With so many decisions to be made, event planning can be a very stressful process. One of the most crucial decisions is finding a band to perform at your event. Here are a few tips to guide you through the process of finding and picking the perfect party band for your big event.
Think about what type of event it is
Music plays a crucial role in creating atmosphere and ambience, so think about your event and what atmosphere you want to create. For instance, if you are organising a corporate event, opt for soft background music that doesn’t interrupt conversations or distract guests. In this case, you may need to consider booking a jazz band or a string soloist. However, if you are planning a wedding, you’ll want upbeat music to keep the guests dancing all night. Look for a band that can play different genres of music such as RnB, vintage swing, soul, etc.
Set a budget
Your budget will be a significant factor when it comes to selecting a band for your big event. So, set a budget that is both affordable and realistic. Once you’re sure of the amount you’re willing to spend, start comparing different options for party band hire in the UK. Be crystal clear on what a band is offering for that fee because some bands will charge a lesser fee, but add a surcharge for things like equipment, travel, set-up, etc. If you find a fantastic band slightly above your budget, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Ask if they can reduce the number of sets or offer a smaller line-up for a lesser fee.
Check them out
No matter how good a band seems to be, ensure that you do your research on them first before making any payments. Watch their online videos, read reviews of their recent events, listen to their playlists, and if you can, see them live. Seeing and hearing them live will help you gauge how they will sound at your event and give you a closer look into their quality and professionalism.
Book well in advance
Booking a band should be one of the first things you do when planning an event. Good music bands get booked up well in advance, so the sooner you do it, the better. Booking a few months in advance will also give the group enough time to rehearse and prepare for your event. The band you end up hiring should provide you with a contract of engagement that clearly states agreements of the date, late or overtime fees, what songs will be played, whether the band will be fed or not, when the band will be paid, how many band members will be performing, etc. A contract will protect you in case something goes wrong by ensuring that you are fully reimbursed.
