The idea of booking wedding reception music may seem simple, but there are a few details to consider. The process is simple enough: You should choose a band based on your musical tastes and what you think will appeal to the widest variety of guests. The following topics will help you narrow your choices to make sure you and your guests have a great time!
NARROW BY GENRE: If you like a certain style of music (rock band, jazz band, blues band), then it's a good idea to search for that style of entertainment. Trust that your family and friends will like the type of music that you like - while keeping in mind age range and different backgrounds of your guests. Most good bands are experts in a certain type of style, but can occasionally throw in a special request to make grandma happy or switch to an iPod on a break to keep the kids dancing.
FINDING THE RIGHT BAND: You have an idea of what type of music you want to hear - but how do you find THE band? When it comes to booking a band, check out websites designed for live entertainment. One of the most popular sites is The Bash, which puts the relevant information of groups on their sites so that you can determine the right details for your booking. Other wedding websites list vendors, but they don't focus exclusively on live entertainment. Regardless of where you find them, you should be able to view video clips and hear audio of any band's performance easily through the band's website or YouTube.
WHAT TO EXPECT - AT THE PARTY: Most wedding bands offer a variety of music; some bands have a predetermined set list while others can "read the dance floor." It's up to you how much you want to control the playlist through conversations (or emails) with the band before the wedding or how much you want to leave it up to them. This is a personal choice: good bands are comfortable "driving" a party, but remember that they work for you! If you have special requests, it's a good idea to let the band know ahead of time so they can prepare sheet music and have proper instrumentation.
MAKE AN OFFER: Inquire about the price of the band but remember you can make an offer based on your budget. There are no firm and fast prices out there, and a good band will negotiate with you based on your needs. See if there are additional details you may need to provide for the band (staging, electricity, a dressing room also known as a “green room”). If your offer is accepted, the band should provide a detailed contract and may ask you to put down a deposit. If you and the artist accept the terms of the contract and pay a deposit, then you are contractually obligated to go forward. If the artist declines, then there is no further obligation and your deposit is yours to keep. Be careful -- once the contract is signed and the deposit is received by the band, it's like saying "I Do!"
FINAL DETAILS: You want to be sure the band has all the contact information for your wedding planner on the day of the event. It is often necessary to have someone coordinating the music between ceremony and reception, so if you have two different sets of musicians make sure they're communicating with each other and the wedding planner so everything goes smoothly. If you don't have a wedding planner, our advice is to appoint one. It could be someone in the bridal party or a relative, but it should be someone with a level head who can keep a perspective while you enjoy the day. There is nothing like the magic in the air when the right act and a well produced event come together.
Above all, remember to have fun! It's your special day, and you should be able to enjoy the reception along with your family and friends while having the wedding you always dreamed of.
Jimmy Maxwell is a New Orleans bandleader, pianist, and founder of JMO - a cover band that plays everything from rock 'n' roll to jazz & soul. Jimmy prides himself on being able to pair the perfect music to each and every special occasion.http://www.jimmymaxwell.com/wedding-band-music/
To set up your wedding music today, give us a call!