Launching A Wedding Band: Where To Start

Starting a wedding band is no easy feat. It requires a lot of time, investment and good decision-making. It's important to remember that starting and running a wedding band is not the same as being in a pub covers band. The more money a band charges, the higher the expectations and required level of professionalism. If things go wrong at a wedding, you're responsible, so preparation and organisation are essential.

The first step is to pick the right people. The vocalist will be the focal point of your act and the main reason a client decides to book. As well as a great voice, they'll need to be a skilled performer and entertainer – charismatic, committed to the performance and embodying the spirit of the event.

When it comes to musicians, professionalism and attitude are as important as musicianship. Songs can be rehearsed and musicians can improve over time, but a lack of organisation and a bad attitude are harder to fix. Choose band members who are in control of their time and don't have so many commitments that they're likely to cancel last-minute gigs.

You'll also need to decide on a management structure. Do you want to run the band entirely and pay musicians to play, or do you want everyone to have a stake in it and pool their talents?

You'll need to rehearse like crazy. Your performance will need to be flawless, whether you go for pitch-perfect covers or make them your own. If a client is booking you for their wedding, they're going to want to see a professional function band, not the local pub band.

You'll also need to choose your setlist wisely. You've got a couple of hours of performance to fill so choose your songs carefully. If you can't imagine guests dancing like mad to a song, don't put it in. Mix it up, from rock 'n' roll classics to modern chart hits, to appeal to every age group.

Building a brand will require a strong look. A band's image is important, so whether you like it or not, you need to play up to your genre. If you're a sophisticated jazz band, dress up in your smartest evening wear. If you're a Mariachi band, don't expect any interest without the Charro suits.

You'll also need to get the right equipment. Since many of the functions you'll play at will be at private venues and stately homes without their own sound equipment and lighting, you'll need to provide this yourself. It's worth investing in a good PA system. Everything you have should be PAT-tested, and make sure you have Public Liability Insurance – not just to cover you should disaster strike, but because many high-end venues won't let a client book you without it.

Get out there and get gigs. Think about how your potential clients will find you. If you were a bride looking for a wedding band, where would you search? Wedding exhibitions, music agencies, wedding dress shops, Google…? There are plenty of places to advertise your services and you don’t need to be a marketing specialist – just think creatively and see what works for you.

One of the simplest ways to get gigs is to get on the books of a trusted live music agency. They’ll add a commission to your fee, but can often get you better rates and more regular gigs.

Choose the right people

When it comes to choosing the right people for your wedding band, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to select band members who are reliable and professional. This means choosing individuals who are organised, committed, and able to manage their time effectively. Look for people who can respond quickly to gig opportunities and are willing to put in the necessary rehearsal time.

The most important element of a wedding band is often the front person or vocalist(s). They will be the focal point of your act and usually the main reason a client decides to book your band. As well as having a great voice, they should be skilled performers and entertainers. Charismatic and committed to their performance, they should embody the spirit of the event.

When it comes to finding band members, Facebook is a great place to start, with lots of dedicated groups designed for musicians looking for work. You could also try places where musicians get together, such as music colleges, rehearsal studios, or jam nights.

Don't be disheartened if it takes a while to find the perfect people. Remember that all bands evolve over time, so go for the best fit and see how things go. You might not get along with everyone in the band 100% of the time, so weigh up what's important and stay professional.

If you're the singer/guitarist and don't think you're up to standard, consider bringing in a great female vocalist and taking a back seat. Remember, brides-to-be surfing the net are going to be listening to vocals first and foremost, so don't settle for an average singer.

Finally, consider the management structure of your band. Will you run the band entirely and pay musicians to play, or will everyone have a stake in it and pool their talents? For example, one person might handle admin, another drives the van, and someone else deals with clients and agencies. It's important to be clear on your expectations from the beginning to avoid issues later on.

Management and finances

Management:

Firstly, it is important to have a band leader who is prepared to take on organisational responsibilities. Ideally, this should be the singer, as bookings can be based on their availability. The singer is also crucial as brides-to-be will be listening to vocals first and foremost when deciding on a wedding band.

It is also essential to rehearse rigorously and perfect your performance to ensure professionalism. Your act should be flawless, whether you opt for pitch-perfect covers or unique interpretations. Invest in high-quality equipment and lighting to enhance your performance and create a professional image.

Additionally, create impressive marketing materials such as studio photos, live videos, and demos to showcase your band's talent and appeal to potential clients. Join live music agencies and create a strong online presence through a website and social media to reach a wider audience.

Finances:

When it comes to finances, check what other bands in your area are charging and keep your prices competitive. Understand the costs involved, including equipment, travel, and advertising, and ensure you have the necessary funds to cover these expenses. Hold some money back from your earnings to reinvest in the band and cover ongoing costs.

Consider the salaries of band members and how these will be distributed. It may not be advisable to split the earnings evenly, as some members may have more responsibilities or be more integral to the performance.

