Monday 15 November 2010

The Difference When You Hire Wedding Band

By Rick James

Your wedding is one of the most treasured nights of your life, so it's important to make sure that it's remembered for all the right reasons. Choosing the right musicians for your reception can make all the difference between a good wedding and a great wedding. Here are some tips and pointers to remember if want to hire wedding band.

Why choose a live band?

Live music creates a more intimate atmosphere, in which musicians can build up a relationship with their audience. They are also able to tailor their music to suit the different groups of people present, and respond to requests or to the general mood of the night. The lead singer may double as an MC, helping to keep the flow of the night.

The lead up to your wedding:

Ideally you would begin searching for a band to play at your wedding reception at least six months before the event. This gives you plenty of time to ask around about good bands, listen to some of them play, and work out all the details they will need to know before they play.

Looking for a wedding band:

When you have decided what style of music you would like played at your reception, it is time to start looking for the right band to perform it. Word of mouth is always the best way of finding a good, reliable band, so ask your friends and relatives, wedding consultants and event coordinators. Try and choose a band that already has some experience with wedding entertainment. If they haven't, you will have to make sure they know exactly what they are doing and when, to ensure that the night runs smoothly.

Where possible, try and see your potential entertainment performing live. This will give the best idea of their musical competency and the relationship they create with their audience. Otherwise, ask for a recording of their work, preferably in video format.

Discussing the 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.

Have the band get to the reception venue about an hour before the event is set to start. This will give them time to set up and perform sound checks. - 42265

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