A live band can add excitement and atmosphere to your reception. You may only have experience booking a bar if you’re a wedding planner or event organizer.
Choosing a wedding group is a reasonably straightforward process. You know the type of music you enjoy, so finding a band in your price range should be easy.
Booking a wedding entertainer online
You could go down that path, but there are many other things to think about if you want to make your wedding reception memorable.
We’ve compiled a list to help you choose and book the perfect wedding band.
If this resonates with you, then read on.
Budgeting
Your budget may not meet your expectations until you know the costs associated with the type of music you like. The cost of a band can be affected by many factors, including members’ number, experience, and popularity. If your venue is far from the band, you must consider transport and accommodation expenses.
You can limit your costs by having a flexible budget. Some bands will perform with fewer players in exchange for a fee more aligned with your budget. Off-peak bookings are another way to reduce costs. Weekend summer weddings cost more than weddings held midweek in winter.
Plan ahead
The best live bands are booked out well in advance. This is why this part of planning your wedding should be at the top of your list. If you wait until the last moment to select a wedding band, it’s unlikely that you will get your first or second choice.
Begin your search at least 12 months before the wedding.
Some discounts are available when booking far enough in advance.
Book them immediately if you like a band. Otherwise, you might be disappointed.
Check out
Visit sites such as Facebook and Trip Advisor to read reviews.
Watch your favorite band’s YouTube videos.
Attend a live show if you can. It will give you an idea of how they sound.
Most venues will not allow a band to perform without public liability insurance. The band’s equipment must have also been PAT-tested by an electrician.
Experience
The band will have the experience necessary to make your wedding day successful.
A band with experience will have a wide repertoire and can help you create a playlist to keep your guests happy.
The music is only half of a band’s performance. They will also have to read the crowd and be able to emcee.
Attending a live show is the best way to see how your band will interact and engage with your guests. You can decide if the band is right for your wedding by watching how they interact with their audience and what vibes they emit.
What’s Included
It doesn’t matter how much your heart is set on a certain band. You should always check that their package will suit your needs. You’ll need to increase your budget if the package doesn’t include all of the extras that you consider essential. Check if the following items are included in your package:
Most bands will teach you your first dance tune at no additional cost.
Learn about any other special requests.
You can act as a DJ and run a disco between sessions when the band is not performing.
Emceeing: Most bands can act as the MC during certain parts of the event, like introducing the couple at the first dance. However, they may charge more if you want them to perform as the MC all day.
Do not assume that they will all include it just because most bands have something in common. It pays to check twice what you will get for your money to avoid costly surprises. This information should be included in the contract of a professional band to avoid any problems and protect both parties interests.
Contact your venue
You will need to discuss your plans with the events manager of your venue before booking your wedding band. Consider the following important factors:
Is there a license for music at the venue?
Does there exist a curfew for live music? Most venues have a curfew on live music.
Is there a sound limiter at the venue? This will have an impact on your band. While most professional bands can work around it, they must know this beforehand.
Does the band have enough space to perform? A band of four musicians will require a minimum space of 3 x 5 meters.
Are there enough electrical sockets in the house?
Can the band set up before the reception starts?
Can you provide a changing area and refreshments for the band? How much, if any, will it add to the cost?
Can the band park in a suitable place?
Consider using an agency
Booking your wedding band directly through PartyWizz or a reputable agent is a great way to save money. There are many benefits to booking your wedding band through a reputable agency or, if you’re based in Ireland, directly via the PartyWizz website.
The ability to talk with an expert who can provide recommendations based on budget and preferences
You can be confident you’re hiring a band with experience and professionalism.
Having a single contact is helpful if you are considering more than one group.
Secure booking system
A contract is a legally binding agreement.
If you book through an agency, and the band you chose cancels due to circumstances beyond their control, it is much easier to find a replacement band than to book directly with the band.
Using an agency indeed increases your costs as they also take a percentage, but it is well spent if you seek peace of mind and reduce stress.
