Party Pro
Sue Durio
There’s music and there’s entertainment; and then there’s nothing like live music for getting people on their feet and onto the dance floor. Everyone loves a great band with a charismatic lead singer and a strong rhythmic section. A good band is more than background music; they’ll entertain you and your guests, and get everyone out of their seats. Before you start auditioning Long Island’s best bands, read on for tips to finding the best live music for your wedding.
Getting Started
Finding a band for your celebration shouldn’t be difficult, as there are many talented groups out there that cater to almost every wedding style and couples’ taste. If you don’t have a specific group in mind, look through this section of the magazine for the area’s top professionals, or ask friends and family members for recommendations.
Attend a band showcase to audtion some of Long Island’s top wedding bands. You can also check with an area booking agent for information on the bands they represent. When considering a band, ask for their CD or DVD. Be sure to schedule a personal consultation with any band that you are considering, so that all of your questions can be addressed.
Money Matters
First and foremost, sit down with your fiancé and decide on how much you want to budget for the band you really want at your wedding. Keep in mind that fees vary depending on the popularity and style of band you wish to hire. Although most live bands will be more expensive than a DJ (and the more performers in the band, the higher the fee), it’s worth the expense to ensure you and your guests have a wonderful time.
You get what you pay for, so if you can’t imagine your reception without a good twelve-piece orchestra, then you should budget accordingly and choose a band that you will be happy with. And if you feel the band has performed exceptionally well at your celebration, tipping is always appreciated. How much you tip is up to you, but remember that the tip will be split up according to the number of musicians in the band.
Size Matters
Once you’ve allocated a portion of your budget to live music, it’s time to consider what size band will give you the sound you want in relation to the size of your reception space and the number of guests you’re expecting. A three-piece jazz band might be dwarfed in a large ballroom, but a nine to twelve-piece band could fill the space perfectly. The same goes for putting an eight-piece swing band in a small private dining room; the music will overwhelm the space and probably keep your guests from chatting and mingling anywhere other than in the back of the room.
The basic rule of thumb is to hire a six-piece band for guest lists that number around 50; seven to twelve-piece bands would pair better with guest lists of 60 and above. But the number of band members also relates to the style of music you’re looking for and the authenticity of the sound, so be open to the bandleader’s suggestions.
Style Matters
You should carefully consider the style of music you want for your celebration. Take your guests into account, along with your and your fiancé’s musical tastes. If you’re planning an upscale affair and you want guests of all ages to feel comfortable on the dance floor, try to hire a band that can offer a variety of musical genres. For example, a bit of Frank Sinatra for the older crowd will mix nicely with a few of today’s popular songs creating a musical environment everyone will enjoy. If you’re looking for ethnic flair, but can’t find a group with the style you want, ask each band specifically if they can cover songs with a Latin, Italian, or other ethnic beat.
Communication Matters
Communicating with the bandleader is the most important thing you can do to insure your band plays the songs you’ve requested and keeps to a schedule. With open communication between the two of you, there will be no unwanted surprises. You should discuss just how many breaks they plan to take, approximately how long the breaks will last, what type of music will fill in for the band during their breaks, etc. In turn, the bandleader should find out from you exactly what is expected of him or her, and feel comfortable approaching you with any issues or suggestions. As with any wedding professional, you should have a signed contract with the band that outlines all the points you feel are necessary. A signed contract protects the band as well as you, and it’s an essential part of booking professional musicians.
Great music always comes to mind when one thinks of a successful party. So, when you sit down to plan out all of your wedding details be sure to choose a good band that will get everyone on their feet. The band will help create unforgettable moments and perfect photo opportunities that will be treasured for years to come.