After months of debating on a musical direction to take for your wedding, you’ve finally decided to hire a band. Congratulations! Now, the real fun begins. To help guide you in the right direction and to find the best-suited band for your wedding, we’ve put together the 7 most important questions to ask your band before making your final decision. Enjoy!
1. Do you specialize in weddings? How many have you done recently?
This is the most important question you could ask. Don’t be persuaded by a good salesperson or bandleader if they haven’t got weddings down! It may look effortless at the last wedding you went to, but don’t be fooled. It takes know-how and experience. And if you’ve been to a great wedding with a great band that made it look easy, use them, as long as they give you the right answers to the other questions.
2. What styles of music do you generally play?
This is a key question because you really want to find a band that plays your kind of music – your favorite styles and songs. Be careful to check out their repertoire to make sure they’re the band for your wedding. Do your best to communicate all your thoughts and ideas directly. And listen carefully too; clear communication is all-important.
3. How many musicians do you recommend for my wedding?
When you interview a band, describe the room, size and setting of your wedding as accurately as you can. There’s no sense in hiring a band that is too big for the room or area. Even if you do like a big band sound, make sure you don’t blast everyone’s ears out in too small a space! No kidding. This can be a party killer. And remember – everyone’s coming to see you on your wedding day, not the band.
4. How long have the musicians been playing together?
This is a more subtle ‘professional’ question. Lots of brides and grooms overlook this one. But it’s true. The longer musicians have actually played together, the better they sound. Adding even one new player can change the dynamic and take some bands a period of readjustment, especially if the new musician is unfamiliar with the repertoire. The music can sound pretty weird if even only one of your musicians is ‘out of synch’ with the others.
5. Will you learn new material and if so, will you rehearse it before the wedding?
If you have favorite songs or selections they’re not familiar with (like a special first dance song a friend has written, or a new father daughter song, etc.), what’s their attitude about learning new material from sheet music or a tape you provide? The important part of this question is not whether they will agree to play new material, but whether they will take the time to learn and rehearse the new material together before the wedding. Don’t rely on a reassurances like, ‘no problem’, or ‘we do that all the time from sheet music’, etc. Uh-uh. Get their promise in writing that they will rehearse the song well before the day of the wedding. It’s okay for them to charge for lead sheets (sheet music) if all you can supply is a track of the song, but get a commitment you can rely on as to the quality of their performance. You don’t want them fumbling over the music during your special wedding dance. That’s no fun.
6. What is your definition of continuous music?
Some bands will only play 45 minutes out of each hour. Others might play longer, but in all cases, arrange for one of the musicians to play during breaks. Playing music from a CD or mp3 player is also acceptable, but first scope out the selection or supply your own if needed. Again, get the band’s reassurance in writing that there will be no periods of silence (except during the ceremony, of course!)
7. Will I have to take care of food for the musicians and where will they eat?
Usually, you will be required to provide food for the band, so take this cost into consideration. It could range from sandwiches to a hot plate depending upon your budget and what’s convenient or available. Check with your location staff and caterers for an appropriate menu and suitable dining room for the band. Most caterers provide that service for less money than the food for your guests. The musicians should not be found standing in your buffet line or being served as guests. Make that clear when discussing these issues with the band’s representative.
We know that these questions can save a lot of regret down the line…so use them with our blessing and best wishes for a fabulous wedding.
Gloria & Barbara
Why Should I Choose A DJ For My Wedding? (Part One)
Let’s face it. Times are economically challenging right now. Everyone’s looking for the best deal. But while taking into consideration your wedding budget and your music options, don’t lose sight of your priorities. Whether you decide on a DJ, band or DIY/mp3 player for your wedding, remember - the most important thing is to let the music work its magic!
So, why should I choose a DJ?
DJs are exceptionally versatile and charge relatively modest prices for their services. They also come equipped with an impressive range of CD/mp3 collections – from Mozart and Sinatra to Alicia Keys and Lady Gaga, their collections may stem from any year, to any artist, any genre. And of course, you can add your own favorites as well.
DJs will also help maintain the crowd and ensure a good, balanced flow. With a DJ, you get a built-in emcee, a.k.a. Master of Ceremonies, and that’s extremely important. Another great benefit of a DJ is that the music will be continuous, so no awkward silences! If you’re on a really tight budget, you can hire a DJ to program your iPod/mp3 player with a pre-discussed playlist or rent one that is all set to go. If you have a friend or relative act as emcee, make sure they are reliable and that they have the experience, talent and personality that is needed to entertain and guide your guests!
Stay tuned for Part Two, where we discuss the costs of hiring a DJ. Share your thoughts on this article with us by posting on our Facebook Wall, we’d love to hear from you!