A live wedding band is an important part of wedding planning. You’ll want it to be perfect.
Music is more than just a background to the proceedings. The right experience and a live band can set the tone and mood for your wedding day. They are able to complement and enhance the proceedings and act as a catalyst to bring the atmosphere to life.
Finding the right live wedding band for you is easy. We’ve created this guide to help you make the best decision.
The decision-making process has been broken down into easy to understand blocks. If you are short on time, you can skip the sections that matter most to you and return to them later when you reach that point in your decision-making process.
CONSIDER YOUR VISION
Although weddings require a lot of planning, this does not mean that you should compromise your vision for the perfect day just to have a simple life. While we all need to be realistic about costs and expenses, the overall theme and style for your wedding should reflect the vision that you have.
Although a large band that plays throughout the day or some of the best jazz musicians in the world may not be financially feasible, it is worth considering hiring a live band for wedding to provide your entertainment. They can adapt their performances to fit your wedding theme and will share your vision. It is about you choosing the band, but it’s also about them choosing you. There should be some synergy between your ideas and their performance.
However, it is equally important to find a live band that can meet your needs.
How do you approach this? At this stage, you might be in a research mindset and not actively engaging with the band. To see the type of image they present on stage, make sure you check their website and their YouTube channel. This will allow you to get a sense of how they perform, and also give you an indication of their technical skills. You can also find out what other people think about the band.
Live wedding bands are as important as the surroundings, flowers, and bridal gown. So make sure they fit in with your style as they will be the main focus of the day.
Roles
Make sure you are clear about what you expect from the band. Live weeding bands often want to be involved in the proceedings. Make sure you ask. They will be providing background music and announce the bride or groom at the reception. Or, they can interact with the crowd and play a set of songs for the evening. Are you looking for them to be involved in getting people involved? Or do you just want them to create an atmosphere of joy that surrounds the event. These are the first questions that you need to ask in order to make the right decision.
Choose the Music
Many brides have an idea of the music they like, but that doesn’t mean they have to have a complete playlist. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of your band’s knowledge of popular classical and contemporary music, as well as which songs create the atmosphere you want. Most experienced wedding bands will be happy to give you some pointers. They’ll also be able to suggest a variety of playlists that may surprise you.
Pacing
It is important to consider pacing, which can be more important than you may think. You can make the difference between an event that lags behind and one which races ahead. There may be times when one or the other is more appropriate. You can go slow and flow to create a timeless and dreamy scene, or you can go fast and rhythmic to keep the conversation going and transition guests between events. This skill is often overlooked. Find out the approach taken by the band you are considering.
EXPERIENCE
How much experience does each member have? What is the average length of time that the band has been together? How is their musicianship? Have they played at similar weddings before? No matter what your top priorities are, ensure you select a band that has extensive experience in the areas you need.
You can also find out if a band has been approved by the industry, what their style is, and what music they are able play at your event.
A performer or artist of your choice may be an option. This will give your event a unique flavor and help to wow the crowd with their creativity and originality. You should be aware that artists are more likely to stick to their artistic convictions and that you will choose them more or less based on their merits.
It is a good idea, however, to forget about your emotions and look at the band’s abilities and suitability for the event. It is possible to avoid disappointment later by looking at things from a wider perspective.
AGENCIES
You may want to hire a live music agent because there are so many things to think about. Some people enjoy the challenge of managing every aspect of their day. Others may prefer to let someone else do it. However, if you do choose to hire an agency, ensure they are reliable and have a track record of satisfied clients. If you feel it is a good idea, you can ask for feedback from clients who have used their services before. Although an agent can help you choose the right artist or musician for your event, this service comes with a cost. It may cost more than you had budgeted. You should budget for 20% more band booking fees. This will mean that you may have less intimate contact with the band. This can either be a blessing or curse depending on how involved you are in decision-making. Trust is essential in all aspects of the process. You should be open with your agency to ensure they provide the best possible experience. You can find agencies via a search engine, in niche directories, or by being recommended by the venue.
