What's Next's" Wedding Band: A Musical Marriag

What's Next is a wedding and party band based in Baltimore, Maryland. The band plays to the crowd, taking requests and playing a range of genres, including country, old school, rock, and the latest hits. They have a world-class rhythm section, stellar vocal harmony, and exceptional guitar work. The band is made up of expert musicians who play without computers or gadgets and specifically match professional-grade lighting and sound to each venue. They are also a woman-owned business.

No set lists or pre-recorded tracks

Wedding bands typically perform two sets of 45 minutes or one hour, which equates to roughly 30-40 songs in total. While some couples opt to provide their bands with a list of songs they love and absolutely detest, others prefer to give their bands free rein to perform as they see fit.

If you're in the latter camp and are looking for a wedding band that doesn't rely on set lists or pre-recorded tracks, you're in luck! Many wedding bands are adept at reading the room and tailoring their performances to the crowd's energy and preferences. Here are some things to consider and discuss with your band to ensure a unique and memorable performance:

Song Selection and Variety:

Discuss the types of songs and genres you'd like the band to play. Are there any specific genres or eras of music that hold a special place in your heart? Be sure to communicate this to the band so they can curate a selection of songs that aligns with your tastes. Keep in mind that your guest list comprises people from multiple generations, so it's essential to include a variety of songs that will appeal to different age groups and musical preferences.

Special Requests:

If there are any specific songs that hold a special significance to you and your partner, be sure to communicate this to the band. They may already know how to play these songs, or they may be willing to learn them for your special day. This could include your first dance song, a song for a parent dance, or any other meaningful moments during the reception.

Interaction and Guest Engagement:

Encourage the band to interact with your guests and get them involved in the performance. This could be through sing-along sections, call-and-response moments, or even inviting guests to join them on stage for a particular song. A good band will be able to feed off the energy of the crowd and adapt their performance accordingly.

Flexibility and Adaptability:

When a band performs without a set list, they rely on their skill, experience, and ability to "read the room." Discuss with the band how they plan to gauge the crowd's energy and preferences. Ask them about their process for selecting songs on the spot and how they ensure a seamless flow between tracks. A skilled band will know how to build and maintain energy throughout their performance, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for you and your guests.

Experience and Repertoire:

When selecting a band, inquire about their experience performing at weddings and the size of their repertoire. A seasoned wedding band will have a vast catalogue of songs and will be adept at selecting the right tunes to match the mood and energy of the moment. Ask about the types of weddings they've performed at and how they tailor their performances to suit different audiences.

By communicating your preferences, special requests, and expectations, you can ensure that your wedding band delivers a unique and memorable performance that will keep your guests entertained and the dance floor buzzing!

World-class rhythm section, stellar vocal harmony, and expert guitar work

What's Next is a wedding and party band based in Baltimore, Maryland. They are a woman-owned business that plays to the crowd, with no set lists or pre-recorded tracks. The band includes a world-class rhythm section, stellar vocal harmony, and expert guitar work.

The rhythm section is the foundation of the band, providing the driving groove and energy that gets people on the dance floor. The rhythm section includes drums, bass, and other instruments that lay down the beat and create a solid foundation for the rest of the band. In the case of What's Next, their rhythm section is made up of highly skilled and experienced musicians who work seamlessly together to create a tight, groovy foundation for the rest of the band.

The vocal harmony in What's Next is also stellar. Their singers have beautiful voices that blend together perfectly, adding depth and emotion to the songs they perform. They are able to harmonize with each other effortlessly, creating rich and dynamic vocal arrangements that enhance the overall performance of the band.

In addition to the rhythm section and vocal harmony, What's Next also features expert guitar work. Their guitarist is extremely talented and skilled, with a unique style that adds colour and texture to the band's sound. Whether it's a soaring solo or a subtle rhythm part, their guitarist always knows what to play to enhance the overall performance.

Overall, What's Next is a highly skilled and experienced band with a world-class rhythm section, stellar vocal harmony, and expert guitar work. They are able to play a wide range of music, from old school to the latest hits, and always know how to get the crowd up and dancing.

Free MC/DJ services for all wedding packages

Music is an integral part of any wedding, and a professional DJ can elevate the entire experience. A good DJ will meet with the couple to understand their musical tastes and vision for their wedding reception. They will also provide sound equipment, including speakers, microphones, and lighting to transform the venue.

A DJ also acts as an MC, making announcements and engaging guests. They will guide the guests through the events of the night, such as the grand entrance, first dance, cake cutting, and more. A skilled DJ will seamlessly mix songs from various genres to appeal to diverse guests, read the crowd, and adjust the music accordingly.

