Hire Kevin's Band For Your Wedding: A Guide

Hiring a band for your wedding can be a daunting task, but it's important to remember that the music played at your wedding reception will significantly impact your guests' enjoyment. Couples should start researching and booking their wedding band about 9 to 12 months before the wedding date. The cost of hiring a band varies depending on the band's experience, the number of members, instruments, location, and duration of the performance.

When meeting with potential bands, it is essential to ask questions such as their favourite songs to perform, their playlist, the number of singers and instruments available, their wardrobe, and their experience with weddings. It is also crucial to review the contract before signing it and ensure that it includes the band's name, instrumentation/personnel, payment schedule, cancellation policy, and other essential details.

Couples should also consider the type of band they want, whether it's a traditional wedding band, an acoustic band, a jazz band, or a string quartet. Additionally, they should determine if they want the band to perform at multiple events throughout the wedding, such as the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.

Overall, hiring a wedding band requires careful planning and consideration to ensure that your special day is memorable and enjoyable for everyone.

Band Availability and Cost

The cost of hiring a band for your wedding will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of band, the number of musicians, the location, the day of the week, and the time of year.

Traditional Wedding Band

A traditional wedding band, which plays covers, is the most common type of wedding band. The cost of hiring a traditional wedding band for four hours (a typical amount of time) averages $25,000, but prices can range from $15,000 to $30,000. The number of musicians in the band and the number of instruments will impact the cost, with a five-piece band typically costing more than a three-piece band.

Location

The cost of hiring a wedding band also varies by location. For example, the average cost of hiring a live wedding band in Chicago is between $8,000 and $10,000, while in California, it ranges from $10,000 to $20,000. In the UK, the average cost of a wedding band is £1,580, with prices ranging from £800 to £2,000 or more, depending on the size of the band.

Day of the Week and Time of Year

The day of the week and time of year can also impact the cost of hiring a wedding band. For example, a Saturday wedding in September will likely be more expensive than a weekday wedding in February.

Other Costs to Consider

In addition to the cost of the band itself, there may be other costs to consider, such as travel and accommodation expenses, staging, lighting, and AV equipment. When creating your budget, be sure to double-check for any hidden costs and ask the band for an all-inclusive price.

To save money, consider booking your wedding band for just one part of the event, such as the dance portion of the evening, or look for off-peak dates when rates may be lower.

Band Style and Genre

When it comes to choosing a band for your wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to think about the style of band you'd like. If you're having a rustic, festival-style wedding, you might want to hire a folk band with instruments like a cajon and banjo. For a more intimate wedding, a smaller duo or trio would be a better choice than a large soul or funk band. You could also opt for a themed wedding and hire a band that plays music from a specific decade, like the 80s or 90s.

Next, you should decide on your budget for the band. The cost of hiring a wedding band can vary depending on factors such as the number of musicians, their experience level, and how far they have to travel. In general, you can expect to pay between £411 to £455 per musician, with the cost increasing for larger bands.

Once you've determined your budget and style preferences, you can start researching bands that are available on your wedding date. It's important to book your band as early as possible, as the best bands are often booked up to two years in advance. When researching bands, be sure to check out their live and promotional videos, as well as reviews from previous clients.

When meeting with potential bands, there are several key questions you should ask:

• What are the band's favourite songs to perform?
• What is their playlist, and are they willing to work with you on the song list?
• How many singers and instruments are included?
• What type of wardrobe do they wear?
• Can they provide ceremony and cocktail hour music?
• How many breaks will they take, and what will play during those breaks?
• How many hours are included, what are the costs, and are there overtime fees?
• Do they have any specialty groups or songs they can perform?
• Will someone in the band act as the emcee?

In addition to their sound, it's important to pay attention to the transition between songs when deciding on a band. A gap between songs can empty the dance floor, so you'll want to choose a band that can execute smooth transitions and perform at the right volume.

Most bands will be happy to learn your first dance song and perform it live, but be sure to ask in advance. You can also provide the band with a list of songs or artists that you do or do not want played, but it's important to trust the band's experience when it comes to choosing songs that will keep your guests on the dance floor.

When booking a band, be sure to review the contract carefully and confirm details such as the band's instrumentation, set-up and breakdown times, wardrobe, and any rider requirements. Discuss meals and breaks with the band, as they will likely rotate on breaks to ensure there is always live music being played.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to hiring the perfect band for your wedding and creating a unique and memorable experience for you and your guests.

Band Size and Instruments

The size of the band you hire for your wedding will depend on your budget and the type of band you want. Bands can range from three to six pieces, and the more musicians you have, the richer the sound will be.

A three-piece band will likely include a drummer, a percussionist, and a guitarist or keyboardist. A four-piece band will have the same rhythm section but add a vocalist. A five-piece band will usually add another keyboardist, guitarist, or singer. A six-piece band will have a full horn section in addition to the rhythm section and vocalists.

The number of band members will impact the cost, with prices increasing as the band gets larger. A three-piece band in the UK costs on average £1170.76, while a six-piece band costs on average £1890.33.

In addition to the number of band members, the band's experience, location, and travel costs will also affect the price. Bands with more popular and experienced musicians will charge more. If you are hiring a band to travel to your destination wedding, you will also need to factor in airfare and hotel costs.

