Planning a wedding in New Jersey? If you haven’t already hired someone to help handle the details for you, you might be a little overwhelmed in the details when it comes to securing your wedding venue, guest lists and wedding invitations, vows, and all the ins and outs of your reception. One of the most important things to secure for the big after party is wedding entertainment.
Most couples opt for live music over a set playlist for their reception. But when searching for the best wedding bands in New Jersey, you will want to make sure that you are vetting your options properly. No one wants to end up in an awkward situation (think George singing Culture Club on repeat in The Wedding Singer). This is why it is crucial to do a bit of research into NJ wedding bands before committing. Here are ten things you need to know before hiring a wedding band in New Jersey.
Know Their Style and Catalog of Songs
This is a big one. You and your soon to be spouse have your own musical tastes and there are also guests to consider. So, when you are searching for the perfect wedding band to hire for your New Jersey wedding, what the band knows how to play is smart.
If you have your heart set on a particular style of music for your reception, you should spend some time chatting with the band to see if they are a good fit for your nuptial celebration. If the band mostly covers Led Zeppelin and you’re not a fan, it is good to know that ahead of your big day.
See if You Actually Like the Band – Listen to Their Demos!
Another huge thing that any bride or groom booking wedding entertainment should do before signing any contracts is to listen to samples of the band’s music. Making the time to sit down together and play a demo tape for your prospective wedding band is a smart move.
Why? Because listening to a band’s demo is the only way to confirm that the act is legitimate. Not listening to a live demo would be like signing a waiver or legal document without reading any of the fine print. You and your partner will have a better idea if the band is what you are expecting and their level of musical talent. This is why live bands have demos in the first place—they act as a musical resume and are crucial in the interview process. Do you like their sound? Are they what you were expecting? A demo can help you answer these questions.
Does the Band Take Requests?
Another great question to ask is whether the wedding band can take requests. A live band is limited to what the musicians know. If you want to hear certain songs, you should make sure that the band can cover your song requests.
If you want to close out your wedding with a live rendition of “Good Riddance” by Green Day because you are a huge fan of early Billy Joel Armstrong, find out whether this song is in the band’s repertoire. A way to bridge this gap is to consider hiring a DJ/band hybrid to help broaden your wedding’s music selection.
Does the Band Provide an MC?
Another clever question to ask is if the band provides an MC. What is an MC? MC stands for “Master of Ceremonies.” These individuals serve as hosts for the party. They are often responsible for things like crowd control, taking requests from attendees, making announcements, introducing the band, and more. A skilled MC can bring infectious energy to your party.
Does the Band Have Any Special Needs?
This is a good question for your prospective wedding band to help you determine if your wedding venue of choice has what the band needs. Does the band you are considering have their own equipment (turntables, sub woofers, amplifiers, etc.?). This is an important question because while some bands are completely set up with all their own equipment, others may not be. If the wedding venue you booked doesn’t accommodate the band, you will have to pivot.
How Many Band Members?
When you’re on the hunt for NJ wedding bands, another pertinent piece of information is how many band members there are. This also will help you determine whether the band can be accommodated by your choice of venue. If there is not enough space for the performers, then the band may not be the best fit for your wedding.
Ask About Their Performance Schedule
Asking about a band’s routine or performance schedule will give you a great idea of what you can expect from their live performance and how dialed in the wedding band you are thinking about hiring is. Professional musicians often have set lists and a schedule to help dictate the flow of the party. Knowing whether the band you are hiring has a performance schedule may help you decide whether to choose a band for your wedding reception.
Ask About Cost
Once you have decided that ‘Yes, I jive with this band,’ you will want to ask about cost. If the band doesn’t fit your budget, then you need to reconsider your budget or move on and find a band that doesn’t break the bank.
Confirm the Band’s Availability for Your Wedding Date
After sifting through NJ wedding bands and arriving at your top choices, one of the things that can cause a hang up is band availability. It is important to make sure that the band is available on your special day. If they aren’t, you will have to go with entertainers that are.
Review the Contract Before You Sign
When you cross all the Ts and dot all the Is, it is time to sign a contract to hire the best New Jersey wedding band to perform at your wedding reception. Reading the contract between you and the musicians you are hiring to perform your wedding will ensure that you’re not blindsided by any details or costs hidden in the fine print.
Searching for top rated wedding bands in New Jersey? Spinners Entertainment has you covered. Contact us today to learn more about who we are and what we have to offer.
