Brides, grooms and guests all say the experience is what they remember most about a wedding. When it comes to a memorable experience, the evening entertainment is key.
Choosing the right band or DJ is one of the most important wedding decisions. Yet it’s often one of the last things booked. Don’t make that mistake.
Start weighing your needs and options as early as you can. Sit down with your partner, and your wedding planner if you have one, and brainstorm your ideal reception entertainment.
Here are four things to consider before signing contracts and charging forward.
Coordinate with the venue
When it comes to reception planning, the venue’s capacity has to be compatible with the band’s needs. Find out whether the venue of your dreams has a stage and what the sound limiter is. A sound limiter controls the electricity available for musical equipment.
The sound limiter will matter when choosing a band. If it’s set too low, your guests may not be able to get into the music. It also helps to know the style and tastes of your crowd, in case softer music is the better fit.
Choose a music style
Sit down with your partner and talk genres. Look for where your tastes overlap. And keep the range of ages at your reception in mind when settling on a band style.
Once you know which tastes you need to satisfy, explore the options. There’s a wide variety of bands out there. Some of the most popular wedding band styles:
- Festival style wedding bands
- Rock and pop wedding bands
- Roaming wedding bands
- Vintage wedding bands
- 90s pop wedding bands
- Indie and rock wedding bands
- Soul and Motown wedding bands
- Live lounge style wedding bands
A great party gives everyone a reason to move their feet. For wide appeal, mix in classics and line dance favorites.
Check credentials
Once you’ve narrowed the list, look for footage of past performances. Pay attention to how they pace the evening and interact with the crowd. That can make or break your reception.
Remember, the entertainment sets the tone for the whole evening. Search them online and scroll their social pages. Get a full read on their energy and performance style, and make sure it fits your reception vision before you sign anything.
Book the performance
Think about the evening’s playlist too. Most bands have a list of the pieces they perform. Coordinate with the band and your wedding party so there’s a cross section of tastes.
Don’t forget the in between times. Most bands play two or three sets in an evening, each lasting 30 to 40 minutes. Ask whether they provide break time music, and whether they charge for it. If not, you can always build your own playlist.
A popular band is likely booked months in advance, which is why it pays to choose early. Make sure they’re available for the date you need. Once the ducks are in a row, make your request and be sure the contract covers your needs.