When hiring a band, it is important to ask the right questions. Find out how many singers and instruments they have, what type of wardrobe they wear, if they provide music for the ceremony and cocktail hour, how many breaks they will take, how many hours are included, and if there are any overtime fees. You should also ask about their favourite songs to perform and if they will work with you on the song list.

Before booking, be sure to review the contract carefully. Confirm the band's name, instrumentation, and personnel, the payment schedule and cancellation policy, what they will wear, and the set-up and breakdown times. The contract may also include a rider detailing the band's requirements, such as stage dimensions, power needs, and meal requests.

Band Requirements and Logistics

When it comes to hiring a band for your wedding, there are a few key things to consider and plan for. Here are some important logistics and requirements to keep in mind:

• Research and Booking: It is recommended to start researching and booking your wedding band soon after your engagement. Aim to book your band about 9 to 12 months before the wedding date. This will give you enough time to find the perfect band and ensure their availability.
• Band Type and Music: Determine the type of band and music you want for your wedding. Do you want a dance band, an ambient music group, a jazz trio, a string quartet, or a band that covers a wide variety of genres? Decide on the style of music you want, such as Sinatra, Marvin Gaye, or Beyoncé. You can also find specialty groups that focus on specific genres like Motown, '80s, Latin, or Klezmer.
• Questions to Ask: When meeting with potential bands, bring a list of questions. Ask about their favourite songs to perform, their playlist, the number of singers and instruments, their wardrobe, whether they provide music for the ceremony and cocktail hour, the number of breaks they'll take, their costs and overtime fees, specialty songs or groups, and if someone in the band will act as the emcee.
• Live Performance: If possible, try to see the band perform live before booking them. This will give you a better idea of their sound and energy. If you can't see them live, ask for references from previous clients or event planners, or watch promotional videos to get a sense of their performance.
• Number of Performers: The number of performers you book will depend on your budget and preferences. A typical band has four sections: brass (trumpet, trombone, sax), rhythm (drummer, percussionist), harmony (keyboard, bass, guitar), and vocals (lead singer and backup vocalists). The more musicians you have, the richer the sound will be.
• Contract: Before signing the contract, ensure that it includes the band's name, instrumentation/personnel, payment schedule, cancellation policy, dress code, set-up and breakdown times, and any other relevant details. The contract may also include a rider, which lists the band's requirements and clarifies what they need from you.
• Meals and Breaks: Discuss meals and breaks for the band. Live bands often rotate on breaks to ensure continuous music throughout the reception. Provide meals for the band on-site, and coordinate with your caterer to include vendor meals in your contract.
• Playlist: While you can provide a loose playlist of songs you'd like, trust the band to read the room and choose songs that will keep your guests on the dance floor. You can also give them a list of "must-play" and "do-not-play" songs to guide their selections.
• Special Requests: If there are specific songs you want that are not on the band's playlist, ask them to learn it. Most bands will be happy to learn a few new songs for your wedding, as long as they have enough time to rehearse.
• Additional Entertainment: Ask the band if they offer any additional entertainment, such as custom wardrobe, choreography, LED walls, video mapping, or other suggestions based on your wedding's style and location.
• Equipment: Bands are typically expected to bring their own equipment, including instruments, sound system, lighting, and technical gear. However, confirm this with the band and ensure they have all the necessary equipment to perform at your venue.
• Timing and Setup: Discuss the band's arrival and setup time. Most bands arrive a few hours before the event to set up and soundcheck. Ensure your venue has sufficient space for the band and their equipment.
• Budget: The cost of hiring a wedding band can vary depending on the band's experience, the number of members, the duration of their performance, and your location. In general, a traditional wedding band can cost between $8,000 and $30,000 for a four-hour performance. Acoustic bands, jazz bands, and string quartets may be more affordable, especially for smaller, intimate gatherings.

Band Experience and Reviews

Kevin's band, Scrantonicity, is a Police cover band with Kevin as the drummer and lead singer. The band has performed at three weddings: their bassist's wedding, their guitarist's wedding, and Phyllis' wedding. Kevin has also received numerous positive reviews for his performances at weddings, with many praising his ability to play both acoustic and DJ sets, as well as his talent as a musician and his easy-going personality. Here is a sample of reviews:

> "Kevin is a total gem. Our venue didn’t allow bands, so we thought Kevin would be the next best thing as a musician/DJ. Turns out hiring him was one of the best decisions we could have made. From our first meeting on Zoom, we could feel his excitement and passion for what he does through the screen. He helped us figure out our timeline and what songs would be best played when. Walking down the aisle was made that much more dreamy with his acoustic melodies and he got everyone on the dance floor during dinner with his pop mashups."

> "Kevin is exactly what you want in a wedding singer. He is skilled, friendly, and accommodates your musical style. He was willing to learn our favorite song in acoustic to play when I walked down the aisle and for our first dance. He also let our friend play a song on his guitar as a special tribute to us, and then they did an amazing duet together! Besides his great acoustic set, he is also an excellent DJ. Our friends and family - us included! - were dancing all night long."

> "Kevin is a dream come true. He sings, plays guitar, djs and is an awesome mc. My wedding was almost 3 weeks ago and I still have people mentioning how amazing kevin is. I had a few guest stare and watch him play music all night long. Kevin has dj'd for 2 of my friends and I knew I had to have him at mine. So glad I made the choice. Not only did we love and my guest but even my wedding vendors were raving about him. He's your go-to guy."

Frequently asked questions