Wedding Reception Entertainment
How to Pick the Right Live Band

If you are considering hiring a live band for your wedding reception, here are some questions you might want to ask before making a final decision.

Will the band's repertoire appeal to different age groups and tastes?
Before hiring a band it's important to check that their songs have broad appeal. Typically you'll need to cover everything from the 1960s right up to the latest chart hits, so everyone (including grandad) has a reason to get up and dance.

Is it possible to hear the band play live before I hire them?
It's vital that you ask bands if you can hear them play live before deciding which one to hire. It's also worth checking how long the band has been performing and that it isn't one that's just being put together at the last minute with session musicians.

Is the band fully insured and covered for electrical safety?
It's not something you might think about, but most wedding venues today insist that bands have public liability insurance and also a current electrical safety certificate. So make sure you hire a band that is properly covered.

What about music for the first dance and also background music?
When talking to a band ask whether they can play your first dance song live, or enable it to be played through their sound system via CD or iPod. Also check that the band can provide background music when they're not performing.

Have I chosen a suitable venue?
It's important to check that the venue where you'll be holding your reception is one that's able to stage live music. For instance, if the venue is situated in a built-up area then it may be prohibited from having bands. Or it may have a noise limiter installed which could result in the band's electricity supply being cut in the middle of a song. You should also check whether the room in which you're holding your reception is sufficiently large to accommodate a band.

Martin Keys is the author of this article on Wedding Reception Entertainment and is a member of 24-7, one of the most popular wedding bands in Kent.

by Martin Keys -

Back to Top

###

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Keys