This is a contributed post that may contain affiliate links.
With a million and one things to do to get your wedding reception ready, your music might be low down on the list of priorities, especially with regards to the fact that you’ve got to get food and make sure that those long-lost aunts are catered for in the prep. But hiring the right wedding band is something that can be quite stressful. The right band can make a big difference between a damp squib of a wedding reception and one that will be remembered for years to come. If you have your heart set on getting a wedding band, and you don’t know where to begin, let’s show you the best approaches.
Speak to your wedding venue
The first thing to do before you consider a wedding band is to speak to the venue. It’s important to find out the restrictions on loud music. You need to check if the venue allows live music and if there are any volume restrictions. So before you go ahead with any wedding band hire that you make sure the band is aware of the limits. Most bands can modify their performance to fit within the sound limits, but you need to make sure they know well in advance.
Choosing the right type of music
You may have an idea of the style of music you’re looking for, and now you can find so many wedding bands with a showreel on their websites. If you like what they do on the video, then don’t overthink it. But it’s important to remember that even if you think they are the perfect band you’ve really got to dig deep into what they offer so you can book a package that doesn’t just meet your requirements, but it provides an experience for everybody to enjoy. Have a look at the band’s repertoire, and if there are songs you need to hear at your wedding reception. Some bands will learn your first dance as part of the package, but also remember that if you have any special requests, this could result in extra fees. You should also find out if the bands provide their own sound and lighting equipment with their feet, and if they provide an extra DJ service.
Booking the band
If you have found the right band, you’ve got to get them booked as soon as possible. It’s one of the lower priorities for many but the best wedding bands fill up their diaries up to 2 years in advance, which is especially true for peak times including the summer and weekends. So if you can find a dream act you’ve got to get them right away. And of course, if you are trying to get your perfect day just so by getting the right band, you will have to set a certain budget. A live wedding band can be very expensive. The general rule is the more members there are the more you should expect to pay. And you should also think about the travel expenses.
As you can see, there are quite a few factors that you need to consider. And while it can be a pain to get right, the right band will make a massive difference to your evening, and your wedding reception.
