Arranging for live wedding music is just one of about a millionprojects facing brides and wedding planners. Between flowers, photographers, locales, gowns, showers, rings, video recording, and more, even a moderate and unpretentious wedding makes for a tremendous amount of preparation. It can be a trying time because if even one of these areas falls through the cracks, your big day can end up being a big letdown.
Here are five tips to engaging live wedding instrumentalists for your service and reception:
1. Make sure you engage a band with a tried track record of professionalism. Does the director return your telephone calls promptly? Does the dance band have a web site? Business cards? Other promotional materials? Or do you get the impression you’re talking to a guy rehearsing in his garage with his buddies? The way the band shows itself as you begin talking with them is a good indicator of how they’ll come on (or not!) on your big day.
2. Promptness is important. When you set an date to connect in person or on the phone, it’s like a mini-contract. If the band director is late to meet with you, it’s a warning sign that they don’t take their agreements earnestly. If they can’t come through on time in the planning stage, what other arrangements will they fail with you on your wedding day? This extends on to you, likewise – being timely is just one way you can live a life that displays that you honor your commitments.
3. Make certain the dance band is easy-going rather than being a bunch of prima donnas. By now you’ve probably heard a hundred Bridezilla jokes, even if you’re not exacting or extreme. Imagine hiring the equivalent in flakiness for your wedding dance band. The last thing you want on your wedding day is to have to wait on your musicians hand and foot, fetching them food and beverage, having the thermostat changed for them, or catering to other demanding needs. The best band for you is one that can take care of itself, one that’s easy to get along with, and one that does all it can to make sure your day is easy and fun for you.
4. Hire a wedding band that’s fun. Getting hitched is one of the greatest decisions you’ll ever make. It’s important business. The music on your wedding day should be enjoyable and fun. You don’t want to see your guests yawning, listless, and wishing the day was through. You want them up, dancing, singing, and glad. If you select a live wedding music band well, your selection will do a great deal to make your wedding day memorable in a great way. This is the big day you’ve been ready for, and music is such a critical part of it. Be sure you hire a band that makes the day complete – pleasurable for you and your invitees.
George Pollis is the director and a musician with Reel Ting Steel Drum Band. For a professional, timely, easy-going, gifted, and fun live wedding music band, check out Reel Ting at http://www.reelting.com.
