Stage 1
Before booking any music whatsoever, see if your venue has any restrictions regarding live music. In particular ask them the following questions
“Is amplified music allowed out of doors?”
Patios and gardens are obvious choices for drinks receptions during the summer, but some venues are not allowed to have amplified music of any kind played out of doors. This is because of the way some local authorities interpret entertainment licensing laws. If in doubt, ask!
“What time must the music stop?”
This varies from venue to venue and may even depend on the day of the week! You need to know this because if you book a band to play for three hours from 9.00pm and the venue has a “stop playing” time of 11.30pm, you could lose half an hour of music you have paid for.
“What space is available for a band?”
The venue will be able to give you details of the available space and perhaps a floor plan as well If there is doubt about whether your chosen ensemble may fit the space, they might be willing to visit the venue beforehand to check out the space available. They should know exactly how much space they need!
“Will the band have to plug into a sound limiter?”
Some venues have sound limiters which will cut off the electricity to the group’s amplifiers if the music becomes too loud. Beware if you come across a band that refuses to plug into one of these ... it will probably mean that you and your guests will need ear protection!
“Is amplified music allowed out of doors?”
Patios and gardens are obvious choices for drinks receptions during the summer, but some venues are not allowed to have amplified music of any kind played out of doors. This is because of the way some local authorities interpret entertainment licensing laws. If in doubt, ask!
“What time must the music stop?”
This varies from venue to venue and may even depend on the day of the week! You need to know this because if you book a band to play for three hours from 9.00pm and the venue has a “stop playing” time of 11.30pm, you could lose half an hour of music you have paid for.
“What space is available for a band?”
The venue will be able to give you details of the available space and perhaps a floor plan as well If there is doubt about whether your chosen ensemble may fit the space, they might be willing to visit the venue beforehand to check out the space available. They should know exactly how much space they need!
“Will the band have to plug into a sound limiter?”
Some venues have sound limiters which will cut off the electricity to the group’s amplifiers if the music becomes too loud. Beware if you come across a band that refuses to plug into one of these ... it will probably mean that you and your guests will need ear protection!
Stage 2
Live music can bring real atmosphere to any part of your wedding day. Decide which part of the day you’d like music for and think about the sort of atmosphere you want the music to create.
The Ceremony
Great for creating a wonderful atmosphere, live music will ensure you glide down the aisle in style!
Check with the vicar or registrar about any restrictions regarding the music that can be played during the ceremony. You can’t usually have religious music at Civil ceremonies, but the rules have been relaxed recently, so double check this with your registrar.
The drinks reception or during photography
Subtle background music will keep your guests entertained whilst you are busy with wedding photography and will also create a relaxed atmosphere during the drinks reception.
Dining
Background music is a classy accompaniment to dining and is a good conversation point.
Evening Party
Anything goes (providing it’s within the venue’s guidelines)!
This is probably the biggest challenge of all as you try to find something that will appeal to everyone. Many people will want to dance, in which case you’ll need a band with drums or percussion. Remember that other guests may want to sit and chat, so take this into account when choosing your band.
The Ceremony
Great for creating a wonderful atmosphere, live music will ensure you glide down the aisle in style!
Check with the vicar or registrar about any restrictions regarding the music that can be played during the ceremony. You can’t usually have religious music at Civil ceremonies, but the rules have been relaxed recently, so double check this with your registrar.
The drinks reception or during photography
Subtle background music will keep your guests entertained whilst you are busy with wedding photography and will also create a relaxed atmosphere during the drinks reception.
Dining
Background music is a classy accompaniment to dining and is a good conversation point.
Evening Party
Anything goes (providing it’s within the venue’s guidelines)!
This is probably the biggest challenge of all as you try to find something that will appeal to everyone. Many people will want to dance, in which case you’ll need a band with drums or percussion. Remember that other guests may want to sit and chat, so take this into account when choosing your band.
Stage 3
Book in plenty of time!
Start looking at potential groups as soon as possible, as some will get booked a year or more in advance. To ensure you have plenty of choice, give yourself at least 6-8 months before your wedding day.
