Wedding Band Tips.

Music will be the rhythm of the wedding celebration, so it requires special attention during the planning stage. Certain rules apply to the hunt for the perfect band -- no matter what sound you're looking for.

Finding Musicians
Begin your search at least six months before the wedding day by deciding which musical direction best suits the tone and atmosphere of the reception you are planning. If it's something traditional (such as a contemporary band with a vocalist or two), think of weddings you've attended, and contact the musicians who impressed you. Word of mouth is the best endorsement; friends and relatives may have suggestions, and wedding planners, event coordinators, florists, caterers, and photographers can all be terrific and reliable sources.

If you are interested in something more unusual, you'll need to be more resourceful in your search. Nothing prohibits you from offering the gig to the local band you love, but when hiring bands unaccustomed to playing at weddings, be very clear about the arrangements: Concerts at clubs can run behind schedule with nobody blinking an eye, but on your wedding day, you don't want to be worried about the band showing up late.

Entertainment Agencies
Your search may lead to an entertainment agency that will work with you to define your musical requirements and budget and to find the right musicians. All such agencies should offer the opportunity to "audition" various bands -- some with audiotapes, some with videotapes, still others by encouraging the couple to attend a function at which the band is performing. If you hear a band you like, make sure that what you've heard is what you'll get -- don't sign on for "a female singer," sign on for the specific person whose voice wowed you.

Judging Quality
To be assured of a tight sound, hire a band that works together regularly. Also, take stock of the venues where the band has performed, as this will reflect its level of professionalism. And of course, ask for references. A satisfied former client is the best referral; if reassurance from past clients isn't forthcoming, there is probably a reason.

The Contract
The magic of the music won't be ruined by nailing down the business arrangements. The contract you draw up with the musicians should spell out every detail of the terms of their hiring, from the names of each of the principal band members to a specific song list (or at least a musical style). It should cover the logistics of arrival, setup, and departure times; liability-insurance coverage; payment schedule; attire; food and drinks for the band; break times; transportation arrangements; and provisions for overtime and other unforeseeable costs.

Band Size
In considering the size of the band, both budget and venue will be factors. Even if the budget can accommodate eighteen players, the size of the room and its acoustics may dictate a more intimate sound. Access to a piano may be an issue: If a keyboard won't do, be sure to inquire whether the site includes a piano or can accommodate a rental -- but know, too, that a piano rental and tuner will have a significant impact on the music budget. The following cost estimates apply to traditional wedding bands; costs may be significantly lower or higher for alternative choices.

Breaks
A set number of breaks for the band will need to be specified, typically three or four during the course of a four-hour reception -- one twenty-minute meal break and the rest around ten or fifteen minutes. If arrangements have been made for continuous play, the band members will alternate breaks, so there will be seamless music and no need to use CDs or tapes to fill in the gaps. If not, the bandleader will be responsible for playing select CDs or tapes through the breaks. No matter what, the musicians must be fed, although they don't need to be included in the guest count. Ask the hotel or caterer about vendor meals, which they should offer at a reasonable price.

Music Choices
To satisfy a broad age range of guests, most wedding bands will play a wide variety of music, including songs from the 1930s to present-day hits. Professional bands have hundreds of songs in their repertoire. At the first meeting with the bandleader, he or she should have a menu from which you can select both the types of music and the specific songs you'd like the band to perform (or not perform). Should you want a popular song played that isn't in the band's repertoire, the band can learn the song if you provide the sheet music. Any band that is not willing to do so should not be hired.

Many couples prefer to limit their input to tried-and-true categories such as swing, fifties favorites, Motown, or disco. If you want more unusual choices, you can add them to the mix; but keep in mind that guests are more likely to enjoy music they know than music they don't. A larger wedding may call for a less adventurous song list; tastes will be more diverse, and too many unfamiliar songs may sap the energy in the room.

Pacing
Energy comes not just from the songs the band plays but from the pace as well. Music acts as a subliminal "map" during a wedding reception, helping to guide the mood of the celebration.

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Other sites you might be interested in:
http://www.wedding-film.co.uk
http://www.markammonphotography.co.uk 

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