastes, and your budget, you'll need to find some entertainment that fits the bill perfectly.
If you want to dance to some cheesy tunes and have a more relaxed wedding, perhaps a DJ is what you're looking for. If you want a sophisticated affair, you could consider hiring a pianist to play classical music and jazz during the reception. If you want to take the jazz to a whole other level, then you could consider hiring a full jazz band.
Music has the power to affect our moods, and different music can put us into different emotional states. Think about the exact kind of vibe that you're going for and the songs that you want to hear, and go from there.
2. Check Out What Previous Customers Have to Say
You can tell a lot about the quality of a wedding band by looking at what its previous clients have to say. Were they timely, did they play for as long as they were supposed to, and were they any good?
Start by taking a look at the testimonials section on the band's website, if there is one. Then, for a more balanced approach, take a look at Google reviews for the band or the event planning company that they're contracted to. This will also let you see whether the company's customer service is good or not.
If the reviews raise a lot of red flags, you may also want to take a look at the company's listing on the Better Business Bureau to see common complaints. You shouldn't have to worry about a company playing their part on your wedding day.
3. Speak to the Band or Their Management
It's worth interviewing the band or their management company briefly, so that you can get a good idea about their operation. You may have to pay for this, as you'll be taking up their time, but it's well worth doing to narrow down your shortlist.
Some great questions to ask a live band include:
- What songs do you usually perform?
- How many musicians are in the band?
- What's your clothing style?
- Do you take requests?
- How long can we book you for?
- How many breaks will the band need?
- How many hours will you perform for?
Speaking to the band or their management and asking these questions will give you a better picture of what you can expect from the band. It also allows you to build a rapport with the band and see how they communicate. If they seem rude, abrupt, or stand-offish, you may want to consider hiring another band or musician.
4. Check Out Previous Performances
At most weddings, you're never far from a video camera. This means that most wedding bands will have footage of their performances online, which you can easily check out and make sure that they're right for you.
Take a look at what kinds of songs they play, and their performance style. Are they rocking and rolling or laid-back and jazzy? Does their music make the wedding guests get up and dance?
The best way that you can tell whether a wedding band is any good or not, before you hire them, is to check out their previous performances online. If you can't find any, or if the sound quality on the video is poor, you can ask the band whether they have any recordings you can listen to.
5. Check What's Included in the Price
Before you hire a band, you should take a closer look at what's included in their quote. You should check the arrival time and how long it will take band to set up, as well as whether they provide playlists to fill the gaps when they're not playing.
Other items to look for on the quote include:
- PA system and lighting
- Insurance
- Travel expenses
These are the essentials, and you can also check to see whether they offer extras such as DJ sets.
6. Check the Venue's Requirements
It's worth taking a close look at any specific requirements that your reception venue may have for the band. Some may want you to keep noise below a certain level, while others may have their own sound system that they'd prefer the band use.
If you have any doubts, contact your venue before you hire the band.
Now You Can Find the Best Wedding Band for You
Choosing a wedding band can make a massive difference to your entire wedding, and add the finishing touches to your reception's ambience. We hope that this checklist will come in handy when you're ready to start looking for bands: all you need to do is start looking!
We offer bands and DJs that can play a wide range of music at your wedding. If you'd like to learn more, take a look around our site or get in touch with us!