What to Look for When Auditioning Wedding Bands for Your Reception?
Your wedding reception is one of the most important parts of your big day. The right live wedding band can get your guests dancing, create an energetic atmosphere, and make your reception truly memorable. When auditioning and selecting your wedding band, there are some key things you'll want to consider to ensure you find the perfect musical act for your celebration.
Factors to Consider for Hiring a Wedding Entertainer Band
Here are the factors that you need to keep in mind when hiring a corporate entertainer:
Song Variety - One of the most important things to look for is a band that has an extensive repertoire covering different musical genres, decades, and styles. You want your band to be able to play something for everyone. Make sure they have a diverse song list that includes modern pop hits, oldies, jazz/swing, rock, country, soul, and R&B - the more variety the better to keep your guests dancing all night. Try to get a full list of their song repertoire to ensure it includes your favourite tunes and music you think your family and friends would enjoy dancing and singing along to.
Adaptability - A great wedding band will not have a completely set playlist or song selection that they use for every wedding. You want to pick a band that is flexible and can adapt their setlist based on your preferences and crowd. Make sure to ask if they are willing to learn new songs or medleys for your special day. The right band will work with you ahead of time to personalise the music for your style. Provide them with a list of your must-have songs and your do-not-play list to avoid songs you dislike or that don't fit the vibe you want.
Experience - Choose a wedding band that has several years if not decades of experience performing at weddings and receptions. An experienced group is key for keeping energy levels high during a long reception. Ask how many weddings they've performed at and request referrals from past clients. Try to see videos of their past wedding gigs to get a feel for their stage presence and how they interact with crowds. Experience playing before enthusiastic wedding guests is ideal.
Professionalism - When you meet with the band, observe how professionally they conduct themselves. Do they show up on time and organised for the audition? Are they dressed appropriately? Do they communicate in a polite, friendly manner? You want a band that takes your event seriously and professionally handles themselves. Look for bands that are excited about playing your wedding and making it special, not just another gig to them.
Song Performances - Don't just listen to demo recordings, see the band perform live at an audition or show. This gives you a better sense of their musical abilities and stage presence. Pay attention to vocal quality, instrumentals, and how well they get the crowd engaged. See if they sound just as great live as they do in recordings. Mediocre live performances are a red flag.
Positive Attitude - Look for wedding musicians who are passionate about their work and genuinely want you to have the best day ever. They should be eager to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Avoid bands that seem disinterested or arrogant. You want a band with a friendly demeanour who cares about you and your guests having an amazing time dancing to their music.
Music Volume - Request to see how loud the band can perform. Reception venues can sometimes echo or amplify the music. Make sure the band can adjust their volume up or down so guests can carry on conversations during dinner and also rock out on the dance floor. Check if they have their sound equipment and can control the volume and sound quality to suit your event space acoustics.
Song Learning - It's fairly common for couples to make special song requests like a first dance song. Make sure the band is willing to learn new music and rehearse special songs for your wedding beyond their existing repertoire. Ask how much lead time they need to learn and perfect new songs. Can they learn something last minute in an emergency? How often will they practice your custom song to get it right?
Backups - Things like power outages or equipment malfunctions can happen. See if the band has contingency plans in place in case of an emergency. Professional bands will have backups of instruments, amps, and mics ready to go. Inquire if each band member has a backup instrument so the show can go on if a string breaks or something needs tuning.
Insurance - Reputable wedding bands will have general liability insurance in case of damage or injury at your venue. Don't risk hiring a band that can't provide proof of coverage. Ask for insurance certificates. There should be coverage for any venue damage caused by the band's equipment or actions.
References - Don't just take a band's word that they are great. Ask for and check their references to verify past client satisfaction. Reach out to the references and ask how their overall experience was working with the band if the band delivered what they promised, and if they'd recommend them for another wedding.
Contracts - Always sign a detailed performance contract with your selected band to lay out exactly what will be provided, the date, times, payment schedule and terms. This protects both you and the band legally. Add provisions for things like weather contingency plans, overtime fees, and equipment requirements.
Final Thoughts
Auditioning and hiring your wedding band takes time and consideration. However, finding the perfect musical group is worth the effort for creating amazing memories on the dancefloor. With this checklist, you can feel confident you have thoroughly vetted your options and selected a stellar band for your big day! Let the music play and the celebrations begin.
If you are looking for a wedding entertainer band in Glasgow, ensure to go by the reputation and experience of the band.

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