Wedding bands have become really popular over the last few years. There is something really special about being able to create your own personal concert for friends and family to celebrate your big day.
So what can a live band bring to your own wedding day?
Lots of Energy & Excitement
The atmosphere that a live band can create is truly unique. Booking a live band will really create that concert vibe and generate a buzz for your guests. Let’s face it, it’s pretty cool having your own band for the night!
It can also provide that much needed focal point for the evening. When you walk into the room and see a drum kit, guitars, and microphones, your eyes are just instantly drawn to it all! There’s a excitement just by having the set-up of a live band before they even perform.
Stress Buster!
Your wedding day can be a very stressful affair indeed, but having a live band can actually remove an element of stress from the happy couple. A band can host your entire evening for you, so it means that you actually have a chance to now enjoy yourself and spend some quality party time with your guests, instead of having the worry that everyone is fine and having a good time.
Bringing the Dancefloor to Life
A live band is perfect at providing that genuine party mood and interaction for you and your guests. These bands want nothing more than to see everyone on the dance floor… It is their duty and they will not rest until they have achieved this! Nobody wants to see an empty dancefloor, the band included!
Things To Consider
You might think that booking a band is tricky task compared to booking a DJ for example, but the band will mostly take care of themselves. There are however a small handful of things you need to check with the venue.
- Make sure there’s enough space for the band to perform in! A 12 piece soul band is going to struggle with a 3m x 3m performance space so make sure you can accommodate them. As standard a 4-5 piece band will require a performance area of approximately 5m x 4m.
- Check to see if there is enough power close to the performance area. Generally 2 standard plug sockets is fine but the band will usually let you know if they require anything different.
- Does the venue have any insurance requirements? Usually the venue will require a PAT certificate (Portable Appliance Test) to prove the band’s electrical equipment is safe and a PLI Certificate (Public Liability Insurance) to cover the band in case of any damages. All professional bands should be able to supply these and so you just need to check with the venue exactly what they require.
- One thing that can dictate the type of band you book is if the venue has a sound limiter. Many bands are able to work within sound limiters these but it can depend on what level the limit is set at. Ask your venue for any details on the type of limiter and pass these details on to the band or agent to check they are happy to perform before you confirm the booking. (The Superlicks – are able to accommodate venues with sound limiters).
Choosing a Band
Once the venue has given the all clear on these points the next part is quite literally sitting down and choosing the band for you!
Check the bands promotional material – photos, audio, videos – how much has the band invested in themselves. Do they take what they do seriously? Promotional material speaks volumes about not only the style of band you’ll be getting, but also the degree in which they are invested in being the best band possible for your wedding!
Also, check for feedback and testimonials from previous customers – especially wedding events. Performing at a wedding is very different from performing at the local pub. Seeing what previous couples have said about how the band performed at their wedding is so valuable to help you decide if the band is right for you. The last thing to check is the bands setlist. It’s always wise to ensure that there is a bit for everyone in there, and not to alienate any of your guests. At the end of the day, you want your dance floor as full as possible right?!
Step Away From The Set List!
Well one of the biggest and most common mistakes that couples can make is being way too hands on and controlling with the band’s setlist. We know it’s hard and we know you want your day to be perfect, but trust your band to deliver an amazing set. A professional band will be performing at weddings week in and week out and hey know what songs work where in the set for maximum effect and which songs are a must-have. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t have any say – bands will be happy to perhaps not play songs you definitely don’t want, and add in songs you definitely do. But, we’d always recommend letting the band choose things like running order and the majority of songs to be performed. You hired them because they are professionals and know what they are doing – so trust them.
Look After the Band
This one is often overlooked but if you look after your band, they will look after you! Bands don’t ask for much with regards to a rider these days. The day can be long for bands with a lot of heavy work, setting equipment up, travelling, loading and unloading, all before giving the performance of their life at your wedding. It is in your best interest to keep them at their best. You can do this by simply providing some soft drinks and either a hot meal or helping from the buffet. They will be super grateful and it will really go that extra mile.
