Booking a wedding band is a big decision, and you only get one go at it. These are the questions worth asking any band before you book, along with our own answers.
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How quickly will you get back to us?
How a band handles your enquiry tells you a lot about how they'll handle your wedding. If you're waiting a week for a reply now, think about what the run-up to the day will be like.
Our answer
We aim to reply within 24 hours, and most of the time it's within the hour.
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How much is it, and what's included?
Get the full price in writing, and check exactly what it covers: how long they play, whether the PA and lights are included, and what happens between sets.
Our answer
Weddings start from £900. That includes two live sets of 45 to 60 minutes, our own PA and stage lighting, and a playlist between sets. Extras like a drinks reception set or a DJ service are available on request.
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What do we need to pay to book, and when is the rest due?
Check the deposit, when the balance is due, and whether anyone else is adding a fee on top.
Our answer
A £100 deposit secures your date, and the balance is due 28 days before your wedding. You book directly with us, so there are no agency fees.
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Are you insured, and is your equipment PAT tested?
Most venues will ask for both, so it's worth checking early.
Our answer
Yes. We have public liability insurance and PAT-tested kit, and we'll send the certificates to your venue on request.
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How much space and power do you need?
Bands need more room than people expect, and a stage squeezed into a corner never sounds or looks its best.
Our answer
We ask for a stage area of at least 4m by 3m, with 4 standard 13 amp sockets.
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Does our venue have a sound limiter?
Some venues fit a sound limiter that cuts the power if the music gets too loud. It's one of the most common surprises on a wedding day, so ask your venue before you book a band.
Our answer
Always check with us about sound limiters. Tell us what your venue has and we'll tell you how it affects the night.
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How do you get your kit in?
Ask your venue about access to the stage area for loading in: parking near the door, stairs, lifts and what time the band can arrive.
Our answer
Let us know about load-in access when you book, and we'll check the details with your venue.
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Is our venue actually right for a live band?
This is where we see couples make the most mistakes. Watch out for:
- Outdoor spaces out of season. Cold, damp and weather-dependent.
- Rooms with lots of hard surfaces and high ceilings. They look beautiful but make sound bounce around.
- Sound limiter restrictions that make a full live band difficult.
- Not enough space for the band to set up properly.
Our answer
Tell us your venue before you book. Chances are we've played there or somewhere just like it.
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Can you fit around our day?
Speeches overrun and food comes out late. Make sure your band can work around what actually happens, not just what's on the plan.
Our answer
We're flexible with timings and make every effort to tailor the night around you, whether that's speeches, food or the cake cutting.
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Will you learn our first dance and take requests?
Find out whether your band will learn a song for you, and how much say you get over the set.
Our answer
We'll do our best to learn your first dance, and you can pick your must-plays and must-nots with our repertoire builder.
Your checklist
- Full price in writing, and what it includes
- Deposit, balance date and any extra fees
- Public liability insurance and PAT certificates
- Stage space and power, checked with your venue
- Sound limiter and load-in access, checked with your venue
- First dance and song requests agreed
- Timings around speeches and food
- What plays between and after the sets (see band or DJ)
