A wedding is one of the most important events of your life, and you want it to be just right. All the details are important, from the flowers to the photographer, and there is a lot to plan and remember to do. In the midst of all the pre-event planning and confusion sometimes the music gets overlooked, and yet this is the single element that can really make or break an event. Live music can make the difference between a good ceremony or reception and great ones. When planning your Special Day, you will want to count on the best and most professional entertainment available

1. Use an agent experienced in booking wedding entertainment. You will save time and money by using a good agent, and still maintain complete control over your event. A good agent has worked with many professional entertainers of all types. They know who shows up and who doesn't. They know who will make your event memorable and who won't. They have access to a great variety of musical styles across a broad range of pricing structures, and their job is to fit the entertainment to your needs. For you to go out in the midst of planning a wedding and find an appropriate band, chase down their contact person, make a deal, and then hope they show up just doesn't make any sense when an agent will do the work for you and usually not add to the overall cost. Many bands hear the word "wedding" and their prices escalate substantially, whereas agents know the pricing history of the bands they work with. Bands are also generally more accommodating for an agent from whom they get repeat business than they are for someone using them on a one-time basis.
   
   
2. Ask for promo kits from several bands of the general type you are looking for. Professional bands have promo kits that include photos, a demo tape or CD, a sample song list and some information about the band. References should also be available from the talent agent. The song list tells you a lot about what they do, and the demo should tell you how well they do it. Does the band do requests? Experienced wedding musicians know how to play appropriately during the dinner/cocktail portion of the evening and then pick things up when your guests are ready to dance.
   
   
3. Go see them perform live. Ask your talent agent when and where a suggested group is planning a performance and go see them. Do they play the type of music you like? Can they do music that will appeal to all the age groups at your event? Are they professional? Are they having fun? If the musicians are bored and disinterested, your guests will be too!
   
   
4. Get a Contract. Once you have made your selection, make sure you get a contract that clearly spells out all the details. Make sure the following items are covered in your contract:
   
   
• A. The name of the artists and the name of their leader or contact person.
  
• Their price and how they are to be paid (cash, check, etc.).
  
• What time they are to arrive and set up.
  
• What hours they will play (including their breaks schedule).
  
• E. Cancellation clause.
  


A good agent will want to know how many guests you will have (so the band can be sure to bring the right amount of amplification, etc.), what you have in mind as far as the first dance, any announcements to be made, and the name of the contact person at the event (usually not the bride....she will be busy).

 

5. Stay in touch. A few weeks before the event talk to the agent again. Make sure you are clear on the details and that you have covered all the bases. Tie up any loose ends at this point. For example, if the wedding and reception are held in the same place, you may want the band to be completely set up and "sound checked" before the wedding ceremony begins. How early can they get into the building? Will someone be there to let them in? Who has the key? You don't want the band testing their sound equipment five feet from the altar during the ceremony. This may sound silly, but it has happened. Make sure you have an agent with the experience to see potential problems and head them off before they arise !
   
   

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