How many wedding receptions have you been to where the setting, food and speeches have all been fantastic and then the band starts to play and suddenly the atmosphere dies? Within half an hour everyone is chatting at the bar and the party is all but over.
On your special day you need a guarantee that not only will this not happen at your reception but that the band you choose will be one of the talking points of the day for years to come.
Your wedding day is without question one of the most important days of your life. Everything from the ceremony to the food and reception has got to be perfect. The live band or DJ you hire are no exception, they have got to be top notch. Quite often the band you choose can be the difference between an amazing wedding and just an average one.
Deciding between loads of bands, budgets, styles of music, set lists, types of bands that are going to appeal to everyone's tastes can be very confusing.
Here are ten top tips from one of the countries leading experts in live wedding entertainment to help you make sure you get it right.
1. Get the budget right
A lot of couples start by booking the wedding dress/suits, venue, catering, flowers etc. and then allot the remaining budget to hiring a band. With wedding party bands it is definitely a case of you get what you pay for. If your budget is under £1000 then our advice would be quite simple; DO NOT bother having a band. Spend the money on a really good DJ or Quartet. A band that cost £600, cost that for a reason... because they are not very good.
2. Ask for recommendations
Word of mouth recommendations from family and friends who have used a good agency or seen a good band at previous functions are always a good way of starting the whole process off. Send a block e-mail to all your family and friends for wedding party band recommendations. Just make sure you trust their musical taste and judgement! From your initial research try to whittle the bands down to a favourites list of 3-5 and then take some time to agree on one that you both like.
3. Listen to the band before you book
A lot of the top bands do not play public performances but a good agency should be able to provide you with a live music sample or video. On the better web sites you can download live performances and burn them onto CD to listen to on a good stereo system. They should also be able to provide you with up to date testimonials and photos.
4. Look at the bands set list and style of music
Check out the bands set list to make sure that the style of music is what you are looking for. All of the top bands should be experts at getting a crowd of mixed ages on the dance floor, but some will be rock based, some funk or disco….choose one that suits your tastes. It is also a good idea to highlight songs that you really do and do not want played at the reception.
5. Use a reputable agency for your booking
If you book directly with a single band it often means that you have little come back if something goes wrong or you need to find a last minute replacement. A reputable agency will have a good web site, with contracts, up to date testimonials for the band and generally put your mind at ease over all the logistics. They will have been through the process thousands of times before and know all the necessary logistical arrangements and pitfalls in arranging the music you want.
6. Get special requests in early
If you have a first song request or some favourite songs you would like played on the day make sure you let the agency know as soon as possible. All good bands will accommodate requests if given enough warning. If you intend to use the bands own sound system during the speeches make sure you request that from the agency. Quite often there is a small early set-up fee for this service.
7. Save money
If you have pushed yourselves to your budget limit for the wedding party music then most bands are happy for clients to use their PA sound system to connect ipods or lap tops for the disco music at no cost. Get someone whose taste in music you trust to compile appropriate background music for during the meal and upbeat party music to be played when the band is taking a break. Alternatively most bands can also provide an upbeat play list for in between their sets and some offer a DJ option for approximately £250.
8. Ask your venue these questions early on in your planning
Do they need PAT electrical certificates from the band?
Does the band need to have public liability insurance?
Do they use noise limiters? If they do and the settings are very low it is often not worth having live music.
Do they have a microphone and sound system that you can use during the speeches?
Is there a stage for the band?
What time does the wedding party music have to finish?
These issues can cause real problems if they are discovered wanting late on in your planning.
9. Pass on important information to the agency
As soon as you can, let the agent have:
- Directions to the venue,
- Your days timings (band arrival times, set-up, sound check, when you want the first and second sets played, finishing deadline). Most bands charge extra for an early set-up time, so it is best to try and clear a 1½ hour period as close to 6pm as possible for the band to arrive, set up and sound check.
- Any special requests.
Put the best man/usher in charge of dealing with/paying the band on the day and give the band/agent his contact details.
10. Book early
Book the band/DJ/Quartet as early as possible. The most sought after acts usually get booked up a year in advance, especially over the busiest summer months. Generally you confirm the booking by paying a 30% deposit on the band you choose. You should then receive a contract and confirmation on the deposit payment.
Have a read of of our FAQ's which should cover any more questions you may have.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST.........