Last time I gave some advice on selecting music for your wedding day. However, choosing the music is only half the job. Now you need to find musicians or DJs to play it.
This can often be the more difficult task, but here are some tips to help you find the right musicians for your special day.
Recommendations
If you know someone who can recommend a singer, musician, DJ or band then it is really useful. Seeing artists in action is always the best way to judge them. Be aware of the taste of the person who recommends them but always listen to advice from friends and family.
Booking a band or dj directly
Many bands and djs have websites where you can see and hear what they do. Don't always rely on the headline claims on the website: I have lost count of the number of "UKs best/ foremost/ most popular" bands I have seen on websites. You should listen to any sound clips , watch any video clips and read through their repertoire to see whether they will play suitable music for your needs. A good website should give you a really clear idea of what the band are like.
Agencies
A quick search on the web will reveal lots of agencies offering wedding bands, DJs and musicians, and these can be a way to find music for your wedding. Do find out what kind of service the agency is providing: Some simply act as an introduction service; you look at their list, maybe hear a few soundclips and then you let the agency know which act you would like. They then pass you on to the band DJ or musician and take a fee for doing so. Other agencies will provide a far more personal service, discussing your needs, making suggestions and handling all the details for you. This can really help if you need more than one type of music during the day.
A good agency will look after all the details of sound equipment, loading in equipment and dovetailing the day so that you don't need to worry. A good agent will also make the musical day run smoothly and take a load off your mind. Talk to any agencies you are considering using to see what value they are offering for their fee.
Making the choice
Once you have found a band or DJ you think you like, there area few things you should inquire about:
Ask for any LIVE clips of the band. Some websites will only have studio tracks which can be "tidied up" and may not give a clear idea of what the band sound like live. See if they have any live recordings you can hear.
Ask whether you can see the band. Some bands may only play private functions but if they are playing at a public venue then always try to see them for yourself.
Ask about sound levels and equipment. The volume must always be appropriate for your venue and guests. If the band don't sound sensitive to your needs then it may be a cause for concern.
Are they flexible. The best planned weddings don't always run exactly to time. Can the band be flexible about their sets and timings of you are running late?
A word about prices
There are a huge range of bands and musicians charging a huge range of prices. You may be tempted to go for the cheapest but this isn't always the best plan. to a great extent you get what you pay for.
Obviously the bigger the band the more it is likely to cost, but there are some other factors which come into play:
Weekend warriors or professionals? If the band play as a paying hobby then they will be able to charge less than full time musicians, but the professionals will (usually) do a better job.
Equipment and sound engineer? In all but the smallest venues, the sound of the band will be far better if the band have a sound engineer with them to balance the levels. This also will ensure that the volume is appropriate for you situation. However, a sound engineer will add to the cost of the band. To have the correct PA system for your venue may mean that the band need to hire some additional equipment. This may add to the cost but it will improve the end result hugely.
Once you have chosen your musicians
Now that you have decided on your musicians you need to chat through times of sets, when they band will arrive, how long they need to set up and what songs you would like them to play. I would suggest giving the band a list of five to ten songs you like from their repertoire to give them a guide of your preferences then let them select the songs . This usually works better than trying to select the whole set. Most bands would be happy to learn one or two songs but if you want lots that they don't normally play there may be a cost involved.
Get it in writing!
Once you have chosen the band and agreed the details, get everything down on paper. Even if the band don't use a full contract, get the things you have agreed down on writing. It will give you peace of mind and allow you to get on with planning and enjoying your special day.
Next time: some pitfalls we have come across and how to avoid them.
