Tips for Hiring a Live Band

First of all one of the first things I'd say is always go and see your chosen band live before you book them. I always insist that people come to see us live before making a booking because there are so many bands that advertise as "live" when they are really just playing or singing to backing tracks. It's easy to produce great recordings but playing and singing live is totally different. If the band you want are playing too far away for you to go and see them ask them to organise a live video podcast of them performing, say at a rehearsal.

If you can't get to see the band and are basing your decision on a video show-reel ask specifically if the audio was recorded live or over-dubbed. Many bands shoot the video then record the audio in the studio and synchronise it to the video so it sounds much better than it does live.

Choosing the entertainment for the evening shouldn't just be a tick in the box.

You should give it as much thought as any other aspect of your wedding because it is one of the things people will remember most about your wedding.

Try not to be too self indulgent. Whilst it is your big day remember that you want everyone to enjoy the entertainment as well and have fond memories of your big day so try to take everyone's tastes into account. You may love Metallica but will your auntie violet really be impressed by a heavy metal band?

I always try to accommodate the wishes of the couple whilst encouraging them to take the rest of their guests into account.

DEFINE LIVE MUSIC

This might seem a bit obvious but you'd be surprised. My own definition of a live band is one with a real drummer, a real bass player, guitarist etc.  People who have spent years perfecting their craft and practicing together to deliver a real performance.

One person singing along to backing tracks isn't a live band so when you're comparing prices be sure to compare like for like.

If it is a live band you want be sure to insist that they do not use pre-recorded material as there are some clever ways of fooling the public into thinking it's live.

LOGISTICS

Ensure that the venue is licensed for music prior to booking a band. You'll normally have to pay the band a deposit and don't want to find out after the fact that the venue can't cater for live bands.

PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE

Almost all venues now require the band to have public liability insurance in case anyone is injured by them or their equipment so ensure any band you book can produce their certificate prior to paying a deposit.

PAT TESTING

Portable Appliance Testing is another requirement of most venues. It basically means that all your electrical equipment has been independently tested to ensure that it presents no safety risk.  Again ensure your band has this organised because you don't want to be in the position of getting to the reception only to find your band isn't allowed to play!

ACCESS & POWER

I always handle this myself and liaise with the venue prior to the wedding and it's a good idea to insist that your chosen band does the same. They need to be sure that they can get all their equipment in to the venue and that there are enough power points to power all their equipment.

SOUND CHECK

Any professional band should set up and perform their sound check prior to your guests arriving. Insist that your band does the same.

WRITE IT DOWN

Don't negotiate with your band via telephone. Get them to email/write with confirmation of all the details so that you have recourse if things go badly and they don't deliver against what they've promised. The less you leave to chance the less likely you are to be disappointed.

Article contributed by Noel Fraser from Noel Fraser Band