Planning Your Live Music

If this is the first time you've booked a band then there are a lot of factors to think of that might not seem obvious but are critical to ensure the success of your wedding or other event. Whether or not you decide to book us you should find this page useful.

Choosing the entertainment for the evening shouldn’t just be a tick in the box.

You should give it as much thought as any other aspect of your wedding because it is one of the things people will remember most about your wedding. 

Try not to be too self indulgent. Whilst it is your event remember that you want everyone to enjoy the entertainment as well and have fond memories of so try to take everyone’s tastes into account. You may love metallica but will your auntie violet really be impressed by a heavy metal band?

I always try to accomodate the wishes of the client whilst encouraging them to take the rest of their guests into account.

Define Live Music

This might seem a bit obvious but you’d be surprised. My own definition of a live band is one with a real drummer, a real bass player, guitarist etc. People who have spent years perfecting their craft and practicing together to deliver a real performance.

One person singing along to backing tracks isn’t a live band so when you’re comparing prices be sure to compare like for like.

 Book Well In Advance

Don't wait until the last minute to book your band. If the band is good theres every chance they'll get booked way in advance so as soon as you've chosen your venue book the band.

Contracts

You will most likely be spending the best part of £1,000 maybe much more so it is important that you insist upon a contract between you and the band. This should outline all the details of the engagement, the services provided and what provisions will be made in the event of cancellation.

Communication

Try to communicate with the band via email so you have a record of what has been agreed. If you agree something over the telephone follow up with an email.

 Licencing

Ensure that the venue is licenced for music prior to booking a band. You’ll normally have to pay the band a deposit and don’t want to find out after the fact that the venue can’t cater for live bands.

Sound Check

Any professional band should set up and perform their sound check prior to your guests arriving. Insist that your band does the same.

Floor Space

Squeezing the band into a tiny corner won't give them enough room to put on a performance. Be sure to ask the band for their minimum space requirements prior to booking.

Access

It's important to establish that there is sufficient access to the venue. Make sure the band is informed of any access restrictions such as elevators or stairs prior to booking them. 

Smoke Detectors

If your band uses a smoke machine make sure that the venue doesn't have a smoke detector near the stage. Alternatively get the band to liase and include this in the contract.

Volume Limiters

Many venues have decibel limiters that cut the power to the stage when the volume reaches a certain level. If the venue has one of these discuss it with the band prior to booking. It is very difficult for a live drummer to play quietly so this could be a potential problem if not discussed beforehand. 

Timing

Make sure you agree a schedule for the band to play that takes into account the buffet and first dance. If you are using a seperate DJ make sure the band and DJ are working from the same page.Our experience of weddings tells us that no matter how well planned, the times can slip by over an hour depending upon circumstances on the day. The band and DJ need to work together to make sure things still go smoothly.

PAT Test

Portable Appliance Testing is a requirement of most venues. It basically means that all your electrical equipment has been independently tested to ensure that it presents no safety risk.Ensure your band has this organised because you don’t want to be in the position of getting to the reception only to find your band isn’t allowed to play! Ask for a copy of their certificate prior to the event. This will list all the equipment that has been tested.

Public Liability Insurance

Almost all venues now require the band to have public liability insurance in case anyone is injured by them or their equipment so ensure any band you book can produce their certificate prior to paying a deposit. Make sure the certificiate is up to date at the time of your event.

Changing Area/Dressing Room

It's important that the band has somewhere to change prior to going on stage so clarify this with the venue when you book. If they don't have suitable facilities you can then at least discuss this with the band prior to them arriving so they can find a work around.

Refreshments

It's a good idea to provide the band with food and drink during their stay so they can focus on doing their job and not popping out for meals.

You may be paying for their services but it's still good practice make sure the band are looked after with refreshments and somewhere to sit while they're not performing. You want them to work hard to make your wedding a success.

Payment

You'll have plenty to worry about on the big day so pass responsibility for paying the band over to one of the ushers or best man. If you've committed to paying the band in cash on the night make sure you have teh cash prior to the band performance - don't assume you'll find an ATM open.