5 Steps to Do Before Hiring A Wedding Band or Entertainment

By Ross | 1 Entertainment on Nov 22 2022

An excellent method to liven up and improve your wedding reception's mood is hiring a live band or wedding entertainment in London. But chances are you have never hired a live band unless you work as a wedding or event planner.

On the surface, picking a wedding band seems to be a rather simple procedure. You should have no trouble locating a band that fits your budget because you already know what style of music you enjoy.

If you want your wedding reception to be memorable in all the right ways, there are many more factors to consider, even though you may opt to go that path.

As a result, we have put together a list of recommendations for picking and employing a wedding band to help ensure your big day is a success.

So, if you're interested, keep reading!

Establish A Budget

Your budget may fall short of your expectations if you have no idea how much the type of band you choose will cost. Costs can be significantly influenced by the number of band members, expertise, and popularity. Your budget should include travel and lodging expenses if your venue is far from the band's location.

Your flexible budget will give you some leeway, but there are other ways to limit your expenditures. For instance, some bands could be ready to perform for a lesser charge that is more in line with your budget in exchange for a reduced number of musicians.

Making reservations outside of busy seasons is another way to cut costs; midweek winter weddings frequently cost less than weekend summer weddings.

Think Ahead

This wedding planning component must be high on your priority list because talented live musicians frequently book far in advance. You will likely not receive your first or even second choice of wedding band if you wait until the last minute to make your selection.

Learn About Their Experience

A group that has been performing and collaborating for some time will make your day everything you could have ever hoped for:

Because they will have a large selection of songs in their repertoire, a talented band should be able to assist you in creating a playlist that will be enjoyable for all of your guests.

Remember that the band's performance only consists of music for half of the time; the other half involves crowd participation, timing, and emceeing.

Attending a live concert is the best method to observe how your chosen band will interact with your guests. You can tell if a band is a right choice for your special day by seeing how they interact with their audience and the enthusiasm they project.

Examine The Additions

No matter how much you like a band, it's important to ensure the bundle they're selling will satisfy your needs. If not, you'll need to increase your budget to cover any extra costs you deem necessary. Check for the presence of the following recognizable items:

Most bands provide free lessons to help you master your first dance song.
When the band is not performing, you can also have a wedding DJ setup managing a disco, finding out about any additional special demands.
Emceeing - While most bands will serve as the master of ceremonies (MC) for a portion of the event, such as when they introduce newlyweds for the first dance, they may charge extra if you want them to do so all day.

Not all bands must include anything just because the majority of bands do. To avoid costly surprises, it is essential to analyse what you will receive for your money carefully.

A professional band or wedding entertainment hire in London should include this information in a contract that protects both sides' interests and averts disputes.

Reach Out To The Place

Speak with the location's events manager about your intentions before selecting your wedding band. The following are some essential details to keep in mind:

Does the venue have a music licence?
Is live music subject to a curfew? (To comply with local laws, live music often ends at midnight at venues; continuing after this may require a late licence.)
Is the room equipped with a soundproofing system? Your band will be impacted if this is the case, and while most professional bands can come up with a solution, they will require advance notice of the situation.
Is there enough room for the band to play? At least three by five metres are required for a band of four musicians.
Do you have enough outlets?
Can the band be set up before the reception if the location is accessible?
Can a band use your location's refreshments and restrooms? How much would the cost increase, if at all?

Conclusion

There are a few key things to remember when booking a wedding band. First, it is important to clearly understand the type of music you want to be played at your wedding. Second, it is important to book a band that is within your budget. Third, it is important to ensure that the band you book is available on your wedding date. Finally, it is important to communicate your expectations to the band you book. By following these tips, you can be sure that you will have a wedding band that will make your wedding a day to remember.

1 Entertainment is the UK's Number 1 Entertainment Company provides the Best in DJs, Dancefloors, Marquee Hire, Bar Hire, Wedding Planning, Event Management, and much more. Contact us for wedding entertainment hire in London!