Planning for a Wedding Band

First of all, when deciding to book a band instead of a DJ you want to make sure you find the right talent that meets your style. Keep in mind, the music will set the tone for the entire event so this is not a decision to be taken lightly. One of the first things you want to do in the planning process is book your talent. If the band you are looking to book is highly sought after, you will want to book them as soon as possible, but before you do the booking, you want to take into consideration a few things. You will want to determine your wedding budget and select your venue. This will give you an idea about the performance space and how much money you have to designate for your wedding and reception entertainment. You also want to determine music for the entire day. Do you want the band for the entire day or separate music for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception? You will need to make this decision in the planning phase. Once these questions are answered, you can begin the quest for finding your band.

Searching for a Band in Alabama

Keep in mind not every band is geared towards performing at a wedding.   They may not be prepared for events such as a wedding and their style, while great, may not translate well for your special day. The best way to find the perfect band is to consider word of mouth. You want to use trusted sources like family, friends, and your wedding planner to provide referrals. The web can also provide you with a list of local band recommendations.

Depending on your location, you may work with an entertainment agency.  An agent can help you find the perfect match for you and your wedding. This person or group will serve as a go-between you and the band. If something arises where the band has to cancel or whatever, the agent can provide you with assistance to find another suitable alternative. When working with an agent, you want to make sure the person is well-respected. An agent on their game can provide you with a wealth of recommendations and again, serve as a middleman between you and the artists.

Asking the Wedding Band Questions

You want to know the size of the group—this can impact the way they get paid and also how to accommodate them. You want to know the instruments they play, their music styles. You want to ask about their flexibility when performing. Can they adjust their performance to follow the flow of your wedding?

You want to ask them about their most up to date song list and inquire on how they handle special requests. Will they allow you to pick the songs that are meaningful and important to you, or do they have a certain set they play at their events? You also want to see their work before booking as well…whether live or video…you want to make sure their music and their style and look fit you and your style on your special day. You want to ask about their style of dress for the wedding day if their look is more informal. Ask about stage breaks, whether they furnish their own equipment for both sound and lighting, or if you would have to provide it. You also want to inquire about the cost of booking them and their payment plan. Before signing on the line, make sure the contract specifies both your requirements and the agreed -upon details between you and your band.

Wedding Reception Playlist

Once the band is booked, you will need to work on the music specifics. You might consider giving the band a playlist of the songs you like. This information will allow the band to customize what you are looking for with what they, as entertainers, do best. This will help in keeping the celebration going and keep your guests on the dance floor the entire night.
If the playlist requires the band to learn new material…a special first dance number, for example, you will want to make sure you get that information to the band as soon as possible. You also want to make sure everyone is on the same page with the timeline of the event. With this information, you and the band can make a music itinerary to keep everything on track for your big day.

Budgeting for a Wedding Band

Finally, let’s talk about the contractual part of the agreement. You want to make sure you uphold your part of the contract that dictates the band’s needs and what you are responsible for. This can include providing food and drinks, meeting power and stage requirements. Make sure these and day of responsibilities are addressed ahead of time.

When it comes to payment, the how and when you pay the talent is dependent upon what has been specified in your contract. What about tipping? When it comes to tips, you might consider tipping if they go above and beyond to make sure your wedding celebration was everything you hoped for and more. Keep in mind, this is not expected or required. You might consider writing a note or an email afterward thanking them for their awesome performance.  This, in turn, can be used by the band as a testimonial or a referral.

As a Birmingham, Alabama wedding photographer and wedding videographer, I have worked with several DJs and bands during wedding receptions.  If I can be of assistance with any questions you may have in this planning process, please feel free to contact me. You can reach me via call or text: 205-614-3776 or via E-mail: jill@jillbonilla.com.