The Dos and Don'ts of Booking Live Music
Welcome to the new Breakfast In Bed Blog! In our efforts to provide you with the best service possible, we have decided to create a new space where we can compile and provide you with some of the ins and outs of the wedding and event sphere! Wedding and Event planning is no easy project, especially when doing it yourself! That's where we come in. We have lots planned for this blog, and it won't just pertain to music! So much goes into your big day, and we want to help in any way we can!
So what better place to start than our own backyard; live music! Live music is one of the best finishing touches you can add to your wedding, corporate event, or backyard party, but it can be a little daunting to try and figure out who will best suit your day. So here we have compiled some DOs and DON'Ts to consider when booking live music for your next event!
DO ask questions.
What kind of instruments do you play? What style of music do you provide? Will you need a power source? Can I see a repertoire list? Can you perform in French? These kinds of questions ensure there will be no surprises on the day of your event! While it may seem like the answers to your questions are obvious, you can never be too safe!
DON'T assume your musicians are sound techs.
While yes, your musicians will (or really should) do a soundcheck for themselves and provide their own sound equipment, that does not mean that they are sound technicians. Don't get me wrong, many musicians also work as sound techs on the side. But what I mean by this, is that if you are expecting microphones for speeches, or during your ceremony, or even as far and a clip-on wireless mic, these aren't 2-second set-ups that can happen right before you walk down the aisle. It would require more equipment (and depending on the size of your band already, possibly even a larger sound system), more time for sound checks, and more tear down and relocating of setups, resulting in less live performance while the switch is made. Now don't let this deter you from asking! Lot's of musicians would be happy to provide this extra service, but we just need a good heads up!
DO respect timelines.
Your musicians may provide you with dates they require special requests or ceremony songs by, and if you can do your best to respect those timelines, you will get a much better performance the day of! While musicians will always do their best for you, the quality of their performance only goes up with the more rehearsal time they have. Your band is also very likely playing multiple gigs a month, all with their own requested songs, and that can be a lot to learn if you only have 1 week! The timelines given to you by your musicians are not to rush or pressure you into picking songs but to make sure that on the day, there are no hiccups, no worrying about lyrics or the speed of performance. Remember, practice makes perfect, and practice takes time!
DON'T assume you can have more than your contract states.
Again, this really comes down to remembering that your musicians are learning a lot of music, and spending hours preparing before your event. Also, the majority of the time, we are more than happy to learn your Grandpa's favourite song as a surprise on the big day, even if it goes above the agreed-upon amount of requests. But just ask, don't assume it's fine! The majority of the time, you will be met with an enthusiastic 'of course!'. Musicians love music (obviously), and really don't mind learning new songs, we just appreciate it when you don't assume we are a jukebox!
DO provide an event schedule.
Your live music is a vendor, just like your caterers or officiants. The majority of our work happens behind the scenes, and knowing what time each part of your event is happening makes everything run much smoother! Letting us know you plan on having your first dance before dinner service ensures we don't set up in the wrong locations, or play songs you really wanted to hear while you are off taking pictures. There more information you provide, even if it seems insignificant, the better!
DON'T forget that it's your day!
While musicians always have their preferred style, so do you! Don't feel you have to go with the first band you reach out to! Ask around, ask for quotes, and let them know the kind of music you are looking for! You should also be able to get any song you want to walk down the aisle, or for your opening ceremonies. Make sure you find musicians who will adapt to your needs, not limit you to what they want.
So there you have it! A shortlist of some of the Dos and Don'ts to consider when booking your live music! With the right set of questions and expectations, having live music at your wedding or event will have people talking for months!