Twenty practical tips from our blog to help you choose the right band for your wedding.
Decide how you want the day to feel first
Agree the atmosphere you want before you shortlist suppliers. It tells you what kind of band you need. Read more
Start with the room, not the showreel
Think about your guests, your venue and your night, then judge bands against that picture. Read more
Ask who will actually perform
Make sure the musicians you see and hear are the ones who will play at your wedding. Read more
Watch complete live performances
Short edited clips can hide a lot. Ask to see full, unedited live footage. Read more
Ask how the band gets to know your guests
A good band reads the room and plans around the people who will be there. Read more
Check they can adapt the music and running order
Your night will not run exactly to the minute. The band should adjust with it. Read more
Find out exactly what the package includes
Sound, lighting, DJ set, set times and setup should all be clear before you sign. Read more
Ask what happens if a musician becomes unavailable
A professional band has a clear plan for illness or emergencies. Read more
Make sure the band will work with your venue
Space, power, access and any sound limiter all need to be checked in advance. Read more
Speak properly before you decide
A real conversation tells you more than any brochure. Read more
Remember that value is not the same as price
Judge what you get for your money, not only the number on the quote. Read more
Know the difference between a band and a show
Great musicians are the start. Presentation and connection with the crowd make a show. Read more
Choose a band that plays for every generation
Your guests bring different musical histories. The set should welcome all of them. Read more
Look for waves of music, not blocks
Mixing eras and styles keeps more people dancing for longer. Read more
Do not confuse volume with excitement
Energy comes from song choice and performance, not from playing louder. Read more
Plan your entertainment as one sequence
Ceremony, drinks, dinner and party each need a different energy, and each should lead into the next. Read more
Give speeches and food a sensible place in the timeline
Hungry guests and late speeches drain the energy before the band even starts. Read more
Share the songs that mean something to you
Two or three personal moments, delivered well, can bring the whole room together. Read more
Choose the right people, then trust them
Once you have booked a band you believe in, let them do their job. Read more
Book early
The best bands are booked well ahead for popular dates, so check your date as soon as your venue is confirmed.
Have a question we have not covered? See our FAQ or contact Louise Rafferty.
