Launching A Wedding Band: The Business Guide

Starting a wedding band business is no small feat. It requires careful planning, a strong work ethic, and good people skills. Here are some key considerations to help you get started:

- Interview band members: Ensure you have a group of committed and talented musicians who can play their instruments well and are willing to put in the necessary practice time.

- Attain professional recording: Invest in high-quality recording equipment to ensure your music sounds its best. A poor recording can hurt your chances of getting booked.

- Market your business: Advertise in local papers, on websites, and through social media platforms. Connect with other wedding service providers and create a press kit with information like pricing, songs, photos, and a demo CD.

- Set competitive pricing: Research what other bands in your area charge and set your prices accordingly. Use this to work out salaries for band members, keeping some money aside for advertising, equipment, and profit.

- Rehearse and perfect your performance: Know your material well to focus on entertaining the crowd. Consider investing in rehearsal space to perfect your performance and sound.

- Choose your setlist wisely: Select songs that will appeal to a wide range of age groups and keep your set list current with modern chart hits to avoid sounding dated.

- Invest in equipment and insurance: Purchase high-quality PA systems, lighting, and other necessary equipment. Ensure you have public liability insurance and PAT testing certificates for your gear, as many venues will require this.

- Get out there and get gigs: Advertise your services through wedding exhibitions, music agencies, and even wedding dress shops. Consider signing up with a live music agency to increase your chances of getting booked.

Choose band members with the right skills and attitude

When starting a wedding band, it's important to choose band members with the right skills and attitude. Here are some tips to help you select the best talent for your band:

Pick the right people

The success of your wedding band heavily relies on the talent and skills of your band members. The vocalist(s) will often be the focal point, so it's crucial to choose a singer with a great voice, performance skills, and a charismatic personality. They should be able to entertain and engage the audience, as well as embody the spirit of the event. If possible, find a vocalist who can also double as the Master of Ceremonies.

Professionalism and attitude matter

When selecting musicians, look for individuals with a strong work ethic, good people skills, and a positive attitude. Songs can be rehearsed and musicians can improve, but a lack of organisation and a bad attitude can be harder to fix. Choose band members who are reliable, committed, and able to manage their time effectively. Ensure they can respond quickly to gig opportunities and are prompt in returning phone calls and emails.

Be selective with your search locations

Facebook is a great place to start your search for band members, as it has many groups dedicated to musicians looking for work. You can also try music colleges, rehearsal studios, or jam nights, where musicians tend to gather.

Be patient and don't settle

It may take time to find the perfect band members, so don't rush the process. Remember that all bands evolve over time, so focus on finding the best fit for now and be willing to make changes as needed. While it's great if you become best mates with your band members, in the function band world, professionalism, punctuality, and politeness may be more important for a successful working relationship.

Assess their commitment

Ensure that your potential band members have the time and commitment needed for this endeavour. Discuss everyone's expectations and vision for the band to ensure you're all on the same page. It's crucial to have a similar vision and be able to commit the necessary time, especially since weekends will likely be dedicated to gigs.

Be prepared for different styles

As a wedding band, you'll need to accommodate a diverse audience with varying musical tastes. Be open to playing different styles and genres to appeal to all age groups. This will increase your chances of getting booked and ensure you can cater to a wider range of clients.

Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse

Make sure you and your band members know your material well. Rehearse regularly to perfect your performance and ensure that when you're on stage, you can focus on entertaining the crowd rather than remembering chords or song structures.

By following these tips and choosing band members with the right skills and attitude, you'll be well on your way to building a successful and talented wedding band.

Decide on a management structure

When it comes to the management structure of your wedding band business, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide whether you want to run the band entirely yourself and pay musicians to play, or if you want everyone to have a stake in the business and pool their talents. For example, one person might handle admin, another could drive the van, and someone else could deal with clients and agencies. Having a clear management structure from the beginning will help avoid issues later on.

If you decide to take on the role of band leader yourself, it's ideal if you're the singer so that bookings can be based around your availability. Being the band leader means you'll likely take on more responsibility, so make sure you're prepared for the extra work.

It's also important to choose band members who are reliable and professional. They should be organised, in control of their time, and quick to respond to phone calls and emails. Facebook is a great place to find musicians looking for work, as are music colleges, rehearsal studios, and jam nights.

Remember that building a strong brand is crucial. Spend time working out your unique selling points and make sure these come across in your promotional material, website, and performances. Consider whether you want to specialise in a particular genre or offer a range of music to appeal to a wider audience. If you have a strong brand, it will be easier to bring in dep musicians if needed, as clients will be focused on the overall act and performance rather than each individual.

Finally, don't forget to invest in the band. Keep a percentage of the money you make and reinvest it to improve your live act. High-quality equipment, lighting, and even matching suits can make a big difference in how clients perceive your band.

Create a strong brand and image

Creating a strong brand and image is essential for the success of your wedding band business. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Choose a Catchy Name

Select a name that is easy to remember and spell. Conduct a search to ensure that no other businesses in your industry are using the same name. Avoid picking a name that limits your growth opportunities, especially if you plan to expand into other product lines in the future. As soon as you decide on a name, register the domain name and secure the social media handles to prevent others from using them.

