For an extra special wedding reception, it is important to make the right choices about what music to have playing. Leaning towards a live band? Here is some information you should consider when making your decision to hire wedding band.
Why choose a live band?
Whereas a DJ can only play pre-recorded songs from a play list, a live band has the flexibility to adjust their music (within the constraints of your own personal music preferences) to suit their audience. They can build a unique relationship with their audience and judge the mood of the night and choose music appropriate to that mood. Another handy benefit of choosing a live band is that you may be able to ask one of the band members to act as MC for the evening.
When to start looking:
You should start looking for a band a minimum of 6 months before the actual date of your wedding. This will give you enough time to make enquiries, sample music produced by different bands, and make sure that everyone is clear on all the details for the event.
How to look for a wedding band:
Take a moment to think about what kind of music you are after. Is there a particular style you want played at your reception? When you've thought about what music you want, start asking people what great bands they know of. You can ask friends and family, and anyone with experience in weddings, such as wedding planners, photographers and florists.
Listen to the music on offer before you hire your wedding band. Preferably, go and see them playing live somewhere, if they have a gig on. Otherwise ask them for a tape or video of some of their songs. Videos are best as it will you give you an idea of their performance style as well as their musical ability.
Details, details, details:
Ask the band for a copy of their play list well before the night and make sure that it has a wide variety of songs that will appeal your guests. A good band should be able to get a feel for the songs that will best suit their audience, and will also be open to any suggestions you might make. Many bands will also be happy to learn some new songs if you request them.
Call up the venue ahead of time and ask if they have any kind of restriction in place for noise levels or the space the band uses. Talk with the band too, and ask about any special requirements, how many power points they will need, how much space they need to set up, etc. Have a look through venue and double check that it will be suitable for your band to play in.
There are plenty of things you're going to need to work out. Dates, times, when to arrive and set up, when to leave and what happens in the case of overtime, insurance details, payment, schedules for the night including breaks, what the band will eat and drink, what to wear, how the band will get there, what happens in the case of unforeseen costs, what songs will be played, and if the band will have any MC duties. These should all be laid out in a contract that lists all band members by name.
To avoid any delays, have the band arrive at the venue an hour before the event to set up and perform necessary sound checks.
Why choose a live band?
Whereas a DJ can only play pre-recorded songs from a play list, a live band has the flexibility to adjust their music (within the constraints of your own personal music preferences) to suit their audience. They can build a unique relationship with their audience and judge the mood of the night and choose music appropriate to that mood. Another handy benefit of choosing a live band is that you may be able to ask one of the band members to act as MC for the evening.
When to start looking:
You should start looking for a band a minimum of 6 months before the actual date of your wedding. This will give you enough time to make enquiries, sample music produced by different bands, and make sure that everyone is clear on all the details for the event.
How to look for a wedding band:
Take a moment to think about what kind of music you are after. Is there a particular style you want played at your reception? When you've thought about what music you want, start asking people what great bands they know of. You can ask friends and family, and anyone with experience in weddings, such as wedding planners, photographers and florists.
Listen to the music on offer before you hire your wedding band. Preferably, go and see them playing live somewhere, if they have a gig on. Otherwise ask them for a tape or video of some of their songs. Videos are best as it will you give you an idea of their performance style as well as their musical ability.
Details, details, details:
Ask the band for a copy of their play list well before the night and make sure that it has a wide variety of songs that will appeal your guests. A good band should be able to get a feel for the songs that will best suit their audience, and will also be open to any suggestions you might make. Many bands will also be happy to learn some new songs if you request them.
Call up the venue ahead of time and ask if they have any kind of restriction in place for noise levels or the space the band uses. Talk with the band too, and ask about any special requirements, how many power points they will need, how much space they need to set up, etc. Have a look through venue and double check that it will be suitable for your band to play in.
There are plenty of things you're going to need to work out. Dates, times, when to arrive and set up, when to leave and what happens in the case of overtime, insurance details, payment, schedules for the night including breaks, what the band will eat and drink, what to wear, how the band will get there, what happens in the case of unforeseen costs, what songs will be played, and if the band will have any MC duties. These should all be laid out in a contract that lists all band members by name.
To avoid any delays, have the band arrive at the venue an hour before the event to set up and perform necessary sound checks.
About the Author:
Expert Rick James is one of the members of Soul Desire who writes for the http://www.souldesire.co.uk website. Hiring a specialist Wedding Band will make all the difference to the success of your event. Find out more about hiring an amazing Essex Wedding Band from this site.
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