Your big night will be here before you know it. You are planning the look, feel and all-around, unforgettable experience for your guests. You’ve quickly determined that a live band will be the perfect complement to your event because of the energy, excitement and engagement you want in the room. DJs can do the job in certain situations, but nothing beats the look on guests faces when they arrive to see a full live band, setup and ready to party. But what should you look for in an event band? We put together a basic list to get you pointed in the right direction. (Think of these as the minimum requirements!) Let’s take a look at the five traits you should consider when choosing a wedding band.
A Diverse Set-list
Your band will (or should) be able to tailor a customized “Set-list” or “Playlist”. The “Set-list” will vary depending on your event, your musical taste, the type of crowd, geographical location and even the time of day. This will help your entertainment connect with every guest! Your guests will feel a part of something excellent, and if they’ve got any bit of rhythm, they will make their way to the dance floor.
Custom, Curated Songs
You want a band that will work with you to build the perfect set-list for your event. The band should be able to expertly navigate a huge variety of music from all genres and all eras, but choose the songs that work with the profile of your event. You should be able to tell the band songs or genres to avoid, and if you want, provide input as to what types of songs you would like to hear during the event. At the same time, your band should be able to curate the perfect set-list for your event with minimal to no input or effort. You should feel 100% confident about leaving it to the professionals for song selection if that the route your prefer.
A Timeless Sound
You’ll know when you hear the right band, their sound will speak to you! If you haven’t had the chance to see the band live, make sure their recorded music isn’t overly produced. You want a band that sounds good LIVE. When you listen to a band’s promotional recording, try to listen to each type of instrument individually. If you hear a saxophone and an entire horn section on the recording but the band doesn’t come with these musicians, you may not get the live performance you are expecting.
Playing today’s hits and songs from the 90s and 2000s is easily accomplished, but does your band have that timeless sound to replicate those essential soul/motown/R&B songs from the 60s, disco and dance tunes from the 70s, and all that synth from the 80s? Have they done their homework on instrumentation and tone? Are they using the right gear? Will your favorite oldies sound like paired-down, modern renditions? Guests will notice when your band has done their homework, and can do justice to the best songs ever recorded. Choose a band that can nail the oldies, and rock today’s hits.
A Gradual Crescendo
Can your band dynamically take your event from easy listening (almost background music) as guests arrive, through dinner, and into dancing the night away? This is a simple function of experience and musicianship. Choose a band that understands how to take your event through a journey of building excitement while reading the room and maintaining a reasonable volume in which guests can interact.
Dressed for Success
You want your band to look like a million dollars and play like two million dollars. Your band should have a wardrobe that compliments your event, and brings an element of showmanship, while keeping with your overall vibe. Ask your band if their wardrobe is flexible. Can they wear a tuxedo to a formal event and a suit without a tie to a casual beach wedding? We’ve witnessed far too many bands in ill-fitting, all-black suits looking like a “rent-a-mob” to let you go down the wrong path. Make sure your band looks the part!
Reach out to us if you have any questions or just want to talk!