These questions to ask bands are a must before you hire them for your most important day

For the success of your wedding day, please don’t skip over these questions to ask bands before hiring them. Nothing beats the energy of live music, for sure. However, not all bands are made the same. There have been plenty of bad experiences at weddings because bands get hired without being professional.

There have been drinkers in the band, leading to sloppy music or bad behavior. Bands that do not dress appropriately for a wedding. Also, bands that have no experience making announcements at weddings or knowing the correct times to perform.

Sure, hiring a band based on their music and performance alone makes sense, but not for a wedding. Weddings are an entirely different beast than a nightclub or street fair. Make sure you to your due diligence before you put down a deposit.

Choosing the right band is crucial to ensure that the atmosphere is lively, the music is top-notch, and everyone has a great time. We know that with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to make the right choice. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 10 important questions to ask bands before hiring them for your wedding.

Of course, not all questions are considered crucial. Some of these are questions that you may not have thought of, but may help. We’ve marked the crucial questions, so you can make the right decision in the end.

Number One: What type of music do you specialize in?

Every band has its own unique style and genre that they specialize in. Ensure that the band you’re considering fits your personal taste and that their style matches the overall theme of your wedding.

Number Two: How long have you been performing at weddings?

CRUCIAL QUESTION!

Experience matters, especially when it comes to wedding experience. A band with extensive wedding performances knows how to keep the crowd engaged and can handle any last-minute changes that may arise. Seasoned wedding bands know how to dress, what is appropriate, and they have worked with other wedding vendors and coordinators.

Number Three: Can we see a live performance or a recording of a previous wedding?

CRUCIAL QUESTION!

It’s important to see the band in action before hiring them for a wedding. This will give you a better idea of their performance style, interaction with the crowd, and overall energy. It’s not the same as when you evaluate a DJ since the DJ is not actually doing a stage performance.

Number Four: Do you offer any additional services, such as DJing or lighting?

Some bands offer additional services such as DJing or lighting to enhance the overall experience. This is an important factor to consider, especially if you’re looking for a comprehensive entertainment package. The combination of an experienced wedding band that doubles as a DJ can be a great value.

Questions to Ask Bands Number Five: How long is your typical set, and how many sets can you perform in a night?

Understanding the band’s set length and the number of sets they can perform is crucial when creating a timeline for your wedding. You want to ensure that the band can accommodate your schedule and that there is no awkward silence during your reception. See question number four – if a band can play DJ during their breaks, it will be non-stop entertainment for your guests.

Number Six: Do you have a backup plan in case of an emergency?

Emergencies can happen, and it’s essential to know that the band has a backup plan in place. This can include a replacement musician or a secondary sound system.

Number Seven: How much space do you need for your performance?

CRUCIAL QUESTION!

Knowing the band’s space requirements is crucial when planning the logistics of your wedding. Ensure that the venue can accommodate their needs before booking them.

Number Eight: Do you have your own professional equipment?

You may or may not be surprised that inexperienced musicians can be unprepared. Some actually expect there to be an entire sound system/PA all set up for them. Make sure these musicians are actual professionals.

Number Nine: What is your pricing, and what does it include?

CRUCIAL QUESTION!

Understanding the band’s pricing and what is included in their package is important to avoid any surprises. Make sure that their pricing fits within your budget and that their package includes everything you need. If you’re so inclined, you may also ask them if they carry liability insurance. Be aware that some venues demand proof of insurance from vendors.

Number Ten: Can you provide references from previous wedding clients?

CRUCIAL QUESTION!

You should check references from previous wedding clients can give you insight into the band’s reliability, professionalism, and overall performance quality. If the band has representation (manager, booking agent) is a good sign. If they are listed on wedding vendor websites, all the better.

It’s also a great idea to check out online testimonials for this band. Look for them on sites such as Wedding Pro (the knot and WeddingWire) and even Yelp! to get a good idea of how well they do at weddings.

There are lots of questions to ask bands, but they are important

Yes, this can seem overwhelming at first, but we can’t stress enough how critical these questions are. By asking these important questions, you’ll be able to make a well-informed decision and choose the perfect wedding band to create an unforgettable experience for you and your wedding guests.

You may seem a little embarrassed when asking a list of questions. Rest assured that a truly professional and experienced wedding band will be used to it and welcome questions.

We want to read your thoughts!

If you have had a memorable experience with a band at a wedding – good or bad – let us know! Please give us your feedback and/or questions below. (Scroll down!)