WEDDING TALENT FAQ: PART 2 Planning the Entertainment

by DoItYourself Staff

What about my cocktail hour?
In many cases, clients are able to hire the musicians for the cocktail hour from the group that is playing for the ceremony and reception. Keep in mind that the logistics of a ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception may play a big part in determining what is best suited for your event.

What is a crossover?
During peak Saturdays many popular bands will book two events. For example, a band will play a day wedding that ends at 4:00 or 5:00 pm and then play an evening wedding that begins at 7:30 pm or later. If you would like to hire a band for a reception that begins at 5:00 pm you will essentially “block out” the band for the entire day, leaving them no chance to book another gig. It is important to note that policies regarding crossovers vary from band to band. Some bands charge a small fee, some charge a large fee, and some don’t charge a crossover fee at all.

How many breaks will my band take?
Most bands take a maximum of two twenty-minute breaks during a four-hour period. The first one is usually during dinner, most likely during the main course or when most of the guests have been served. The second break is usually about ninety minutes before the end of the reception.

Will they play CDs on breaks?
Many bands provide a CD player and music to play during breaks. You can use these to help round out the evening and add a broader range of music to your evening. For example, if you hired an R&B band, but wanted some Greek music played during the wedding, or if you went with a swing band but wanted to hear some Top 40 dance music – here’s your opportunity.

Can I use fewer members than are normally in the band?
Groups select members very carefully for what they add to the band musically. Each member of the band is important. When dancing is required, most bands insist on keeping their full configuration intact. For a quieter event that calls for instrumental background music, bands can usually perform in smaller units.

Do I get to pick the songs for the band to play?
Clients are encouraged to suggest specific songs they would like either to hear or not hear, as the case may be. This helps customize the style of music that is played. By hiring professionals, you can relax and let your band do what they do best – turn your wedding into a special event. Part of what you are paying for is the band’s expertise in selecting appropriate songs at appropriate times. Remember, bands play dozens of weddings a year, so they know what works and what doesn’t.

Will my band learn specific songs for my wedding?
Most bands are happy to learn one or two songs for weddings. Keep in mind that a song just learned might not be as strong as other material performed. It is also important that the song(s) you want the band to play fit them stylistically; for example, a big band swing orchestra may not be suited to perform a heavy metal song.

For key songs, such as first dances and parent dances, we recommend playing the CD version through the band’s sound system. There are three reasons for this:

You may have rehearsed your dance to a specific version of the song
The original version may stir up more emotions than the band’s less familiar version, or in some cases
It may be a song not fitted to the band’s style.