Hip Operation

Tips on booking your live wedding band

13 DEC 2011

Posted by Steve Dolder

Planning a wedding or other party is a huge undertaking by the organiser. There are so many details to think about and so much work to do.

One of the many details which you will have to take care of - and one of the most important - is how you will provide music to entertain your guests during the event.

There are different ways that you can go, but the two most commonly are DJ or a live wedding band.

Live music can really help to give your event some life and spark, but what should you look for when hiring your wedding band?

Please ask some of your guests beforehand what music they would like to have at the event.

Many event coordinators forget that it is the interests and likes of the guests that matter and not just their own taste in music.

If at all possible you should try and watch the band performing live. Most bands play occasionally at smaller gigs such as pubs and clubs.

If you can't get to see them live at least get them to give you a demo CD or preferably a video which will give you a good idea of their suitability for your event.

It is important to find out how professional your wedding party band are. For example how long have they been together as a band and how long have the members individually been playing?

If the band has a website (and any wedding band should), then you can most likely get the answers to most of your questions here. If not, contact the band and ask them about their history and experience as a band.

The bands website is generally the best place to begin learning. On their site, you should be able to see photographs of the band, watch videos and listen to some of their songs as well. When you see videos of the band playing, this will give you a pretty good idea of what you can expect their performance at your wedding to be like.

You might also like to look at the testimonials on their website. This will let you know how well their previous customers enjoyed the band. While you are there take a look at the bands repertoire of songs as well.

Try searching for a music band which will appeal to different types of people. For example progressive jazz or heavy rock appeals to only a small majority of people. Something like 70's soul or disco music appeals to most ages.

Needless to say price of hiring your live wedding band is very important. Be sure that you have a conversation with the band manager to negotiate a fair price. Once you agreed be sure that it is outlined within your contract.

Once decided you would normally put down a non refundable deposit to keep your event date secure.

One to two weeks before your wedding, you should get in touch with your wedding band to confirm that they will be performing and to inform them about any details that need to be discussed, such as what time to arrive to set up their equipment, their wardrobe and anything else which you need to communicate with the band about.

Remember that the band is likely to have travelled a long way to play, so be sure to provide them with food and drink.

Make sure they have a timetable of events when they arrive.