Are you newly engaged and planning your dream wedding? The first step is to take a deep breath and try not to stress. There are a lot of ins-and-outs when it comes to the details of planning a wedding, which can make it easy to get lost in the weeds.
Most engaged couples focus on things like booking their venue and caterer way ahead of time to ensure that they can work out reserving their desired dates in advance (snoozing on these types of details can mean losing out on your first choice. Another detail that you should sort out early in your wedding planning process is booking entertainment for your reception—otherwise, you might end up with the short straw.
What to Look for in a Wedding Band for Your Reception
Your wedding reception is a big deal. Likely, it will be the biggest party that you and your partner throw. Your entire family and all your friends will be there to celebrate alongside you. No pressure or anything.
Entertainment can make or break the party at your reception. Your guests will remember the celebration more than the actual ceremony (which really does not last that long). Many of us have never had to book a live band before and do not know where to begin. Here are five key traits to look for when booking a wedding band for your reception.
1. Hire a Wedding Band That Has Experience
We highly recommend that the live band that you choose to hire for your wedding reception has experience playing weddings. You might not think that this is important if you liked the demo and the vibe of the band you are considering. However, if this is the band’s first rodeo, you are hiring an unrefined act.
Just because a band has a proven record playing dive bars does not mean that they are an excellent choice for your wedding reception. You are leaving space for mishaps and growing pains taking the chance on hiring an inexperienced wedding band to play at your reception. Trust us when we tell you that the cost savings will not equate. We highly recommend choosing an experienced wedding band over a fledgling band testing the waters or trying to make quick cash.
2. Look for a Band with Great Energy and Stage Presence
Another trait that you should consider when searching for the perfect wedding band to book for your upcoming wedding is the type of energy their stage presence brings to the party. Experienced performers have an infectious and energetic energy on stage that is almost contagious.
Only true entertainers know how to work a crowd and keep energy levels high. Does the band engage the crowd? How much charisma are they packing? Browse the reviews and see what others have to say about a wedding band’s performance at their reception.
3. Choose Invested and Committed Performers
Why is investment and commitment important when it comes to hiring the right band to play at your wedding reception? Because investment and commitment show when it comes to the quality of sound and music production as well as musical ability.
Musicians that invest in the best sound equipment and instruments show a dedication to their profession. Unless you are booking Shakey Graves, we would avoid hiring a one man band to play your wedding with a kick snare drum, a guitar. Production value starts with an investment in equipment and musical and performance mastery takes a level of commitment and dedication.
4. Go With a Band with a Versatile Range
When it comes to music selection, it is best not to pigeonhole your party into one genre. Finding a wedding band with a broad range of song choices is a smart bet. A wide selection of music appeals to more people.
Listening to a band’s demo tape will give you a sampling of what the band is capable of and should highlight the best that they have to offer. Bands are limited by what they know, but did you know that there are hybrid wedding bands that work with DJs to provide the ultimate wedding entertainment experience? Booking this type of entertainment can expand the range of music for your party.
5. Find a Band that Demonstrates Professionalism
Hiring an unprofessional wedding band can easily turn your party into a trainwreck (flashback to sad-boy Adam Sandler tanking a wedding performance when his relationship falls apart in The Wedding Singer). If you are wondering what to look for in a live wedding band, professionalism should be a consideration.
An unprofessional wedding band could end up leaving you with a bad taste in your mouth. Drinking and drugs can impact performance and behavior at your wedding. The last thing you need at your wedding is a belligerent band member harassing your guests or the venue staff. We are sure there are horror stories out there. That is why it is crucial to read reviews and dodge these kinds of red flags.
Searching for a Wedding Band for Your New York or New Jersey Wedding?
Spinner Entertainment is committed to providing quality wedding entertainment. We are professionals in our field and bring years of experience to the table. Want to learn more about who we are and what we do? Visit our website.
