Wedding Band: Getting Started Guide

So, you want to become a wedding band? Live music can make a wedding reception unique and memorable, and 95% of guests say that music played at the wedding reception will determine how much fun they have. But how do you get started?

First, you'll need to find an awesome singer as they will be the focal point of the band. You'll also need to rehearse like crazy – your performance will need to be flawless, whether you're doing pitch-perfect covers or putting your own spin on songs. Choose your setlist wisely, with a mix of classics and modern hits to appeal to every age group. Invest in high-quality equipment and lighting, and consider getting matching suits. Make sure you have studio-quality demos and photos, as well as a live video, to showcase your talent and help you stand out from the competition.

It's also important to think about the business side of things. Join a live music agency to get regular work, and make sure you have a band leader who can handle bookings and organisation. Be prepared for the high expectations and level of professionalism that will be required of you.

Choose your style: Mumford-style, soul, funk, Motown, 80s/90s-themed, etc

Choose your style

The style of music you want to play will be a defining feature of your wedding band. It will influence the type of gigs you get, the venues you play, and the atmosphere you create.

Mumford-style

Mumford-style wedding bands are one of the hottest trends in live music for UK weddings. These bands typically feature acoustic instruments and close harmonies to create a folk-rock sound. They play popular covers like "Little Lion Man" and "I Will Wait", as well as music by other folk-rock and indie-folk bands like The Lumineers, and classic pop and indie covers.

Soul

Soul wedding bands play music that gets people of all ages on the dance floor. Soul City Band, a Boston-based wedding band, plays old-school R&B with a modern twist, as well as classic Motown and Soul, and today's Top 40 hits.

Funk

If you want to throw high-energy dance parties, consider a funk wedding band. Atomic Funk Project, a wedding band in NYC, plays world-class live music with no lip-syncing, backing tracks, or gimmicks.

Motown

Motown wedding bands are all about that classic, glamorous, and feel-good soul sound. Soul Supreme, London's finest premium Motown Revue, is perfect for weddings, corporate events, and Christmas parties.

80s/90s-themed

If you want to offer a unique experience, an 80s/90s-themed wedding band could be for you. Saved by the 90s is the world's best and longest-running 90s party band, performing at weddings and rocking hits from Blink 182 to the Backstreet Boys.

Budget: Consider the number of musicians, travel, experience, etc

When budgeting for a wedding band, there are several factors to consider. The number of musicians, their experience, and whether they are offering additional services will all impact the cost.

Firstly, the number of musicians in a wedding band can vary, with an average band consisting of around six musicians. However, this can range from a trio to a full orchestra of nearly 20 members. The bigger the band, the more expensive it will be, as you are paying for multiple professional musicians. The type of musicians and instruments can also vary, from a brass section with trumpets and saxophones to a rhythm section with drums and percussion.

The experience of the musicians will also impact the cost. More experienced and in-demand bands will likely charge higher fees. If you are looking for a band that can play a specific genre or style of music, this may also increase the cost, as more specialised bands can charge a premium.

In addition, some bands may charge extra for learning new songs or for providing additional equipment beyond the standard sound system. If the band has to travel a long distance, you may also need to cover their mileage, gas, airfare, and/or accommodations.

When budgeting, it is important to consider the length of time you require the band to perform. Most wedding bands charge for a set number of hours, and additional time will incur extra fees.

To save money, consider hiring a smaller band or one that can play at multiple stages of the wedding, such as the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. You can also look for bands that are versatile and can play a wide range of genres to suit your needs.

When creating your budget, be sure to ask the band for a detailed breakdown of costs, including any potential hidden fees, to avoid surprises.

Availability: Find local bands that are free on your date

Finding a local band that's available on your wedding date is a crucial step in the process of hiring live music for your big day. Here are some tips to help you secure a band that fits your vision:

• Start your search early: Bands that specialise in weddings tend to book up months in advance. It's recommended to begin your search 6-9 months before your wedding, although some couples wait until about 3 months before their wedding. Keep in mind that the earlier you start, the more choices you'll have.
• Consider your wedding date and location: The time of year can impact band availability and pricing. The first quarter of the year is typically the slowest season for weddings, so prices may be lower during this period.
• Use various resources: There are several ways to find local wedding bands. You can watch live bands perform on the local music scene, get recommendations from friends or on Facebook, or use wedding planning forums and apps. Entertainment agencies can also be a great option, as they have rosters of trusted musicians.
• Create a shortlist: Make a list of your favourite bands based on their promotional videos, performance videos, and demos. This will help you keep track of potential options and increase the likelihood that some will be available on your date.
• Enquire about availability: Once you've found bands that match your style and preferences, reach out to them with your wedding date and location to see if they're available. They will then provide you with a quote and further details if they are free on your chosen date.
• Book promptly: If you find a band that ticks all your boxes and is available on your date, don't hesitate to book them. Wedding bands are in high demand, and availability can change quickly.

