Can I Have A Wedding Band In The Time Of Covid?

Planning a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic comes with unique challenges. Live music and dancing are permitted, but couples are encouraged to be creative and make adjustments to ensure the safety of guests and staff. Many couples are opting to have a live band or DJ with dancing after dinner and speeches, following social distancing guidelines. Others are choosing more ambient live music by smaller bands to allow guests to chat while creating a festive atmosphere. When selecting a band, consider checking out virtual showcases and social media to get a feel for their energy and setlist. It's also essential to communicate with your chosen band about COVID-19 safety measures and backup plans in case of illness or cancellations.

Live music and dancing are allowed

Firstly, it's important to follow social distancing guidelines. Guests should wear masks and maintain a safe distance from each other on the dance floor. To help with this, you can encourage guests to dance in their seats or designated areas. Don't worry, a packed dance floor isn't necessary for a great time! Your guests will appreciate having some space to cut loose.

You may also want to consider the size of the band and the type of music they play. A smaller musical group, such as a jazz trio, can create a more intimate and ambient atmosphere, allowing guests to chat while still enjoying live music. This option is especially suitable if you're having a smaller wedding or if your wedding is taking place earlier in the day.

When choosing a band, it's a good idea to ask about their COVID-19 precautions. For example, the band Halflight performs lateral flow tests before their gigs and has deputy musicians who can fill in if needed. They also take precautions to minimise possible transmission scenarios and work with venues to ensure adequate volumes and distancing.

To find the perfect band, you can attend virtual showcases, watch videos on YouTube, and check out their social media feeds to get a feel for their energy and setlist. Don't forget to read reviews from past clients and ask for references. Once you've found your band, be sure to communicate with them regularly about any changes or updates to your wedding plans.

Finally, keep in mind that your event will likely need to finish by 11 pm, so plan your timeline accordingly to give yourselves and your guests enough time to enjoy the music and dancing.

Social distancing and masks are required

If you're planning on having a band at your wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the safety of your guests and compliance with COVID-19 guidelines. Social distancing and masks are required, so here are some instructive tips to ensure a fun and safe celebration:

Firstly, it is important to communicate any safety protocols to your guests ahead of time. Include a note with the invitation or send a friendly reminder via email or social media, requesting that guests wear masks and maintain a safe distance from one another during the performance. This simple step can help ensure everyone's comfort and safety.

When planning the layout of the venue, be sure to allow for ample space between guests and the band. Create a designated dance floor area that is spacious enough for guests to dance and move around while maintaining a safe distance. Consider using signs or floor markings to indicate one-way traffic flow or designated dancing areas if needed.

For the band itself, consider choosing a group that is mindful of COVID-19 safety. Some bands may perform lateral flow tests before the event or have deputy musicians who can step in if needed. Additionally, look for bands that are willing to work with the venue to ensure adequate volumes and distancing. This may involve positioning the band at a suitable distance from the dance floor or using sound equipment that allows for better volume control.

Encourage guests to wear their masks throughout the performance and, if possible, provide extra masks at the venue for those who may need them. You can even incorporate themed or personalised masks as part of the wedding favours to make it more fun and engaging for your guests.

Finally, be mindful of local guidelines and restrictions. These may vary depending on your location, so stay informed and follow the latest recommendations from health authorities. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your guests can enjoy the band and have a wonderful time while also adhering to social distancing and mask requirements.

Events must end by 11 pm

If you're planning a wedding during the pandemic, you may be wondering if you can still have a band perform at your wedding reception. The good news is, you can! Live music and dancing are permitted, and many couples are choosing to have a live band or DJ with dancing after dinner and speeches. However, it's important to keep in mind that events must end by 11 pm, so be sure to plan your timeline accordingly to give you time to enjoy the music.

To ensure the safety of your guests, guidelines for social distancing and safe interaction at weddings during the pandemic suggest that guests should wear masks and dance at a distance from each other. This doesn't have to dampen the fun—dance floors don't need to be packed to be enjoyable! In fact, a little extra space can give your guests the room they need to cut loose and enjoy themselves.

When choosing a band, you may want to consider a smaller music group, such as a jazz trio or similar ensemble, to provide ambient live music during the after-dinner reception. This can create a great atmosphere and allow your guests to chat and move to the music while still maintaining a safe distance. Keep in mind that some guests may prefer to leave after the meal, so having a smaller group perform later in the evening could be a good option.

