Wedding Musicians: Five Tips before You Book
Sunday, January 31st, 2010Staging for live wedding music is just one of about a thousand tasks facing brides and grooms and wedding planners. Between flowers, photographers, venues, dresses, showers, rings, video recording, and more, even a moderate and quiet wedding takes a extraordinary amount of preparation. It can be a nerve-wracking time because if even one of these areas falls through the cracks, your big day can end up being a big disappointment.
Here are five hints to employing live wedding instrumentalists for your ceremony and reception:
1. Make sure you employ a dance band with a tested track record of professionalism. Does the manager return your phone calls promptly? Does the dance band have a internet site? Business cards? Other promotional materials? Or do you get the feel you’re speaking to a guy practicing in his garage with his pals? The way the band shows itself as you begin speaking with them is a honest indicator of how they’ll show up (or not!) on your big day.
2. Punctuality is key. When you set an date to meet in person or on the telephone, it’s like a mini-contract. If the band handler is tardy to meet with you, it’s a cautionary sign that they don’t take their agreements earnestly. If they can’t come through on time in the planning stage, what other agreements will they fail with you on your wedding day? This extends on to you, also – being timely is just one way you can live a life that shows that you respect your commitments.
3. Make sure the dance band is easy-going rather than being a bunch of divas. By now you’ve likely heard a hundred Bridezilla jokes, even if you’re not demanding or unreasonable. Imagine hiring the equivalent in craziness for your wedding dance band. The last thing you need on your wedding day is to have to wait on your musicians hand and foot, bringing them food and drink, having the thermostat adjusted for them, or tending to other demanding needs. The best band for you is one that can take care of itself, one that’s easy to get along with, and one that does all it can to make sure your day is effortless and fun for you.
4. Book a wedding band that’s fun. Getting married is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. It’s serious business. The music on your wedding day should be splendid and fun. You don’t want to see your invitees inattentive, groggy, and wishing the event was finished. You want them up, dancing, singing, and glad. If you select a live wedding music band well, your choice will do lots to make your wedding day unforgettable in a fabulous way. This is the big day you’ve been ready for, and music is such a important part of it. Make sure you hire a band that makes the day idyllic – pleasurable for you and your guests.
George Pollis is the managing director and a musician with Reel Ting Steel Drum Band. For a professional, punctual, easy-going, talented, and fun live wedding music band, see Reel Ting at http://www.reelting.com.