WEDDING ARTICLE
10 tips
Live music for your wedding
The days of wedding first and reception later are almost gone because more and more couples are choosing the one-stop solution; having it all under one roof. If you plan to have everything in one location, planning makes perfect, and knowing ‘how-to’ is only half of the battle.
Choosing a Band
So many people hire a band only to be disappointed at the wedding! Don’t waste time simply talking to a band. If your wedding is planned for months away and you have the time, tell the musician that you would like to briefly attend an event they are scheduled to play. This is standard and shouldn’t be a problem. At the very least, ask to attend a practice session. This way you can get a good sampling of their music style to make sure it coincides with your liking and expectations.
Contracting a Band
Most couples are absolutely horrified when the hired musician doesn’t show up. Save yourself the stress, talk with only reputable musicians with references and make sure there is a contract to sign. Every good musician wants everything squared away on his end as well as yours. Make the musician offers his time to explain the contract and answer any questions. If you’re dealing with a pushy musician, find another one.
Sound Quality & Location
Let the musicians know where the wedding will be beforehand because acoustics play an important part of the sound quality of the music the band will play. All musicians love ballrooms with hardwood floors and sparsely decorated walls because these materials will amplify the sounds. Carpeted floors and most tile ceilings only damper the sound, reducing the sound quality and if the musicians have a chance to view the proposed area they may be able to help remedy the problem before it’s a problem.
Musician Placement
Placing the musicians near the food and beverages is not a good idea. Spills, distractions and worse could happen. Make sure that there are no fire hazards near the equipment or chances that the equipment could become wet because you don’t want to spend another ten thousand replacing musical equipment after the wedding. It’s a good idea to keep the band away from everything.
Discuss Musician Attire
Every musician that has played at weddings before should know how to dress but don’t bet on it, ask what they will be wearing. Too many couples have hired a musician to play that showed up in ripped jeans and a tank top; don’t let it happen to you.
Discuss Overtime
Even if you don’t anticipate any overtime for the musicians, talk about it. Busy musicians may have as many as four places to be on any given day, allowing time for packing up, playing, packing back up and traveling to other engagements. Ask about overtime, the notice needed, the price and how soon the musician needs to know in advance. The average time is about two weeks.
Deposit
Never pay the discussed total amount of the musician’s salary up front. An experienced musician knows the boundaries and will only ask for one half or one third to be paid up front. Some musicians may ask for the balance two weeks before the wedding, at the wedding or within two weeks after the wedding. This should be included in the contract, if it’s not and it should be, don’t sign.
Music Schedule
Make sure the band knows the last line of the service to ensure that they know their queue to begin playing. It’s not a good idea to give them a specific time like, “Start at 6:15, on the dot”. In case a bridesmaid trips going down the aisle or the ring bearer loses the ring, your wedding will not be interrupted.
Background Music
Background music from a live band during your vows is not recommended. The music could drown out the vows. Some people will only hear the music, some only the vows, and even if the band plays soft music, it’s still not guaranteed. It’s best to only play music while the wedding party is walking down the aisle until the bride takes her place, and then stop.
Selecting the Music
If you plan to have the band to play a specific song for the bridal party and after the vows have taken place, make sure that the musician has a sheet in front of him with the selections written down. This way there is no confusion. Processional music should be tailored to the wedding. It should be slow, romantic, and religious or signify an importance to the bride and groom. A happier selection with the same consideration in mind should be played during recession at the end of the ceremony.
Share Good Fortune
You’ve married the love of your life, hopefully everything has turned out smoothly and your musicians have done a great job; be hospitable! Share in your good fortune, invite your musicians to have a drink, eat a bit and rejoice with you. You never know … you may need them in the future and possibly receive a discount.
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