A Brides Guide to Booking Wedding Entertainment
These sinfully helpful tips will give you a heads up on the questions you should ask, the lists you should be making, and some nifty insider know-how to get the best deals and wedding entertainment that’s perfect for you.
If you have never booked a live act before, don’t fret, you’ve come to the right place!
“He played more cheese than Pat Sharpe’s fondue!”
Like the rest of your wedding, making sure that the entertainment is perfect is essential. It’s one of the last memories your guests will have of your special day, try this starter for 10 to make sure you and your partner are on the same page.
– what did you like/dislike about the music at recent weddings you have been to?
– Are there any particular genres of music that you really want to hear?
– If you are having a band, what would you prefer; a female or male lead singer?
Tip: Music is always the perfect accompaniment. Planning music throughout your day as well as the evening will help people settle into your celebration and can act as a real ice-breaker!
Customise…
Nowdays everything from your dress to your his n’ hers underpants can be personalised, and so can your entertainment. Just don’t go all Bridezilla on the band or DJ, and keep in mind that as professionals, they will know how to put together a great set list. It should be about working together
– what music will you have during the band’s breaks and when they finish?
– Do you want them to play your first dance?
– Are there any songs that you definitely want playing?
Professional full time musicians will have a truck load of songs they can perform, don’t feel embarrassed to ask if there is a song or two that you really want to hear. Ask them for ideas or for advice on things they have seen work and things that have died faster than a fairground goldfish.
Tip: Having your first dance played by your band will make the moment even more memorable. Is your fianc? or parent a keen performer? Why not ask if they can perform a song with the band? Dealing with an agency will mean they can organise all this for you.
Lets get logistical and avoid nasty shocks.
You’re doing ever so well, time for a cuppa tea we think!
But after that, we still have work to do! Is there anything else you should bear in mind before starting your search?…. Ah yes!
Does your venue have any entertainment restrictions like a sound limiter or limited space?
Check if there are any restrictions your act should know about in advance. Most bands use sound engineers that can work around them, so don’t panic.
Will the act need to set up and sound check before guests arrive or will they be in a separate room?
The last thing you want is a drum kit being dragged through your oh so elegant wedding breakfast.
Does the venue demand acts have public liability & PAT tested equipment?
This will keep you all legally covered from any accidents and keep your event free of dodgy amps and leads.
Tip: Any company that are worth their salt should be more than happy to plan the logistics of you and liaise with your venue in advance of the day. They should also supply you with a dedicated contact that is always available to answer your questions from the time of booking up to and on the day.
Money Money Money
How much do you charge? you may think that this is the first question you should be asking, but if your choice is based only on price you can make a lot of expensive mistakes. “you get what you pay for” is an old adage that is particularly true in the music business. Remember, the average wedding band is working for 10 hours or more on your day; not just the 2 you watch them for.
When getting quotes, keep in mind what you get for this money. You know how budget airlines work, you’ll get a flight from London to Copenhagen for ?1.00. Until you add in your bag tax, leg room tax, using the loo tax… Agencies and bands can work the same way. Know what is included in the price.
– How many are in the band?
– Does the band come with PA audio system and a sound engineer?
– Does the quote include their travel expenses and waiting around time?
– Does the quote include a DJ package for breaks and the end of the night?
– Will I have an event coordinator i can speak to in the run up of the day?
– Will the band be able to play our first dance?
Tip: be honest about your budget, a good agency will try to advise you on the ways they can customise their offerings to fir into it and will give you alternatives. If the band prove too expensive, a great DJ is a fantastic alternative. Try to aim for the best you can afford.
You’ll be as happy as a kid at Christmas.
That’s it. Once you’ve got your quotes, seen their promo video and some sample set lists, the choice is yours.
Go with your gut. And don’t forget to get excited!
For live Wedding, Function Bands & DJs, do visit us at http://www.ecfunctionbands.com .
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