Wedding Band FAQ

Hiring a wedding band is often more complicated than it sounds, especially when you are dealing with an agency rather than the band direct. Asking key questions about the band, their style, and their experience will help to clarify any grey areas. Make sure the answers to your questions are written into the contract you sign with the band. Some of the questions to ask include:

1. Will it be the same musicians I have seen and heard who perform at the wedding?

It may sound an odd question, but it’s very common for couples to hire a band based on a performance or video they have seen, and then for completely different people to turn up at the wedding. If you are booking through an agency they might not have fixed groups, but individual musicians that they mix into bands. If you are determined to have the musicians you saw performing, get their names written into your contract.

2. How many musicians will be in the band that performs at the wedding?

Imagine your disappointment if the demo you heard or the performance you saw featured six musicians, but on the day you only have three. Alternatively, if you are only expecting a band of four, eight musicians will come as a shock both financially and spatially.

3. Will you learn a song for our first dance?

Before you get carried away with choosing your song, check that the band are willing to learn it. While most are quite happy to learn new material as long as they have sufficient notice and it’s just one song, others will ask you to choose a song from their repertoire instead. It would be a shame to hire a live band and then dance your first dance to pre-recorded music, so if you have your heart set on ‘your song’, make sure the band will learn it before you book them.

4. How long will you play and what happens during breaks?

The average length of time a band is hired for is four hours, and in that time they should take a maximum of three 15 minute breaks. Remember to check that they will provide music to cover these breaks, and see if you like their choice. Also remember to arrange additional music for later in the evening or the cocktail hour if your reception will last longer than four hours.

5. Can we have some input into the play list?

A live band will have a more limited repertoire than a DJ, so your influence on the play list will be minimal. That said; a good wedding band should be able to play a wide range of styles and tempos, and have a reasonably large and varied list of songs. Ask if you can see that list and highlight any that definitely should be played, as well as any that you’d rather not hear.

6. What do we need to provide for the band?

The basics should be fairly obvious; the band will need an electrical supply and space to set up. If they have worked at your wedding venue before they should know what sound equipment is available there, and what to bring with them, otherwise they should call in advance to check. Few bands actually require dinner in their contract, but most do appreciate it if you can cater for them. Ask your caterer if they will provide food for the band at a reduced rate.

7. What will the band members wear?

You will have put a lot of effort into your wedding decorations, and you don’t want the overall look ruined by scruffy band members. If you want the band to wear something particular to complement your wedding theme you can always ask. Otherwise, black tie is a timeless outfit for musicians, and it works at almost any venue.