Future hubby? Check. Sparkly ring? Check. Date and venue? Check and check. Great wedding band? Don’t sign along that dotted line just yet! Finding just the right band for your big day can be a bit overwhelming and before you put that deposit down, there are essential questions to cover. Boston Common Band has the 411 on what needs to be discussed before you start planning that first dance!
1. How would you describe the style of music you play + is there one particular genre you focus on?
Not all bands are built the same. Some groups specialize in rocking out to your favorite 90’s and Top 40 hits. Some might specialize in R&B Motown, while others are capable of playing a mixture of everything. But overall, it’s best to find a band that can cover more than one genre, as you want to ensure that guests of all ages feel included!
2) What do you play during Cocktail Hour?
Typically most bands quote for only the 4-hour Reception, with Cocktail Hour being an upcharge. Be sure to follow-up and ask if any instrumentation is provided, and if it’s an additional cost. Some groups will offer a soloist, whereas some groups can offer a jazz trio or quartet. Others may offer a simple iPod and Speaker-On- a-Stick option.
3) What music do you play during Dinner Hour?
Having the right music performed during Dinner Hour sets the tone for the party afterwards. While it might seem like a fun idea to have danceable music being performed, it often slows the dinner service down. You’ll find your guests shifting their focus to the dance floor, rather than eating the amazing food at their tables!
Top Tip:
Have your vendor meals served at the midpoint of your dinner service (the band can play a pre-programmed iPod song list). This allows your vendors who work through the end of the reception, to eat at the same time as you — and most importantly, they can get the party started earlier!
4) How do you handle music requests + will you learn a song or two for us?
Having the band perform ‘your’ song for the First Dance is always a special touch. Bands will typically provide you with a song list for you to choose songs and make suggestions for the dance party; though make sure they’re willing to learn at least one song for you!
Top Tip:
Bands usually have a great idea of the songs to be played to get your guests up and dancing. Instead of writing specific songs for the band to play, consider giving them a list of 10-20 suggestions. The band can then take these and create a diverse set list that caters to all age groups, and also plays a majority of your favorite tunes!
5) Do you take a break during the Dance Party – what happens during that time?
The party has been rockin’ for an hour… Now the band announces they’re going to take a quick break. What happens next will either buzzkill the party or hopefully keeps the party live and energetic until the band comes back to slay it for their 2nd set.
Most bands offer is a “CD / iPod” service, but a growing trend in some markets is for a band to offer a Live DJ combination. The DJ will take over during the band’s break, creating a complete party from start to finish. It also gives you the best of both worlds by having the energy that only a live band can offer, paired with the unlimited flexibility of songs a DJ can play.
Top Tip:
When you see a band that offers “Live DJ” services, be sure to ask them if it’s a real DJ that spins and beat-matches songs, or if it’s simply one of the band members that’s clicking songs from their iPod. There’s a huge difference between the two!
Okay, great! Your music is on lock – now for planning those intricate details!
6) How do we plan + coordinate our wedding formalities + details?
Most bands will offer a Word or PDF document to fill out; more advanced groups will offer online planning systems. Be sure that the band schedules consultation sessions to develop and review your wedding gameplan. Think of the band’s emcee like the Quarterback of your wedding and make sure they’re on the same page as you, the Head Coach!
7) What type of sound system do you offer?
Does your band have a scalable sound system that can cover small spaces as well as large venues? As you can imagine, a small speaker system isn’t enough for your 400 person ballroom… just the same as a 2000 watt speaker system is likely overkill for your cocktail hour. Bands with newer, digital sound systems offer the ability to “steer” the sound-energy and focus it on the dance-floor… right where you want it!
8) What type of lighting do you offer + do you have programmed scenes?
Lighting can dramatically impact the mood and overall atmosphere of your venue space. Many bands are now equipped with LED lighting systems, but few bands actually have programmed shows – i.e. it’s best not to have random color strobe effects happening when the band is in the middle of playing a heartfelt ballad! Top bands will have lighting “scenes” programmed by song, which will accentuate and elevate the energy of each song with gobo-pattern effects on the ceiling, walls, and dance floor.
9) Do you offer any other services besides music?
Being an entertainment provider can sometimes mean putting on a number of proverbial hats to thoroughly bring the party to the next level. It isn’t uncommon to find bands that offer additional services such as full venue uplighting, photobooth, staging /dance floors, etc… You’ll likely even find that booking with one entertainment vendor for multiple items, can save you money with “Package Discounts.”
10) Do you have any other vendor recommendations?
Believe it or not, wedding vendors get to work with each other quite frequently and can develop great relationships. Vendors typically know who’s-who in the scene… and can recommend the best people to work with. In other terms, when your vendors love working together, the end result is even better for YOU!
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Entertainment Advice: Boston Common Band
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