At What's Next Wedding Band, we understand the importance of your special day. That's why we offer free MC/DJ services for all our wedding packages. Our experienced and talented DJs will work with you to create a customized playlist that reflects your unique taste and ensures your guests have an unforgettable time.

Our MC/DJ services include:

• Pre-event planning and consultation: We will meet with you to understand your vision, musical preferences, and any special requests.
• Premium sound system and equipment: We provide top-of-the-line sound equipment, including speakers, microphones, and lighting to create the perfect ambiance for your wedding.
• Customized playlist: Our DJs will work with you to create a personalized playlist that reflects your taste and your guests' requests, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone.
• Announcements and guest engagement: Our MCs will make all the necessary announcements throughout the night, guide your guests through the events, and keep them entertained.
• Flexibility and adaptability: Our DJs and MCs understand that things may not always go according to plan. They are experienced in quickly adapting to any changes while keeping the excitement and energy alive.
• Reliability and backup equipment: We understand the importance of reliability. Our team always has backup equipment and experts on hand to ensure a seamless experience, no matter what.

With our free MC/DJ services, you can rest assured that your wedding entertainment is in good hands. Our goal is to make your special day unforgettable, and we are dedicated to providing a stress-free and exceptional experience from start to finish.

Contact us today to learn more about our wedding packages and how we can customize our services to meet your unique needs and vision. Let's work together to make your wedding an incredible and memorable celebration!

Professional-grade lighting and sound matched to each venue

Wedding lighting is an important aspect of the overall wedding design. It sets the mood and helps showcase all the details, from the wedding cake to the guests' attire. The right lighting can also create awesome photo ops and allow couples to spend less on other decorations.

The Lighting & Sound Company, a national design and production company based in Richmond, Virginia, is an example of a business that provides professional-grade lighting and sound services for weddings. They offer a range of lighting services, including uplighting, string lighting, chandeliers, and decor pieces.

When it comes to wedding lighting, there are several key terms to know, including:

• Color Wash: Filling an entire room with a single colour to create a mood or change the decor.
• Gobo Lighting: Using a custom template to project a pattern, monogram, or motif onto a surface.
• LED Light: A type of bulb that is cost-effective, long-lasting, and provides vibrant colours.
• Pinspot: Tiny lights used to illuminate small areas, like centrepieces.
• Spotlight: Lamps that project a narrow beam of light onto a specific area or object.
• String Lights: Versatile and cost-effective strands of lights, also known as twinkle, fairy, bistro, or cafe lights.
• Uplighting: Lights placed on the floor to shine up walls and decor.

The cost of wedding lighting varies depending on factors such as venue, style, and budget. Couples can opt for DIY lighting or hire a lighting designer. The average prices for different lighting options, excluding labour and delivery, are as follows:

• Uplighting for an entire ballroom: $700-$2500
• Gobo lighting: $200-$500
• Texture lighting: $50-$75 per light fixture
• Pinspot lighting: $25-$45 per light/table
• String lights: $3-$5 per linear foot
• Chandeliers: $150-$300
• Pendants: $15-$25 each
• Projector, computer, and screen: $200-$600

When planning wedding lighting, it is essential to consider the venue and the time of day. A lighting designer can help determine the power requirements and make suggestions based on the space's limitations.

For indoor weddings, uplighting can accentuate architectural features or change wall colours, while colour washing can create different moods in different rooms. For outdoor weddings, ensuring adequate power is crucial, especially if there are limited outlets. Simple string lights and votive candles can work for small backyard weddings, while larger outdoor celebrations may require professionals to bring in generators.

5-star reviews from couples

"What's Next were absolutely fantastic! We had seen them play at another wedding and knew we had to book them for ours. They were so easy to work with and even learned our first dance song. They played softer music during the ceremony and then played a great selection of music during the reception. They really know how to get the crowd going and engage with the guests. We highly recommend them!" Lauren J., married on 09/08/2018.

"We cannot thank the band enough for making my daughter's wedding so special. They are exceptional musicians with so much personality. They get out into the crowd and get everyone involved, creating such a fun and lively atmosphere. They played one song after another with no breaks, and their range of genres is incredible. We will definitely be booking them again!" Craig, father of the bride, married on 08/25/2018.

"What's Next provided a great experience for us and our guests. Their music selection was perfect and they knew how to get the crowd going. They were so interactive with everyone and are such a talented and fun group of people. We highly recommend them for your wedding or event." Alex J., married on 09/30/2017.

"What's Next is an excellent live band for weddings or any other special event. They have a great music selection and always find a way to get the crowd up and dancing. They are so easy to work with and are happy to learn specific songs for your first dance or father-daughter dance. They are also great at engaging with the crowd and creating a fun and lively atmosphere. They even came out into the crowd and had fun with the photobooth props!" Anonymous review.

Frequently asked questions