One’s wedding is one of the most memorable moments of life, and therefore we have the agonizing tendency to make it as perfect as possible. From the reception, the flowers, the catering, to the bride’s wedding dress and the groom’s suit, all these little details are taken care of and given extra attention. All of this essentially leaves us with one last item on the list, the wedding band. How to choose it, what to look out for, and whether you should hire a live band or DJ, are some of the questions you should ask.
Therefore, we went the extra mile for you and summed up in the text below the ultimate guide for choosing a live wedding band.
Make sure to have a conversation with your wedding venue
If you have chosen the right venue and are thinking of getting a band, you should have a conversation with your wedding venue prior to hiring, as you should know your exact limitations and possibilities.
For example, maybe there are restrictions on whether you can play live music at all, the volume limit, and other issues. Some venues have a strict no-live music policy due to technical issues and poor sound isolation. Therefore, make sure to know the rules before starting to look for a band, and if you have already made a pick, make sure your band is more than happy to work within these rules and limits.
Why a band?
Most people go for a DJ instead of a live band, and there are several reasons. A DJ normally charges less and has less equipment, which means there are fewer technical concerns. However, you never know how well a band will perform, whereas, with a DJ, you usually have a pre-determined playlist that you can work on together.
However, live music is proven to energize the room more effectively, your reception will be one of a kind, a memorable experience for all the guests, and of course, nothing can fill the room with laughter and dance like a talented singer and band. So, the old debate between wedding band vs DJ essentially comes down to your personal preferences. One thing when it comes to bands is the fact that you’ll probably have to feed more mouths, however, the guests will probably keep on dancing long after the main part of the wedding is gone, and they can always ask for their favorite song to be performed.
Also, the vibes, strings of the guitar, and the voice of the singer can drastically improve the mood of the crowd, while just music being played on a laptop does not have such an effect in most cases.
How to pick a band?
There is always the good old recommendation method, where you go for a band recommended to you by relatives or friends. If you happen to be at a wedding where a great band is playing, you can always ask for their card and contact details. And another method is going through an agency, offering you several choices and giving you an overview of all the expenses and fees.
Most bands nowadays are connected to some wedding agencies as it makes it easier than self-promoting and they usually have more gigs and performances. If you are looking for a band on your own, and you think you might have found the right one, make sure to leave a small deposit, however, we advise you not to pay the whole amount until the end of the ceremony or wedding. Make sure to book them for an exact amount of hours and of course, look them up online to inform further on them.
Know your limit
Prior to choosing a band, make sure to know how much you are ready to pay and what your budget is. This way you can narrow down the choices and make sure you are not being overcharged or are not overpaying for something. Also, be sure to know what is included in the price, and for how long the band will be playing. Are they eager to stay up all night if necessary or are they there just for the ceremony and reception? Be informed, reassure yourself with a temporary contract if needed, and have these things in mind before going for a band.
We hope you’ll find these tips more than useful when choosing your perfect wedding band. As said, it comes down to your personal preferences, however, the shared experience of most people essentially indicates that bands are a far better choice. They create a better atmosphere and overall better mood.
Leave a Reply