The Band or Deejay is going to play an integral, visible role at your wedding, so you want to meet them in person if at all possible. Don't let yourself get intimidated by that cool musician vibe you still need to ask questions.
Here are twenty questions you may consider asking.
♥ What's your overall approach to playing weddings? How do you pace the event?
♥ How many hours of playing time are included in the contract?
♥ What are the option for the size of the band and the number of vocalist?
♥ What do you typically wear to play a wedding? Some bands bill for tuxedo rentals if they need to wear black-tie, while others own tuxes, so find out if there's a charge.
♥ Will you learn a song I request i you don't know it? How much advance notice do you need? Is there a fee to arranging the music?
♥ Do you require any equipment or instrument rentals, such as a piano? Is there anything else I will need to provide for you, such as a table for a record or CD player?
♥ Do you bring your own sound system?
♥ Do you need extra electrical power for your equipment?
♥ Do you need a certain style of stage? What size stage do you require?
♥ Do you want the bandleader to be the emcee of the reception or to stay in the background. If he's going to play the emcee, ask him how he views that role and make sure you're both on the same page.
♥ Review their playlist and identify your favorite songs. It's a good way to get a feel for each other's tastes.
♥ Discuss whether they take requests and how you want to handle it. You may not want guests taking the music into their own hands.
♥ Ask how long they've been performing at weddings. How many have you done in the same year? Ask for references from a couple of weddings they have done.
♥ How many breaks will you take? How long is each break? Many bands need a fifteen-to-twenty minute break each hour.
♥ How is music handled during breaks? Is continuous music and option? Some bands can leave one or two musicians onstage to play dung breaks. If not, do you bring recorded music to play? Does a deejay bring a set of recorded music?
♥ What kind of backup plan do you have if one or more band members falls ill or has an emergency on the day of the wedding?
♥ Do you have liability Insurance?
♥ Find out how long they need to set up. Emphasize that you want them set up and playing before the first guests walk in. Some bands like to arrive at the last minute, and they're still setting up as guests arrive
♥ Would you like a meal? It's customary to provide one but worth checking, in case they prefer to bring their own food.
♥ If you have a special theme, ask if they have song suggestions.
Jasmine MacDonald is the editor of Merry Brides Tumbles and Merry Brides which will provide you with daily ideas and tips to help you plan the wedding of your dreams while staying within your budget.
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