No wedding would be complete without entertainment, and a live band is a great way to get all of your guests dancing the night away. The band that you choose can make a big difference to the lasting memories of your wedding, so it’s important to go with one that feels right for you. Let’s dive into why your choice of band could make or break your wedding, and how to ensure you pick the perfect band to suit your vision.
Song choice
Naturally, you’ll have a selection of special songs that you’ll want playing at your wedding, perhaps because they tell a story which resonates with you and your partner. You could choose to incorporate songs that were popular when you first fell in love, or that always remind you of special memories together.
Whichever genre of band you choose, ask them about their ability to play covers of your favourite songs. Giving your band a list of the tracks you definitely want them to play in advance gives them a chance to learn or rehearse them so they sound amazing on the day. Whilst there’s a number of classic wedding songs your guests will expect to hear, remember that there’s no reason you can’t ask for any lesser-known tracks that you want to hear at your celebration.
Atmosphere
A great band creates an electric atmosphere that sparks joy and excitement among the crowd. You need your wedding band to be able to energise the room and adapt to the reactions of your guests. Before you book a band, make sure you go and see them perform, so you can judge for yourself how inspiring you find not only their music, but the atmosphere they provide.
If you want your musicians to interact with your guests, let them know. Many are charismatic characters who love to entertain and make people laugh and smile, so make sure your chosen band won’t just play their songs heartlessly or without bringing a personal touch.
Professionalism
No matter how good a wedding band is at playing music, they also need to possess a level of professionalism to ensure your reception goes well. Speak to your chosen band before you book them to assess their friendliness and professionalism. Be sure to ask about their contingency plans and insurance policies, fees and any other requirements they need from either yourselves or the venue to be able to perform.
It may be a good idea to use a booking provider if you can’t have these conversations directly with your preferred band, as they will have procedures designed to protect you if your band can’t attend your wedding at short notice – usually by providing you with alternative entertainment. However, there are pros and cons to each method, so be sure to consider which is best for you.
Trust your instincts
As with many elements of planning your wedding, when you find the right band for you, you’ll know. Be sure to enquire as early as possible once you’ve set the date for your wedding for the best chance of your band being available. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have a toe-tapping celebration that will be everything you’re dreaming of.
