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Choosing a
Wedding
Band
For many
years wedding rituals have stayed the same, but the key steps to
finding the band for your reception have changed dramatically.
Today, most brides are finding the music for their wedding on
the Internet. Via the World Wide Web, you can now see and hear
bands from all over the state play right in the privacy of your
own home. Starting with their web site, there are 5 key steps to
booking the right band for your special day.
Step 1: Evaluating Bands on the Internet
A good web site can give you a lot of information right away. If
you are planning a "country wedding", and the band photo shows
the group dressed in cowboy hats, you may have found the perfect
band. However, most brides and grooms are looking for a group
that can play a variety of music. Your guests may range in age
from 8 to 80, and a band that can play Big Band Swing, Motown,
Rock and Top 40 is sure to keep the dance floor full. Read
through the band's on line song list. Does it include songs from
various genres? Do you see the music that you like to hear?
Next, see
if there are audio samples listed. Take a moment and listen to
them carefully. Go with your gut feeling. Do you enjoy what you
hear? Do you like the lead singer's voice? Do you enjoy the
piano or saxophone parts? Some bands have video samples listed,
so go through them as well. You will probably be able to narrow
down your band search dramatically after evaluating on line
demos.
Once you have narrowed your search to a few possibilities,
contact the bands via phone or email. Most bands book 6-18
months in advance, so if you think you have found the band of
your dreams, don't hesitate to find out more information.
Step 2: What to Ask via Email or Telephone
The first question to ask is if the band is available on your
date. If they are, now is a good time to get an idea of the
band's pricing. Bands vary in size and price, so find out all
the information. For smaller, more intimate weddings (60-150
guests) a smaller group is often appropriate. If you are
planning a larger wedding, (200 guests or more) you may be
interested in hiring a larger band. You want to make sure that
you can both love and afford the right band.
Ask the
bandleader how long the group has been playing together and if
there are any references from brides or other wedding
professionals available. Feel free to request a full length CD
Demo and any other information that the band can mail to you.
You can then play the CD at home, for friends or in your car and
peruse the band's literature at your leisure. You should expect
a reputable band to return your emails and telephone calls
within 24 hours. The bandleader should respond to any of your
concerns, and your business should be handled in a professional
and courteous manner. Next, find out when the band will be
playing in your area so that you can see them perform live.
Step 3: See and Hear the Band Perform Live
Most bands have a calendar that includes public appearances
(i.e. clubs and restaurants). If not, you may be able to peek
into another wedding. Of course, make arrangements with the
bandleader first and make sure that this is okay before showing
up at a wedding. While observing the band, you should like what
you hear and what you see. Is the band playing at a comfortable
volume so that the guests can converse comfortably? Is the dance
floor full? Can you imagine the band performing at your wedding?
When the
band is on a break, be sure to introduce yourself to the
bandleader. Ask him or her any questions that you may have, and
then ask yourself if this is someone that you can communicate
with comfortably and have a good relationship with during your
wedding.
Step 4: Book the Band
Once you have decided on a band, hire them. Nothing is worse
than having your heart set on a band and finding out that they
are suddenly unavailable. The contract should include the date,
time, place of your reception, number of musicians in the band
as well as your name, address, telephone number and any other
contact information important to the event. The total price for
the band, the amount of your deposit and the balance due should
all be clearly stated. If you have any questions, do not
hesitate to ask.
Step 5: Plan in Advance
There is nothing more helpful than good planning. The more
details you can take care of in advance, the easier it will be
the day of your wedding. If you are undecided about your first
dance, ask the bandleader for suggestions. He or she should have
plenty of helpful ideas. If you have made arrangements for the
band to learn a special song, make sure to provide them with a
CD copy of the music and at least 6-8 weeks notice so that they
have plenty of time to learn your special song. If there are
certain preferences that you have, (i.e. you do or don't want
the band to play line dances, etc.) take the time to write a
note at the bottom of the band's song list so that the leader
can be aware of your choice. At the same time, put a star next
to songs that you particularly enjoy so that you can be sure to
hear your favorites.
Finally,
feel confident knowing that you have hired a professional and
experienced wedding band to perform at your wedding. Enjoy the
music and have fun on your special day.
DEBORAH WANG
has been singing and entertaining audiences at Weddings, Clubs,
and Parties for over fifteen years. Her band, "Fullsound" is an
established Connecticut Wedding Band.
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