Band

A musical band is sometimes hired by an engaged couple to play live music during a wedding reception. Bands can range in size from a 3-piece jazz combo to a 20-piece big band, and costs usually reflect this.

1 Alternatives
2 Budget
3 Tips
4 Weddingbee Posts

Alternatives

When looking for an alternative to a live band, you may immediately think of hiring a DJ; however there are many other viable options. Ipod weddings are increasingly common, and there's no reason not to combine a few hours of live music with a few hours of recorded music.

Talented family members or friends have long been included as ceremony musicians, but they can also supply unique and personal music for receptions. Even if you decide to hire a DJ, sneaking in a recording by your cousin's band -- or even letting them play a set! -- can make an impression.

Budget

Budgets vary wildly based on the location of the event, the number of musicians, and amount of time you wish them to play. A very rough ballpark figure would be to expect a minimum of $150 per person per hour.

You may hire a band directly or through a booking agent. The American Federation of Musicians maintains a list of union-approved booking agents, or you may contact your local union directly and request a membership list. Some locals also have "find a band" searches on their websites, and others (such as NYC's Local 802) offer referral services.

Any band you are considering hiring should supply you with a typical playlist, a complete listing of their current "book," and an audio (if not video) recording, as well as the same basic information you would expect from any vendor (prices, references, etc.).

Look for a band that fits you. "Wedding Singer"-style cover bands are no longer de rigeur, although they are in abundance if that's what suits your style. If not, feel free to shop around--you're still likely to be able to find a group you can get along with. Take as much time as you want--the band can really set the tone for the event, so this is worth the effort.

Compile the same sort of must-play list you would for a DJ, and troll it around to the bands you're interested in. Ask them to be honest about their familiarity with the list: do they already play these tunes, and if not, can they learn them? While a big band may not be able to whip out a new chart on request, smaller ensembles (under 10 people) should be able to reasonably perform anything for which you can supply them with a recording or lead sheet.

Tips

Bands can be a great way to refer to your culture or interests. If you dreamed of a destination wedding in Jamaica but the budget wasn't working, why not bring in a steel drum band for an hour?

Bands need a break once in a while; 45 minutes on, 15 minutes off is a common arrangement, and you will need to know what's going to happen in that 15 minutes: will the band supply recorded music, or will you?

If you've been taking dance classes in the time leading up to your wedding, this is a fantastic opportunity to show off.

This AFM local (Baltimore) has a useful FAQ that touches briefly on the hiring process, contract language, and more; Los Angeles's Local 47 referral site lists some things to think about when selecting wedding bands.