Quick, when you attend a wedding, what’s one of the first things you notice? If you said music, then you’re right. A great wedding band can make or break and entire ceremony, so it is absolutely vital that you spend time searching and evaluating various groups until you find the perfect one for your wedding.
What makes a good wedding band?
There are several things that make up a perfect wedding band. One of the main ones is their ability to understand the flow and mood of the group; for instance, they should play something much more upbeat and peppy when people are coming in and greeting you. It should be quiet enough that it doesn’t overpower conversation, yet still loud enough that it can be heard. As the ceremony progresses, the band should be able to seamlessly match the atmosphere, shifting from solemn to happy. When the guests move to the dance floor, the band should slide from one song to another to keep the energy up high.
A great wedding band understands your wishes.
A wedding band that is set in its ways and only plays traditional wedding music when you want heavy metal played might not be the best choice. Finding a band that is willing to work with you to change up the set list and allow you and your guests to request songs during the dance is a better choice than one that only does things a certain way. Make sure the wedding band you choose respects your wishes. If you don’t want a certain type or genre of music played at your wedding, speak with the band well in advance so they know not to play that style of song.
Look for a band with rave reviews.
You should always choose a band with experience over one just starting out. Even if a new band has considerable talent, you don’t want your wedding to be the one they cut their teeth on; the lack of experience means they may not be able to read the crowd and keep the mood at the right level. Check the band’s website and see what their previous clients have to say. The bands that have a lot of great reviews and a huge previous client list are usually safe bets; if multiple women swear by them, then you can rest easy that they’ll do a good job.
Listen to them beforehand.
Many wedding bands will have samples of their performances that you can watch and listen to before making your decision. This gives you a feel for their performance style, as well as their professionalism. Even if a band looks good on paper, you might find their live performances don’t have the right feel to suit you – and that’s perfectly fine. However, it’s important to do every bit of preparation you can before finalizing your decision.
What do they cost?
Know what your budget is before beginning your search. While it’s okay to adjust your budget just a bit for the perfect band, you don’t want to overshoot too much. If the cost seems exorbitant, move on to a different group or try to get the price reduced a bit.
Trust your gut.
Ultimately, your wedding is your day. According to Resource Entertainment Group, “Even if a band doesn’t fall into any sort of criteria, or they seem too expensive, or they aren’t highly recommended, you should trust your own instincts. If a band just feels ‘right’ for your wedding, then don’t be afraid to book them.” After all, if nothing else, you can turn on a stereo if the band flops.
Choosing a wedding band can make all the difference at the ceremony, so spend just as much time on finding the right one as you would planning the invitations and seating arrangements. Don’t be afraid to be brutal in your criteria; you’ll be much happier when you find the perfect band.