Remember, the key to finding a fantastic local band for your wedding is to start your search early, utilise various resources, and be proactive in reaching out and booking once you've found a suitable option.

Videos: Check out live and promotional videos

Videos are a great way to showcase your wedding band's talent and attract potential clients. Here are some tips for creating effective live and promotional videos:

Live Videos

Live performances allow prospective clients to experience your band's energy and skill. When creating live videos, consider the following:

• Song Choice: Select songs that showcase the band's versatility and talent. Choose a mix of popular songs that guests will recognise and enjoy, as well as more unique or specialised pieces that display the band's range.
• Performance Quality: Ensure the video captures the band's energy and engagement with the audience. A great live video should showcase the band's ability to entertain and create a magical experience.
• Sound and Visual Quality: Invest in good audio and visual equipment to ensure the video accurately represents your band's sound and image. Clear audio and stable visuals are crucial for a professional-looking live video.
• Venue and Lighting: Choose a performance venue with good acoustics and lighting. This will enhance the overall quality of the video and make your band look and sound their best.

Promotional Videos

Promotional clips are a great way to showcase your wedding band's personality and style. Here are some tips:

• Highlight Your Uniqueness: Use the promotional video to showcase what sets your band apart from others. This could be a unique performance style, specialised genre, or exceptional showmanship.
• Edit and Produce: Promotional videos are typically shorter and more fast-paced than live videos. Use video editing techniques to showcase the best moments and create a dynamic clip that captures the viewer's attention.
• Storytelling: Create a narrative that showcases the band's journey, passion, or impact. Storytelling adds an emotional element to your promotional video and helps potential clients connect with your band.
• Include Testimonials: Feature testimonials or reviews from previous clients to add credibility to your promotional video. Hearing positive experiences from other couples can build trust and confidence in your band's abilities.

Remember, both live and promotional videos should showcase your wedding band's talent, professionalism, and ability to entertain. These videos are a powerful tool to attract clients and book performances, so invest time and effort into creating high-quality content.

Reviews: Read testimonials from previous couples

When it comes to finding and booking a wedding band, reviews from previous couples are invaluable. Here are some tips on how to become a sought-after wedding band, based on reviews:

• Flexibility and adaptability: Couples appreciate a band that can "read the crowd" and seamlessly adjust the music to match the energy and flow of the event. This includes being flexible with song choices and accommodating special requests, such as learning new songs or performing at a unique venue.
• Talent and professionalism: It's essential that the band members are highly skilled and experienced musicians and performers. Couples want to know that the band can deliver an exceptional performance that will create lasting memories. Professionalism in communication and logistics is also crucial, ensuring timely setup, smooth transitions, and a well-organised performance.
• Energy and engagement: A wedding band should bring positive energy and create a fun atmosphere to make the event memorable. This includes engaging with the crowd, interacting with guests, and ensuring that the dance floor remains packed throughout the celebration.
• Versatility and variety: Couples often look for bands that can perform a wide range of musical genres to cater to diverse audiences. Bands that can provide a mix of old and new songs, as well as different styles, are usually well-received. It's also a plus if band members can play multiple instruments.
• Emcee skills: Many couples appreciate it when the band leader or a member can also act as an emcee, guiding the event and making announcements. This adds structure to the celebration and ensures a smooth flow.
• Reliability and dependability: Couples want to know that the band will deliver on their promises and provide a stress-free experience. Being responsive to questions, arriving early, and coordinating with other vendors are all part of creating a reliable and dependable image.
• Personal connection: When a band goes above and beyond to connect with the couple, it leaves a lasting impression. This could include personalised song choices, accommodating special requests, or simply being friendly and approachable throughout the planning process.

By focusing on these aspects and delivering an exceptional experience, a wedding band can not only meet but exceed the couple's expectations, resulting in glowing reviews and recommendations that will help build their reputation and attract future bookings.

Frequently asked questions