Three things to look for when hiring a wedding band: Samantha Nieves
Your wedding day is one of the most important days in your life, and naturally, you’ll want everything to be perfect – including the entertainment. Choosing the right wedding band elevates the atmosphere of your day and helps to create those all-important, long-lasting memories for you and your guests. But how do you select the right live band for you? Here are three things to look out for, to help you know they’re the one.
Experience and professionalism
There are many brilliant, talented bands who have never performed at a wedding before, and there are those that are well-versed in the typical structure of the day. Opting for a band in the latter category is going to bring you far less stress, and will reassure you that they are able to professionally play at your wedding.
A good wedding band will know how to engage with the audience, read the room and adapt as necessary, and handle unexpected delays. Even when you are merely enquiring and beginning the stream of communication with a band, pay attention to the speed, tone and detail of their replies. A professional band is reliable, punctual and professional in their communication and conduct – so don’t settle for anything less. They should be easy to reach and responsive to your queries.
Tailored options
It’s a lot of fun when a band offers customisation options such as special requests, themed performances or a karaoke section. A band that is keen to tailor their setlist and performance to add to the personalisation of your day is a keeper – so long as you agree on the boundaries beforehand.
Be sure to check if they’ll need any extra equipment or setup space from your venue, so you can negotiate the space seamlessly. You’ll also want to ensure that their sound setup suits the venue you’ve chosen, whether it’s outdoors or indoors, so you can expect a smooth show without any glitches.
Backup plans
It’s vital to discuss contingency plans with every band you consider booking for your wedding. In the case of an emergency, such as illness, transport issues or equipment failure, what resolution would be offered? Ironing out these details now will ensure you don’t suddenly begin to panic about entertainment-related ‘what ifs’ the day before the wedding.
If you’re hosting an outdoor wedding, be sure to discuss any extra requirements the band may need in order to play outside. It’s crucial to ask your venue about their contingency plans also, so that if it rains you know exactly what your venue and band can do to keep the party going.
Once you’ve settled on your chosen band, review the contract carefully. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You should feel satisfied that the performance duration, cancellation policy, payment schedule and other details are clarified before signing.
Take your time
Whilst it may feel like your wedding date is drawing closer at the speed of light, you should still take your time to choose the right live band for you. By considering these factors and keeping communication open with your musicians, you’ll be able to celebrate your wedding with a band that is everything you ever wanted.
Blog written by: Samantha Nieves
