If you are thinking about hiring a band for your wedding or a private function then the following will hopefully provide some useful help, tips and pointers. After all, booking a live band isn’t something you probably do every day… whereas us folks at www.warble-entertainment.com do it at least 5,000 times every year!
i) Check that your venue allows bands and has the required licenses
Firstly, speak to your venue to ensure that they allow live bands to perform and that they have the relevant licenses in place. Since the introduction of the Live Music Act 2012, things have become a lot easier. But, there is certainly no harm in checking the details because there is nothing worse than hiring a band to then not be allowed to have them.
ii) Check for Decibel Limiters…
You should also check whether your venue has any noise or decibel limiters. We have had occasions where a particular venue has told both ourselves and the customer that they regularly have Motown bands with full brass sections perform and they have a decibel limiter… We then find out that wedding guests laughing at the speeches actually sets it off so it would have been impossible to have any kind of band perform!! Be sure to check thoroughly with your venue because if limiters are set too low it may be that a party band will not be possible due to the risk of equipment damage becoming too great… let alone the fact that it won’t be fun for you and your guests when all you want to do is party! Where a venue does have a stringently set noise limiter it may be worth thinking about a quieter style act (i.e. a Swing or Jazz band) or a Warble Entertainment professional DJ.
iii) Check the venue has enough space and power
If your venue only has a small performance space then booking a 10 piece band isn’t very likely to work. As a general rule 14 x 14 ft is enough space for a 3 or 4 piece band, but the more band members the more the space required increases. Many bands are pretty flexible with performance space and are happy to try to accommodate wherever they can. In addition, the band will require a safe supply of power. If your event is in a marquee; make sure that you check with the marquee suppliers that they will be able to supply an adequate generator.
iv) Think about the best time for the band to set-up
If the room where the band are performing is the same as where the rest of the day’s proceedings are taking place it may be necessary for the band to set-up earlier in the day. Although this may increase the fee slightly it will mean that there will be no interruptions.
v) Don’t forget to take care of the band
The band may have had a long journey to be with you, they will have had to carry heavy equipment, set-up the performance space and sound check… all before they give the performance of their lives! The bands are always grateful when they are provided with refreshments. Also, if there is somewhere that they can change into their stage attire and relax between performances this is really helpful too.
vi) Consider the Band’s payment
Remember to think about how you are going to be paying the band. No band wants to interrupt you later on in the night to have to ask for payment. So, try and think about this beforehand and maybe designate this duty to the best man or ask the hotel reception to look after it.
Warble Entertainment works with the UKs most professional and outstanding party bands so you can rest assured that band hire with Warble will make your event one to remember!
Published by Warble Entertainment
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