Develop a Slogan

Create a catchy and effective slogan that helps customers understand the benefits of your services. Keep it short and simple, ideally under ten words. Focus on what makes your business unique and how you solve your customers' problems. Ensure that your slogan resonates with your target audience and is timeless.

Design a Logo and Visual Identity

A well-designed logo and visual identity will help you establish a strong brand image. Consider hiring a professional designer or using design tools and software to create your logo and visual assets. Ensure that your visual identity is consistent across all your marketing materials, including your website, social media, business cards, and advertising collateral.

Build a Professional Website

A website is crucial for showcasing your wedding band business to prospective clients. Include a homepage with a header image and a description of your band, highlighting the unique touches you bring to weddings. Add photos and videos of your band performing at weddings to showcase your talent and create a positive impression.

Create a Press Kit

Develop a press kit that includes essential information such as pricing, songs or set lists, photos, and a CD or audio samples. You can share this press kit with wedding venues, wedding planners, and other wedding service providers to promote your band.

Optimize Your Online Presence

Work on optimizing your website for search engines by optimizing page titles and descriptions. Build relationships with wedding planners, photographers, and videographers, and add links to their websites to improve your search engine rankings. Utilize social media platforms to reach a wider audience and engage with potential clients.

Choose the right songs

Choosing the right songs for your wedding band's set list is crucial to creating the perfect atmosphere for your clients' big day. Here are some tips to help you select the right songs:

Pre-Wedding and Ceremony Songs:

Before the ceremony begins, it's essential to set the mood with soft, unobtrusive music as guests take their seats. Aim for soothing and calming tunes that allow for greetings and conversation. You'll need about 30 minutes of pre-ceremony music to accommodate early guests, latecomers, and any unexpected delays. Once the ceremony begins, shift to sentimental music for the parents' and grandparents' entrance, then consider transitioning to something more upbeat for the bridal party's entrance. For the bride's processional, choose something bold and unique that matches the pace of her walk.

Reception Songs:

The reception is where you can really get the party started! After the bridal party's grand entrance, it's common for couples to share a first dance, followed by the father/daughter dance and other traditional moments like the cake-cutting, bouquet, and garter toss. For these special dances, select songs with emotional impact or fun, upbeat energy.

Popular Wedding Songs:

• "Livin' On a Prayer" by Bon Jovi
• "Hold Back The River" by James Bay
• "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac
• "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams
• "I Will Wait" by Mumford & Sons
• "Counting Stars" by One Republic
• "Shut Up and Dance" by WALK THE MOON
• "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston
• "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers
• "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison
• "All of Me" by John Legend
• "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran
• "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé ft. Jay-Z
• "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Kina Grannis
• "From This Moment" by Shania Twain
• "God Only Knows" by The Beach Boys
• "You've Got the Love" by Florence + The Machine
• "I Gotta Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas
• "Marry You" by Bruno Mars
• "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" by Stevie Wonder
• "You Make My Dreams" by Hall & Oates
• "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves
• "All Star" by Smash Mouth
• "Wonderwall" by Oasis
• "Ho Hey" by The Lumineers
• "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake
• "We Found Love" by Rihanna
• "Best Day of My Life" by American Authors
• "Shut Up & Dance" by Walk the Moon
• "You Make Loving Fun" by Fleetwood Mac
• "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
• "Happy" by Pharrell Williams
• "About Damn Time" by Lizzo

Remember, it's essential to discuss music preferences and expectations with your clients and tailor your song choices to their unique style and vision for their wedding.

Get the right equipment

Getting the right equipment is essential for a wedding band business. Here's what you need to know:

Attain Professional Recording

While recording on your laptop may seem convenient, investing in professional recording equipment is crucial. The quality of your recording will impact whether venues accept your band. Even if your band has impressive musical talent, a poor recording could hinder your chances of success. The more money you spend on a professional recording, the more opportunities you'll have to showcase your music.

Space Requirements

When planning for equipment, it's important to consider the space requirements for your band. Wedding bands typically need space for their musical instruments, lighting, PA system, outfits, cables, microphones, and other gear. The size of your band will determine the amount of space needed. For example, a 3-piece band will require a minimum space of 3x3 metres or 9x9 feet, while a larger 7-piece band will need at least 6x4 metres or 19x13 feet.

Essential Items

• Transport
• PA speaker system
• Stage lighting
• Stage outfits
• Background music or DJ equipment
• Back-up equipment for any malfunctions
• PLI and PAT certificates
• Musical instruments and other instrumental backline

Additionally, it's important to ensure that your band members have the necessary musical instruments and that they are committed to practising together.

Venue Considerations

When working with wedding venues, it's helpful to communicate with them about equipment requirements. Some venues may provide PA systems and lighting to comply with noise restrictions. It's crucial for your band and the venue to be on the same page regarding what equipment will be provided to avoid any last-minute surprises.

By investing in quality equipment and carefully considering your space and equipment needs, you'll be well on your way to providing an exceptional experience for your clients and their guests.

Frequently asked questions