Music To Your Ears
There is music, and then there is entertainment. And there’s nothing like live music to get people off their feet and onto the dance floor. Everyone loves a great band with a charismatic lead singer, a strong rhythm section, and a lighting package to back it all up.
A talented band is more than background music; they’ll entertain you and your guests and get people out of their seats. But before you start auditioning the area’s best and brightest bands, read on for tips to finding the best live music for your wedding.
Getting started
Finding live music for your celebration is fairly easy. There are loads of professionals out there that are experienced with bringing guests to their feet and on the dance floor. If you don’t have a specific group in mind, thumb through your Weddingpages magazine for the area’s top professionals, or ask friends and family members for recommendations. If you have a favorite local cover band, head to one of their shows and ask for the bandleader’s or manager’s card during a break. You can also check with an area booking agent for information on the bands they represent. When considering a certain band, ask for an audition tape or CD or inquire whether you can stop by an event they’ve already scheduled to hear them play. These are easy ways to help narrow down your choices without having to meet with each band individually.
Money matters
First and foremost, check your budget to see if you can afford to hire a band for your celebration. Fees vary depending on the popularity and style of band you wish to hire. In most cases a live band will be more expensive than a DJ, but since you’ll receive music and entertainment all in one it’s usually worth the extra expense. It’s also worth mentioning that the more performers in the band, the higher the booking fee. You get what you pay for, so if you can’t imagine your reception without a 6-piece jazz band then you should be prepared to pay a little extra for their services. And if you feel the band has performed exceptionally well for your celebration, tipping is always appreciated. How much you tip is up to you, but remember that the tip will be split up according to the number of musicians in the band.
Size matters
Once you’ve dedicated a portion of your budget to live music, it’s time to consider what size of band will give you the sound you’re looking for in relation to the size of your reception space and the number of guests you’re expecting. A three-piece jazz band might be dwarfed in a large ballroom, but a six-piece band could fill the space perfectly. The same goes for putting an eight-piece swing band in a small private dining room: the music will overwhelm the space and probably keep your guests from chatting and mingling anywhere other than in the back of the room.
The basic rule of thumb is to hire a three or four piece band for guests lists that number around 50; anywhere from five to eight band members would be better paired with guest lists of 60 and above. But the number of band members also relates to the style of music you’re looking for and the authenticity of the sound, so be open to the bandleader’s suggestions.
Style matters
You should carefully consider the style of music you want for your celebration. Take your guests into account, along with the musical tastes of you and your fiancé. If you’re planning an upscale affair and you want guests of all ages to feel comfortable on the dance floor, try to hire a band that can offer a variety of musical genres. A bit of Frank Sinatra for the older crowd will mix nicely with a few of today’s ballads for entertainment that everyone will enjoy. If you’re looking for ethnic flair but can’t find a group with the style you want, ask each band specifically if they can cover songs with a Latin, Czech, or other ethnic beat.
Communication matters
The most important thing you can do to insure that your band plays the songs you’ve requested and keeps to a schedule is to communicate with the bandleader. With open communication between the two of you (and your wedding coordinator), there will be no unwanted surprises. You’ll know just how many breaks they plan to take, approximately how long the breaks will last, and what type of music will fill in for the band during their breaks. In turn, the bandleader will know exactly what is expected of him or her, and feel comfortable approaching you or the coordinator with any issues or suggestions. As with any wedding professional, you should have a signed contract with the band that outlines all the points you feel are necessary in regard to your celebration. A signed contract protects the band as well as you, and it’s an essential part of booking professional musicians.