1. Wedding Bands - What You Need to Know
Learn the language! Become familiar with these common wedding terms and important details.
- Cover or Variety Band - a band that plays a wide range of songs from different eras and genres. Bands may have anywhere between 4-7 members depending on the numbers of instruments being played but generally consist of a guitar, bass, keyboard, drummer, vocalist, and possibly strings and horns.
- Continuous music – a band will often play for 45 minutes with a 15-minute break, playing recorded music during the break. Requesting the band to play for longer stretches or take shorter breaks may result in increased costs.
- Rider - bands may require a rider outlining their specific needs like stage, sound systems, dressing room, meals and travel. Musicians playing for more than 2-3 hours often request a meal. Be aware of each band’s policy and consider the number of musicians.
- Backline - high end bands often require audio amplification equipment that stands behind the band on stage, including amplifiers for guitars, bass guitars and keyboards.
- Sound and noise restrictions - discuss with your site manager any restrictions that might affect your event, like noise limits, a music curfew and availability and load of electrical circuits.
- Travel and accommodations - you may be responsible to pay for travel and expenses depending on the distance a band has to travel.
- MC – bandleaders may or may not be able to serve as your MC so be sure to ask.
EXPERT TIP:
TIP: When considering if a band fits your budget think about this: It stands to reason that if a DJ is one performer, a 5 piece band of similar quality should be five times the cost.
