If you’re planning a party, wedding, corporate event, or maybe an anniversary party, looking for bands for hire can be a great solution to your entertainment needs. A good band can make a party amazing, or it can damage your reputation, so for whatever style of even you’re planning, taking the time to choose the right band can make a huge difference.
A lot of people have issues deciding if it’s better to hire a band or a deejay. They are both similar in their job, but the energy a band can bring is very different compared to a skilled disc jockey playing music and doing announcements. A DJ might have thousands of songs ready in their repertoire, while a band might have only a hundred or so. What matters isn’t how much, it’s what songs, and what style. A band takes up a lot more space and could take more time to set up, but they will make a party seem like a real event.
So now that you’ve decided you want a band, you have to decide on the amount you can spend. Too many people leave this selection to the last minute, and by then all the money is gone. After spending on catering, the venue, cakes, etc. It’s an easy trap to fall into. Many people expect to just hire a band for a few hundred dollars. This will be a huge mistake, as anyone charging so little does not take themselves seriously.
To find the band you want, think back to friend’s events, what kind of a scene did you enjoy? Try to lock down the kind of atmosphere you’re going for. Ask friends for recommendations, ask the event planner at your venue for any contacts, and use bridal websites in your search.
By now you’ve got a list of potential groups to work with. Never ever hire anyone without going through some steps first. Ask if they’re going to be performing any public gigs so you can watch them play. Don’t be offended or turned off if they tell you no, many groups do only private parties. The next best thing would be a DVD or video of a live performance. Most importantly make sure you meet them, or at the very least the singer/announcer. A singer in your band will often act as a “Master of Ceremonies”, so make sure you get a good feeling of confidence from them. Will they be able to clearly announce the wedding party? Lastly, ask for references to speak to over the phone.
Now that you’ve chosen who to go with, protect yourself with a contract. If your band doesn’t provide one, make them sign one you work up yourself. Your party is very important to you, so think about what happens if the band doesn’t show up. If they require a deposit to hold the date, what are the terms? What happens if you cancel or have to move the date? Make sure all these questions are answered up front. This way, in any case, you will be prepared.
Ask your band if they have insurance. Insurance brokers offer entertainers special rates for aggregate policies with fairly good coverage. If something happens to the venue, or someone at your party, who is liable? The contract and insurance will make sure you’re protected.
If you look at all these details, there’s a good chance you’re going to find the best of bands for hire and have a fantastic party.
Leona Newport writes for the live wedding party band hire site at http://www.souldesire.co.uk. Finding out about Live Music will make all the difference to the success of your event. For more information about Hertfordshire Wedding Band please visit here.