REVIEWS
Reviewing social media engagement, reading testimonials from past clients and viewing recordings of live wedding music performances are great indicators of a band’s appeal. Ask for references or a demo from the band. This will give you confidence and help you feel secure.
You don’t have to be critical of the band if you see a negative review. There may be a reason that a client is unhappy with the service. This explanation may not be applicable to your situation. However, a long list of negative reviews is almost always a red flag. This should be taken seriously.
BOOKING THE BAND
It is tempting to put off booking a band until the last minute, or as an afterthought. This could prove costly. The bad guys will first need to learn your special requests and, perhaps more importantly, they may already be booked for the entire season.
It’s a good idea to create a wedding calendar so that you don’t forget this crucial aspect of your day. You don’t have to be shy about letting your band know how you are doing. They may have helpful tips that can take some of the stress off of planning. They may be able to help you with playlists or know the location. This is where communication is crucial. Be as transparent as possible with the band before you go. It will pay off in the long run.
You may be eligible for a discount if you make your bookings early.
You should always confirm the dates with the band prior to doing any other activities.
If your wedding is not in peak season, you might also be eligible for off-peak reductions.
BUDGET
Before you speak to the band, set your maximum budget. However, be open to some flexibility in the planning stages. Although it is possible for your budget to not match your expectations, it’s worth shopping around to get an idea of what’s common for your situation. You shouldn’t base your booking solely on price. However, this is one instance where the old saying, “If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys” is true. This is because the season plays a significant role in the process. Be prepared to pay more during peak seasons.
While big name bands are more expensive, if you like them, you’ll be willing to spend more for the artist.
INSURANCE
Unexpected circumstances can happen, no matter how carefully you plan. Make sure to review the terms and conditions of your band regarding refunds, cancellation fees, backup artists and sickness. These are the details of band hire. Hopefully you won’t need to resort to them, but it is best to be prepared.
Band insurance protects you and the artist against unnecessary expenses and helps you avoid regretting your decision if something happens that forces you to change your plan.
VENUE AND EQUIPMENT
Before you book a band, we recommend that you first choose the venue where the band will play. Although this may seem obvious, it is often overlooked.
First, the venue should be able to accommodate your band. You may need a smaller band or a more limited space.
You may want to inquire about technical considerations, such as whether they need a backstage area. You can ask about the size of the stage, how many sockets they have for their equipment, and any lighting or special equipment that may impact the venue.
Ask the band if any of their previous experiences at this venue. This can often lead you to a more relaxed experience and greater peace-of-mind.
You will need to prepare in advance for alcohol and smoking if they are allowed.
You should also consider whether the venue is outdoors or inside a marquee. These circumstances may have restrictions.
You should also check the parking requirements of the band as they might not be able access the stage area if there is limited space.
Some bands may ask for a banner with their name on it or visual imagery to be displayed behind them. As unwitting surprises can be detrimental to either side, it is important that all bases are covered.
You should verify the availability of the venue. The band might need to set up time, sound system and sound checks. This is something you won’t want!
Ask the band to let you know if they plan on using wireless microphones. This can enhance the interaction with guests. It also allows for more freedom for the lead to move and allows others to take the mic if necessary.
THEMING AND VISUAL APPEAL
We are grateful that you have been following us this far. If you haven’t read this section yet, it’s a good place to start. We consider it one of the most important parts of the show. Now that we have covered all the technical details, it’s time to focus on what makes a band unique: their energy, style, presence, flair and style.
While many bands can cover songs for weddings well, some have their own unique musical arrangements. You’ll likely look for a specific artist if you are looking for a cover band. If you want to appeal to your guests with a familiar song, the covers band is the best choice.
It’s all about your personal preferences and what suits you best. The perfect live wedding band is the last piece of the puzzle, adding harmony and energy to your wedding theme. You’ll want the band’s music to be a constant throughout the event. It should blend seamlessly with your own, your guests, and your theme.
