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January 23, 2006
SwiftKick on "How to Choose a Band
HOW TO CHOOSE A BAND FOR YOUR WEDDING
By Thom Blasberg of Swiftkick www.swiftkickband.com
There are many variables to consider when choosing a band for your wedding day.
A great wedding band can provide an additional level of energy and
entertainment over disc jockeys, in addition to providing some basic MC
services on top of their live performance. Here are a few important
considerations when looking for a band for your big day:
AVAILABILITY
First and foremost, make sure the band you are interested in is available on
your big day. Regardless of how well-suited they are for your event, if
they're already booked, they won't be able to perform for you!
MUSIC STYLE
In addition to the music style you and your fiance would like, you will probably
want to consider a music style that will also appeal to the wide age-range of
family and friends who will be present at the reception. A band which is
versatile enough to play music from different decades/genres is generally a
much better bet than a band which only specializes in one style of music from 1
specific time period. Also, would you like a lot of faster, upbeat music? How
much slow dancing would you like during the night? You should review the
setlist of the band you are considering to get a feel for the type of songs
which will be played. A professional wedding band should allow you to specify
which songs from their setlist you would like them to definitly play....and
those you definitly do NOT want them to play. Also, don't be afraid to ask the
band if they would be willing to learn one of your special songs if they do not
currently have it on their setlist....just don't ask them at the last minute!
A few weeks or months notice is very much appreciated by any band.
ROOM SIZE
Again, room size may influence the type of band and/or volume level you are
willing to have. A large band will most likely sound louder in a very small
reception hall, so keep that in mind when choosing your room / facility. Also,
you may want to ask the band how they go about controlling their sound volume.
VOLUME LEVELS
Somewhat hand-in-hand with music style is the volume level of the band. A small
jazz trio is going to perform at a lower volume level than a 5-piece rock/cover
band....particularly if they also have a 3+ piece horn section on top of it
all. Also, a small jazz trio may be great for soft dinner music, but may not
be as effective as a larger band in energizing the dance floor later in the
evening when people are in a festive dancing mood. A good compromise may be
to go with a band which can offer you soft background music during dinner, and
then has the ability to pick up the pace as the night goes on and people start
wanting to dance and start "feeling" the music!
STAGE SIZE
Although most bands do not own their own stages, many wedding reception
facilities DO. Therefore, you may want to give thought to if you would like
the band to be on a raised stage above the dance floor for a more dramatic and
visible effect....or if you would be just as happy with the band on the ground
and level with the dance floor. Check with your reception facility to verify
what your options are for the band, and if there is any additional charge for
them to set up a stage for your band. To give you an idea of recommended stage
sizes, our band (www.SwiftkickBand.com) is a 5-member cover band and we
generally need a minimum stage size of approximately 12' x 16' , or 8' x 20'
(which is more "stretched out" length-wise if you don't have the depth for the
12' x 16' stage). Many of these stages are stored and assembled by the
facility using 4' square sections.
BUDGET
Many people with budgets in a $500-$1,500 range will opt to go with a DJ. You
may find new and/or inexperienced bands willing to play in this price-range,
but it is not recommended. You only have one chance to get your wedding day
right, and hiring an inexperienced band may end up causing you a lot of
additional stress, worry and potential embarrassment. Plan to spend $1,500 and
upwards for a wedding band. Factors which will influence band pricing
include, but are not limited to, the reputation of the band, distance the band
needs to travel, potential lodging requirements, the number of people in their
band, how long you want them to play for, the level of "production" in the
bands act, etc. Don't be surprised to see quality wedding bands quote in the
$2,000-$10,000 range based on these variables.
REFERENCES
Ideally, you should go see the band you are considering to hire at one of their
live performances. You may also want to get some references, particularly if
you are unable to see the band perform live prior to hiring them. Even if you
don't call the references, the fact that the band can even offer you references
is a good sign....and if the band has no references to offer you, then you need
to take extreme caution!
DRESS
Make sure you discuss the proper attire for the band. Some weddings are more
formal than others. Do you want the band to wear tuxes? Or would you prefer
more of a semi-formal look for the band, possibly allowing them to move around
on stage easier without working up a sweat? The choice is yours, but make sure
you communicate your preference to your band of choice.
CUTOFF TIMES FROM FACILITIES
Many wedding facilities have cut-off times for live music. Make sure that you
are aware of any such cut-off times, and let the band know as well. Some
facilities state that all music should end by midnight, so you will want to
plan accordingly.
CONTRACTS
A contract doesn't have to be complicated, but it would be in the best interest
of the bride and groom...as well as the band....to have many of the above
details in writing to make sure all parties are clear on the details of the
event. Also, be prepared to pay a deposit several months in advance to
officially secure the band for your wedding day. A band may have several
wedding parties inquiring about the same exact date, so a signed contract and a
deposit will give you peace of mind that the band will not book anything else
on your special day.
(italicize)
The above article was written by and provided courtesy of Swiftkick Band
(www.SwiftkickBand.com). Swiftkick is a popular Top-40 cover band based in the
VA/DC/MD area. The professional 5-member group performs songs from today, as
well as from the 90's, 80's, 70's and 60's. In addition to being featured in
the Washington Post and other DC metro area newspapers, Swiftkick has played
for and received great references from the U.S. Coast Guard, Marriott
Corporation, RE/MAX, Harley Davidson, Radio Shack, and others. The band
performs regularly at weddings, corporate events, outdoor concerts, and local
clubs.
Posted by inhisgrace at January 23, 2006 08:55 PM