2021 -Top 10 tips for selecting your wedding band
Not all bands are actually bands!
A Band, a real Band is the same group of musicians who rehearse and perform together regularly. They usually dedicate one to four sessions a week for rehearsing and they know each other’s style and musical abilities. They play with a professionalism that only comes from experience. A thrash band/thrown together band is a usually a “who’s free this weekend, can you do this wedding, the pays ok, yah there’s a singer but I’ve forgotten their name “ band conveniently put together to accommodate a small budget.
If its true for cars, photographers and canapes, its true for bands – you get what you pay for.
So ask yourself the question do you want a band that is actually a band or do you want to captain risky it with a thrown together thrash band.
Tip 1 – Beware of Fake Bands and cheap prices
Work Ethic Matters
Professional working bands give value for money. They arrive on time to set up, they dress according to the event be it Black Tie, or Cocktail, they start on time or as directed by the Host, they perform sober and don’t drink during the performance, they take short breaks and are never late for the next set and they play music in keeping with the event and mood.
So ask yourself - Do you want your band to actually work, or do you want them sitting around drinking up your bar tab?
Tip 2 – Find out how many sets they will be playing and how long are their breaks.
(Standard is 3 sets x 45 mins for a five-hour wedding)
Bands are the backbone of the atmosphere
Whatever mood you are trying to create, Bands do it best. And experienced bands do it better than anyone. They know that the start of the night is about people catching up, chatting with friends, so the music they play must be uplifting but not intrusive. They know that the formal side of the evening needs a sophisticated touch – the combination of romantic, fun and classy music to compliment the speeches, the bridal dance and the cake cutting. Professional Bands know that when it comes to dancing they need to appeal to difference ages and they have a tried and true repertoire of great music suitable for young ones all the way to and the Grands.
So ask Yourself – Do you want a band that can play lots of different styles or music?
Tip 3 – Book a band that will appeal to multiple age groups
Agent or Direct - Both have merits.
Going direct might save you a couple $$ and you’ve got the band leaders number in case something goes wrong. But its always good to get everything in writing and confirmed in writing, just in case. You might even be able to negotiate a refund if you aren’t happy with their performance or they forget to bring the singer.
Booking with an agent means you are protected by the Agent contract which sets out the minimum standards expected from the Band, including number and length of sets, length of breaks, dress code, professional standards of performance and your rights to refunds if something goes wrong. An Agent will be your one point of contact making it easy for you to advise of changes and they will also find suitable replacements in the unlucky event that a band member falls ill or breaks their leg. Booking with an Agent also means your deposit is protected should you have to cancel or postpone due to Covid.
Ask yourself – How much risk am I willing to take to save some $$
Tip 4 – Agents are insurance for your entertainment
Set Lists - The good, the bad and the expectations
Its always great to check out a sample set list so you know what the band intend to play. A great setlist follows the energy of the evening. Your band will mostly likely break their playing up into three/four 45 minute sets with small breaks in-between. The first set typically starts as guests arrive and during food service so the music should be reflective of that vibe. Once the plates are cleared its usually time for the formalities and your band will know just how to lead into this section. Following that your guests are ready to hit the dance floor, remember this is a marathon not a sprint; your band are likely to start slow with classic throwbacks that guests of all ages will enjoy. The final hour of music usually hits when people are feeling their buzz and the kids and older guests have headed home, so that’s when you can turn it up with the Cardi B (or your own version of the turn up).
Requesting a set list and dictating the set list are two very different things. Trust the Band to know how to create the best atmosphere for the evening. Its their job to bring the party to life so let them do it. Of course you can request that they don’t play songs you absolutely hate but remember you are paying for them to curate the music and deal with the nitty gritty.
Plus, trusting your band allows them to protect you from your drunk uncle screaming “Free Bird” and your cousin’s plus one who keeps requesting “that-song-with-the-guitar-solo.” We love our guests but no one asked them for their Spotify playlists.
Tip 5 – Collaborate on the playlist but let your band do their job
Do you have to feed the band?
Yes. It’s actually part of the award conditions that artists be provided with food for bookings over 3 hours. And would you really want your band to be going on a macca’s run or have an uber driver delivering pizzas during the speeches?
Your caterers or venue can advise on staff meals that are suitable for bands and your agent will include food requirements in the contract. Normally no alcohol is included but band members should be entitled to unlimited water and soft drinks from the bar.
Tip 6 – Feed the Band
Referrals and seeing bands perform live
It’s great to ask friends and family for referrals – but a word of caution. Your best friends taste and preferences are different from an Agents skills and ability. You will always get an objective ear from an Agent – their job is to find you the perfect band to suit “your” taste and preferences. Let them point you in the right direction and trust them to do their job – they rely upon your google review for their business and they will ensure you get the perfect band to suit your wedding.
It’s unlikely that you will see a wedding band perform live - wedding bands are specialists – they perform at weddings so unless you intend to gatecrash, trust your Agent to get it right for you.
Tip 7 – Your Agent will find you the right band and negotiate the best price.
False Economy
Getting the right size band is super important for creating the best atmosphere. Sure you can save money. Hiring a singer/guitarist who uses backing tracks to fill in the space where the rest of the band would be. A word of caution the music wont sound “live” and you won’t create the same energy or atmosphere.
But if budget is ridiculously tight and you still want a full throttle live band then ask your Agent for some cost saving ideas. It can often be cost effective to have a duo perform during the canapes and have the rest of the band join them for the reception.
Tip 8 - If you really want the energy, great sound and amazing vibe that comes with a live band, then backing tracks won’t cut it.
How Big should your Band be?
Obviously the size of your venue can dictate the size of your band. Putting a Quartet up one end of a Ballroom separated by a vast dancefloor isn’t going to create the atmosphere you want. Similarly a sextet playing in a small restaurant will be too big and loud for the venue.
4-6 piece: Bands of this size can have great energy, but rarely come with a horn section. Depending on your preferred music genres, a horn section may be a necessity. Obviously, the cost is less, but surprisingly, the physical size isn't much different. The size difference when adding a horn section is really just the addition of standing room for 2 or 3 people. The bulk of the space taken up by any band usually pertains to the sound system and the rhythm section instruments (bass, drums, piano, guitar).
7-10 piece: A bigger band usually means multiple lead singers, a full horn section (trumpet, trombone, saxophone, etc) and the most accurate renditions of all your favourite songs. More action on-stage means a more engaging show and a more interactive and memorable experience for you and your guests.
Tip 9 – Check with your Venue to find out their recommend band size.
Are live Bands value for Money?
We think so. When you compare the cost of live music to the average spend on decorations, flowers, invitations etc, live music is the best bang for your buck.
The average Australian couple spends the following on their wedding:
$18,683 – Food, alcohol & venue.
$4,271 – Wedding clothes and accessories.
$3,983 – Photography.
$2,896 – Entertainment.
$2,896 – Flowers and decorations.
$ 941 – Ceremony.
$1200 – Ceremony music -String quartet
$2,534 – Other (cars, hair, makeup, accommodation, stationary)
$37,400 – Total cost.
No matter how pretty the table settings or cute the bonbonniere or how suave the invitations, your guests will remember the quality of the food, what the bridal party wore and the entertainment. If you are looking to make an impression then put your money where the value lies. Great Food, Fab clothes and amazing live music.