One of the most important parts of any wedding reception is the entertainment – after all, it is a party, right? While many couples opt for a DJ, some prefer the eloquence of a live band.
However most people have no experience hiring a band, and as such couples often find out too late that they made a poor choice. Therefore, the purpose of today’s post is to offer some expert advice in this regard.
First and foremost, you absolutely must check credentials. Yes it’s great to get referrals from family and friends, but it’s also important to validate these referrals with some old fashioned research. Ask for testimonials, check the band’s website, and actually call some references. Check the band’s deposit and cancellation requirements, and ask how long their typical gig lasts (you will want music for at least 3 hours). It’s also a good idea to watch a video of the band’s performance, or better yet, attend one of their live shows.
Another tip is to start the process early. Most decent bands book well in advance, so it’s usually best to start the hiring process 6-12 months before the wedding date. This will give you plenty of time to do your due diligence and still be able to sign a contract with the selected band at least 6 months in advance.
You will also want to make sure that your venue can accommodate the band you choose. For example, you would not want a 30-member brass band playing at a tiny venue (extreme example I know, but you get the point). Make sure the venue has a good space for the band to perform, and that the lighting configuration and number of electrical outlets is adequate.
Finally, it’s important to look for a band that can play a variety of musical genres. Yes your band will specialize in one genre or another, but it’ll be helpful if the band can also expand into other genres if needed to please your wedding guests both young and old.
In the final analysis, it’s not difficult to hire an awesome band for your wedding if you know what you’re doing. Get referrals and do your due diligence on them to make sure they put on a quality show. Start the process early and make sure the band is appropriate for the venue and that it can diversify into multiple musical genres if necessary. If you do all these things well, you should be able to hire a terrific live band that will have your guests rocking to the beat all night long! Good luck!
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