Lastly, be mindful of hidden costs associated with staging, lighting, and audio equipment, especially when hiring a live band. These additional expenses can quickly add up, so be sure to factor them into your budget and financial planning.

It's about your audience

It's all about your audience. While you need to enjoy what you do, the remit of a function band is to entertain, create a celebratory atmosphere and, in most cases, get people dancing. You're not here solely to indulge your own musical whims.

So give guests the songs they know and love, and keep party song choices up-tempo and uplifting. There's a reason The Smiths and Bob Dylan don't often feature on party playlists – unless you’ve been booked as a niche band.

Also, bear in mind that private parties and weddings are more often than not multi-generational events; you need to appeal to the grandparents without alienating the teenagers. So if you're a rock, pop or soul band playing covers, make sure you play songs from all eras. Keep your set lists up to date with the latest chart-toppers. A varied set won’t just keep partygoers entertained; it’ll save you from performing songs you might grow to hate!

Give the guests what they want, but also be sure to showcase your unique selling points. Do you do mashups, or only certain genres? The more niche you are, the harder gigs might be to chase, but you could also charge more for being a specialist. If you have a strong brand, clients are more amenable to you using dep musicians if you need to, because it’s about the overall act and performance, not each individual. If you have a strong brand, it’s easier to show deps what they need to do to fit in straight away and carry the vibe.

Give the promotional material your best shot

The quality of your promotional material is essential, so don't cut corners. Get the best promotional video, audio, and photos you can afford. It pays in the long run.

Video is expensive, but most clients won't book without it. Consider your filming location, the backdrop to your video, and the message this sends about your act. Your potential customers need to be able to envision you at their event. If you're not filming live at a gig, you should try and replicate the atmosphere of an event, even if it's just in the choice of backdrop and the lighting. A video in a stale rehearsal room is less persuasive.

• Get studio photos: With hundreds of wedding bands and live entertainment agencies advertising on Google, a good studio photo is vital to make sure you don't slip through the net. Live shots are great for the gallery but will inevitably be glanced over on a page full of polished studio shots. Make sure you get at least one awesome shot of the whole band.
• The video is everything: These days it isn't enough to have top-quality demos and eye-catching photos; clients have huge rosters of party bands to choose from on hundreds of websites and will need to know exactly what they'll be getting on the big day. A live video is the closest representation of you possible so make it absolutely awesome and select your songs carefully in order to gain mass appeal. When it comes to budgeting for your video and promo, try not to cut corners as it's bound to show on the final cut.
• Record amazing demos: As with an originals band, the demo is everything. You'll need at least four high-quality, studio demos. A client may also want to hear you live, which is rarely an option for a band that only plays at private events. With this in mind, some live demos would also be good to have just in case.

Rehearse, rehearse and rehearse again

Rehearse, rehearse, and rehearse again.

Now that you've assembled your band, it's time to dive into the nitty-gritty of wedding band life: rehearsals. Here are some tips to make your rehearsals productive and enjoyable:

Choose a Point Person

Designate a leader to be responsible for scheduling rehearsals and communicating with band members. This person should be comfortable with logistics and keeping the band organized. It's often ideal if the singer takes on this role, so bookings can be based on their availability.

Practice Individually

Band rehearsal is not the time to learn your parts. Before each rehearsal, ensure that each band member has practised their parts individually. This way, you can use your rehearsal time efficiently to fine-tune your performance and create a cohesive sound.

Set Clear Goals

Have a clear plan for each rehearsal. Decide in advance what you want to accomplish, whether it's learning new songs, perfecting harmonies, or fine-tuning your stage presence. This will help you stay focused and make the most of your time together.

Create an Open Setup

When setting up for rehearsals, avoid a "live show" formation. Instead, opt for a circle formation to encourage open communication between instrumentalists and vocalists. This way, everyone can see and hear each other clearly, fostering better collaboration.

Monitor Your Sound

Ensure that everyone can hear themselves and each other clearly. Set up monitors and amplifiers to achieve a good general balance. Place amplifiers behind each instrumentalist, and place monitors in front of the singers. Use "side fill" speakers for other instrumentalists if needed.

Record Your Rehearsals

Record your rehearsals using audio or video equipment. Listening back to your performances will help you identify areas for improvement and track your progress. Take notes on what you can do better, and use those insights to guide your next rehearsal.

Be Punctual and Respectful

Rehearsal time is precious, especially if you're renting a space. Respect each other's time by being punctual and prepared. Keep in mind that you may have neighbours who are not appreciative of late-night noise, so be mindful of volume levels, especially when rehearsing in a residential area.

Rehearse for a Live Audience

Once you've perfected your set list, set up a rehearsal as if you were performing live. Face the audience instead of each other, and perfect your stage moves and interactions. This will help you feel more confident and comfortable when it's time to perform at an actual wedding.

Remember, the key to a successful wedding band is dedication and hard work. Rehearse like crazy, but also take time to enjoy the process and have fun with your bandmates!

Frequently asked questions