A live wedding band can add more sparkle to your special day than maybe even an experienced DJ can, so it’s certainly an option to explore if you’d like things to be done a little differently.
However, there are a few things to consider when booking a wedding band. A little bit of research can go a long way, making sure that both you and your partner remember this day for the rest of your lives – and for the right reasons.
The type of music they play
It’s your wedding day, and you’re the customer, so what you say goes. That said, it’s important to do your research and make sure that the band you’re hiring is actually what you’re looking for. It’s no use hiring a swing jazz band if you’re after rock covers. There are plenty of styles and genres to choose from, so make sure to think about the vibe you’re trying to achieve and the songs that go with that.
How busy are they?
It’s not always a hard and fast rule, but how busy a band is can be an indicator of the sort of quality you’re going to get if you hire them, as it can indicate their popularity. After all, you’d hope that if they’re busy then this suggests they offer a good service, and others have booked them as a result of this. If they are in high demand, it’s a good idea to try and get a hold of them sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.
Just because they have availability for your date in their calendar now doesn’t mean that there aren’t other events wanting to book for that day. Don’t assume that getting a quote means the date is reserved for you until you’ve made a decision – be sure to clarify this when enquiring.
Can you see them live?
It’s one thing to see what a band is like by checking out their social media pages or watching a host of their videos, but it’s quite another to actually see them in a live setting, interacting with a crowd and feeling the atmosphere that they inspire.
If you’re able to, you should check out the band live so you can judge for yourself. As previously mentioned, they should be busy enough that seeing them live shouldn’t be too much of a problem (obviously, this will be easier if they’re local to you). The only difficulty with this may come if they do private events only, in which case you’re likely to have to rely on video footage.
Good live bands should have reviews, though – actress Emma Thompson said one of these wedding bands was one of the best she’s ever danced all night to. Check for endorsements like these from other couples before committing to a contract.
Set the right tone
Wedding bands come in all shapes and sizes, but with a bit of work and forward planning, you can discover the right one for your special day and together you can create memories that will last a lifetime.