Start looking at potential groups as soon as possible, as some will get booked a year or more in advance. To ensure you have plenty of choice, give yourself at least 6-8 months before your wedding day.
Stage 4
Gather together demo CDs, information and quotes
Ask bands and ensembles to send you written information, demo CDs and quotes for you to evaluate.
Listen to the CDs, read through all the information and review the play lists carefully to see if they can play the type of music you want. Some bands will have set play lists (probably playing a standard set of numbers for most of their performances), whilst others are more flexible and you’ll be able to choose specific tunes from their play list.
If you want a particular piece of music (for example during your wedding ceremony), then don’t automatically assume that the group will be able to play it. Most professional bands play from printed music, which is arranged for that type of ensemble (e.g. a string quartet’s music is arranged in 4 parts, one for each instrument). If the piece of music you want is available in print for the ensemble you have chosen, then you shouldn’t have a problem. However, if you want a piece of music that isn’t available in print or isn’t arranged for the type of group you want to book, then this will have to be arranged especially for you. Ask if the group can do this for you (for examples of this type of service, see the “Designer” music feature).
Ensure you have a written quotation, covering everything - the band’s fees, travelling expenses etc... Some bands may charge extra for PA equipment or lighting, so make sure you have a quote that includes everything you need, so you don’t get a surprise later on.
Check the band you like is available.
Ask bands and ensembles to send you written information, demo CDs and quotes for you to evaluate.
Listen to the CDs, read through all the information and review the play lists carefully to see if they can play the type of music you want. Some bands will have set play lists (probably playing a standard set of numbers for most of their performances), whilst others are more flexible and you’ll be able to choose specific tunes from their play list.
If you want a particular piece of music (for example during your wedding ceremony), then don’t automatically assume that the group will be able to play it. Most professional bands play from printed music, which is arranged for that type of ensemble (e.g. a string quartet’s music is arranged in 4 parts, one for each instrument). If the piece of music you want is available in print for the ensemble you have chosen, then you shouldn’t have a problem. However, if you want a piece of music that isn’t available in print or isn’t arranged for the type of group you want to book, then this will have to be arranged especially for you. Ask if the group can do this for you (for examples of this type of service, see the “Designer” music feature).
Ensure you have a written quotation, covering everything - the band’s fees, travelling expenses etc... Some bands may charge extra for PA equipment or lighting, so make sure you have a quote that includes everything you need, so you don’t get a surprise later on.
Check the band you like is available.
Stage 5
Choose your band
The most important rule of all - if you want a professional performance and service, then book professionals!
Although it may be fine to book an amateur or semi-professional band, some brides have done this only to be let down near the big day because the band has broken up, or they have taken on a more lucrative engagement. Performance levels amongst professional musicians are generally higher because they will have received far greater training and have had more experience. Unlike amateurs, professionals do not perform as a pastime - it is their living and consequently they will give you the attention, quality and peace of mind you deserve!
The band should issue you with a written contract. Also check that any electrical equipment is fully tested and that they have public liability insurance. Some venues may also ask for the group’s Health and Safety statement.
The most important rule of all - if you want a professional performance and service, then book professionals!
Although it may be fine to book an amateur or semi-professional band, some brides have done this only to be let down near the big day because the band has broken up, or they have taken on a more lucrative engagement. Performance levels amongst professional musicians are generally higher because they will have received far greater training and have had more experience. Unlike amateurs, professionals do not perform as a pastime - it is their living and consequently they will give you the attention, quality and peace of mind you deserve!
The band should issue you with a written contract. Also check that any electrical equipment is fully tested and that they have public liability insurance. Some venues may also ask for the group’s Health and Safety statement.
Stage 6
Once the paperwork is in place, it’s a case of fine tuning what the musicians will play for you. If you are having background music during a drinks reception or dining, then the choice of individual tunes probably isn’t so vital, but you’ll definitely want to choose the music for the ceremony or first dance. You’ll probably have plenty of ideas in mind, and your band leader should also be able to offer advice if needed.