Pay attention to how the band performs, how they interact with wedding guests, and the energy they exude when they’re playing your favourite songs. Although it may seem like you are just following your heart, the real core of the band, their musical passion and unique musical style, creates a special atmosphere that will add the “je ne sais quoi” to your wedding day.
The band’s appearance is important. Pay attention to their attire, how they present themselves on stage, what they wear and the tone they set. While most bands can be dressed to your liking, it is best to see them in their environment to get a better idea of what they are comfortable with. You can check the website for recent videos or go to their YouTube channel to view them at an event.
It’s also possible to get a sense of how they interact with wedding guests. You can see if they use MCing to motivate them or if they make announcements and introductions as part of their act. A band that doesn’t have any vocalists may be better than one with one. The music is the best part. The perfect live wedding band will have a unique confidence and be thrilling to see.
Consider whether a DJ will be available for an evening session so that guests can party and relax, or if the band will continue to play until the early hours. It all comes down to personal taste, but a top-notch wedding DJ will get the crowd moving.
These pieces can create a wonderful experience when combined. It’s up to the host to find the right balance and create the experience they desire.
PLAYLISTS
How could we get to this point without even mentioning playlists! Okay, we’ve already mentioned that the band can help with playlist selections. Let’s dig deeper.
A holistic approach to playlists can make a big difference to the evening. Although it is impossible to please everyone, it is a good idea for the wedding party to talk to their musical preferences and to ask them what they like. To add some fun to the event, you can choose different songs for different times of the day.
Although you don’t have to please everyone, it can be helpful to get your guests involved if they have a wide musical taste. You want to keep things interesting and mix old and new songs. It wouldn’t be a good idea to pick only a few songs unless you have a tight group of people who are passionate about a certain musical genre. No matter what music style you choose, your event will not be complete without dance favorites or club classics. These songs are popular with all ages and types of wedding guests.
WEDDING FIRST DANCE SONGS
The wedding’s first dance song is perhaps the most important. These songs are very popular, and we have provided some suggestions in a previous post. Although this one is difficult because it has so much weight, it’s ultimately the song that means the most to you both. Either you’ll know it or it will feel right. You can’t go wrong with this one, so follow your heart! It is important that the band understands it and can perform it properly. Give them ample time to practice it. This could be a key pillar of your memory throughout the day.
No matter what playlist you choose, or your opinion, as long as the band is of sufficient quality, everyone should enjoy themselves regardless of their personal musical preferences.
The do-not-play-list is a list of songs that you want to avoid playing on your wedding day. Your playlist could easily become too long in the time allotted. Ask a friend to help pick which songs should be removed and which ones will make it into the final playlist. If you have a change of heart, you can keep the songs you’ve been pondering over as backup tracks.
This process may take longer than you expect.
WHEN THEY PLAY
Consider how many sets and when you want the band to play. Many bands will play two sets, each lasting around 45 minutes. There is usually a break between. You may need a wedding DJ to play these sets, or you can ask the band if they have the right recordings to fill the gap. You can have different bands perform at different times during the day. This helps to keep the party fresh and interesting for your guests.
It is possible to switch to a wedding DJ at the end of the evening and allow the band to rest. However, both having the band perform through and having a reserve DJ are acceptable options provided that everything is planned.
TRUST & RAPPORT
We hope you find these tips helpful in planning your perfect love wedding band.
We encourage you to find a live band that is flexible and highly skilled at what they do.
Never lose sight of the fact that this day is all about you. You need to make sure that they get your music and have empathy for your favorite artists. It is easier to find resonance with a band than to force them to conform to a certain mold.
Communication is key to making the experience enjoyable for all involved. Be sure to give everyone the right information and be clear about payment details and who will do what when.
Trust will allow you to relax with your partner. The more you let the band do what they want without having to control every detail, the more you are able to enjoy the music and move on to the important business of getting married.
You can also appoint a liaison to handle any last-minute requests from bands on the day. This will ensure that the event goes smoothly.
FINALLY
After all, your wedding day is about you. You want it to be a lasting memory for all those who were there. The key to your wedding day is choosing the right live band.
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