Music can make or break a party, so it matters which band you hire for your wedding or special event. Finding the right fit is going to take a bit of time, so start early – as soon as you have locked down your date and venue – and be prepared by following our tips below. Of course, any band you hire from Best Bands will be vetted first, making the process much easier, knowing you will be working with professionals with years of experience playing weddings.
First, you are going to want to do some online research:
Check out which musical styles the band is capable of
Review the band’s song list
Watch any promotional videos they have made available online
Check for any online reviews or testimonials from other couples
If possible, see the band perform live
Once you have narrowed down your choices for potential wedding bands, get clarity about the details by asking the following questions:
How experienced is the band, how often do they play weddings?
Does the band specialize in a certain genre?
Will the music be entirely live performance or does the band rely on tracks?
Is there a predetermined song list? If yes, can it be provided for review?
How does the band handle song requests?
If the reception is still going strong, can the band accommodate additional time? What are the overtime fees?
Will a member of the band be able to act as the MC for our event, announcing the bride and group, first dance, etc. If yes, how is this best coordinated?
Can we collaborate with the band to create a musical itinerary to make the evening flow the way we’d like?
Which band members will be present for our reception?
What is the policy for sick days? Is there another reliable musician who could step in in a pinch?
How many hours will the band play?
What is the band’s policy on breaks and background music during breaks?
Will the band have another gig either before or after our wedding?
What will the band wear for attire?
Does the band have any familiarity with the acoustics and amplification requirements of our venue?
Who will set up the space?
Will we need to hire any equipment?
What happens if equipment malfunctions – is there any backup plan?
Are there any special lighting effects?
Is the band insured for liability?
Does the band have a contract?
