Saturday, August 21, 2010

The Difference When You Hire Wedding Band

By Rick James

There are few days in your life as memorable as your wedding day. All efforts should be made to prevent anything spoiling the perfection of this wonderful day. This means taking the time to find just the right musical entertainment for your reception. Read on to learn some things you should know before you 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 should you start looking?

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:

Decide on a musical style that you would like to have performed at your reception to help you find an appropriate performing group. Ask wedding consultants, event coordinators, relatives and friends if they know of any good bands that they would recommend. If you can't find a band that already has plenty of experience playing at wedding receptions, make sure that your band is crystal clear on all the details before the night.

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.

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.

Make sure that the venue is capable of hosting your chosen band. This includes finding out if there are any sound or space restrictions, how many power points there are and where, and how big the stage is. Ask the band about the equipment they will need, how much space they require, and whether they have any other special requirements.

Write up a contract that has all possible details in it. It will help everyone to know exactly what is happening and what the expectations are. Include times and dates, set up, departure times, transport arrangements, attire, food and drinks, break times, overtime, payment schedules, insurance, and the unforeseen events and costs. If you have any special requests for particular pieces or play lists, or if you want your band to act as Master of Ceremonies (MC), add this to the contract as well. Name band members individually within the contract.

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. - 2361

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