Issue 1: Top 5 Questions To Ask When Booking A Band
Hiring a band for your wedding or party is one of the most exciting things you can do in your planning. Nothing matches live music for the atmosphere and energy it brings to a party, and a great band will leave your guests raving about the party for weeks, months, and even years to come. But it can be very difficult to find a band that is experienced, professional, and a good match for your event. Here are a few questions you can ask to help narrow down your options and ensure you get not just a band for your party, but the right band for your event
1) How would you handle a last minute change in the timeline?
Many bands are new, and asking a question like this will reveal how experienced the band leader is. Newer bands and band leaders will be less confident in handling last minute changes and adjustments, while an experienced band leader will be able to roll with it and make it seem like it all happened as it was planned to.
2) How many events do you perform on a typical summer weekend?
You want a band that is busy, but not too busy. If they are working multiple events in a day, there is no guarantee they won’t come to your event tired and unable to perform at their peak. To give their all, the best bands will be aiming to work one event each day/night on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the summer, and hopefully some weeknights (although not as common). New bands will be lucky to get all their summer Saturdays filled, while experienced bands will often be booked up for summer Saturday’s up to a year in advance.
3) Who is the band leader, and when will I meet them to discuss my event details?
When working with an agency, it's common not to meet the band leader until a day or two before your event, if not the day of!
You'll communicate with office staff and trust they are forwarding your information to the band leader, but you won't know if they're getting it in a timely fashion.
If this concerns you, you should confirm that you'll be in contact with your band leader throughout the planning process, and if the agency won’t grant you that in writing in your contract, you should find another band/agency
4) What is included in your price?
Every agency and band will quote differently. Some unfortunate ones will quote just the band, and then tack on charges after you sign for a sound system, lights, emcee, and anything else you might have thought was included. Their quotes will look lower as a result, but quickly climb to more than you expected or budgeted for, and you’ll be stuck with them or lose your deposit.
Other bands and agencies will quote everything for your event in your price, and will only add on additional items/services if you request them. Be sure to get an itemized quote so you're not caught off-guard, and are certain of the level of service you're getting for the price
5) What's your favorite music to perform?
This is important because hiring the right band for your wedding/event is about fit. Just like an ill-fitting suit or dress will be unflattering, hiring a band that loves to perform rock 'n' roll when you want 90’s R&B will make for a disappointing event. By asking what their favorite music to perform is, you can be assured that the musical style of the band matches what you're looking for.
If you're working with an agency with many bands, this question will be a little different. You’ll want to inform the agent of what you are looking for so they can match you with the right band. Make sure you're able to talk to the band leader before signing, or require a specified grace period so you can talk to them and get a refund on your deposit should the fit not be right.
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