Be sure to communicate with your band or DJ throughout the planning process to ensure they are aware of any restrictions or guidelines that may impact their performance. It's also a good idea to ask about their COVID-19 policies, including whether they perform lateral flow tests before gigs and if they have deputy musicians who can stand in if needed. By taking these precautions and planning ahead, you can ensure that your wedding reception, even with an early end time, will be a memorable and fun celebration for you and your guests.

Bands may have to cancel if members are ill

If you're planning a wedding, you'll want everything to go smoothly. But if you're planning a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic, you'll need to be prepared for unexpected changes and disruptions. One of the most important aspects of a wedding is the entertainment, and many couples opt for a live band to keep their guests dancing and celebrating. However, if you're planning to have a band at your wedding, it's essential to be aware that they may have to cancel if any of the members fall ill with COVID-19.

• Backup Plan: It's a good idea to have a backup plan in case the band has to cancel due to illness. This could include having a solo musician or a DJ on standby who can fill in at the last minute. You could also consider creating a playlist of your favourite songs that can be played in the event of a cancellation.
• Booking with an Agency: If you book a band through an agency, they may be able to provide a replacement band or individual performers to step in if someone in the original band falls ill. Agencies often have a roster of performers who can cover for each other in case of illness or emergency.
• Flexible Contracts: When signing a contract with the band, look for flexible terms that allow for cancellations or postponements due to illness. This will give you peace of mind and ensure that you don't incur additional costs if the band needs to cancel.
• Social Distancing and Precautions: To minimise the risk of illness, ensure that the band has adequate space to set up and perform while maintaining social distancing guidelines. Provide them with a private area where they can relax and prepare before and after their performance, reducing their contact with others.
• Communication: Stay in regular communication with the band in the weeks leading up to your wedding. Ask them to inform you immediately if any band members are feeling unwell or exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms. This will give you time to make alternative arrangements if needed.
• Virtual Performance: If the band has to cancel due to illness, consider asking them if they would be willing to perform virtually. They could live-stream their performance from a different location, ensuring that you still get to enjoy their music even if they can't be there in person.

Remember, while having a live band at your wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic is possible, it's important to be prepared for potential cancellations due to illness. By following the steps above, you can minimise the impact of any last-minute changes and still have a wonderful celebration.

You can watch bands virtually

If you're looking for a wedding band during the pandemic, you can watch bands virtually from the comfort of your own home. This way, you can still enjoy the excitement of your engagement and continue planning your wedding. Here are some tips on how to find a wedding band virtually:

Virtual Showcases

You can attend virtual showcases to see wedding bands in action, without having to leave your house. Virtual showcases are a great way to watch multiple bands perform in one afternoon, and some companies, like EBE Talent, offer them for free. This option allows you to compare different bands and make an informed decision without having to travel.

Online Videos

Most bands have an online presence, especially on platforms like YouTube, where they post highlight reels and full performances. By watching these videos, you can get a sense of the band's setup, the genres they cover, and the types of venues they've played. You can also look for videos of bands performing in smaller or outdoor spaces, which can be helpful if that's what you're planning for your wedding.

Social Media

Without live events, bands have been active on social media, engaging their fans and potential clients. By following their social media feeds, you can watch virtual jam sessions and see throwbacks to past gigs. This can give you a feel for the band's style and energy. You can also check out reviews from past clients on platforms like Facebook, WeddingWire, The Knot, and Google Reviews.

References and Recommendations

After researching bands online, you can reach out to the bandleaders directly to ask questions and request references. If you don't know anyone who has booked the band before, they can provide a list of past clients you can talk to. This way, you can get first-hand accounts of what it's like to work with the band and how their performance was on the wedding day.

Friends and Family

Talking to your friends and family can be a great way to find wedding band recommendations. Ask around to see if anyone has recently attended a wedding with a band they loved. This way, you can get a sense of the band's energy, their setlist, and how the guests responded. You can also ask about other groups they considered and if they have any suggestions for your big day.

By utilising these virtual options, you can safely watch and compare wedding bands during the pandemic, ensuring that you find the perfect fit for your special day.

Frequently asked questions