Wedding function bands for hire may seem to be living the rock ‘n roll lifestyle, but in fact they are usually incredibly hard-working and dedicated musicians who want to do their very best for you. You can help them give the performance of their lives with just a little forward planning, leaving you to enjoy their show to the max on your wedding day.
1. Make sure they have enough space to perform
Check with your venue how much space there will be in your reception venue AFTER you’ve squeezed in the tables, chairs and your guests! Any wedding band will need enough space for (usually) four musicians, a drum kit, their PA system and enough room to move around a bit too. They may not actually need a stage, but if in doubt, always ask for their stage requirements.
2. Space between your band and your guests dancing
This is for everyone’s safety, so if a guest gets a bit wild in their dancing, they won’t trip over a speaker or get tangled in a mic cable!
3. Somewhere private to get changed and store their stuff
Give your band a secure, lockable room where they can get changed, store their day clothes and valuables, and where they can relax in between sets. Please note, toilets (public or otherwise) do NOT fit this description!
4. Fuel your band
Playing, singing and performing all night burns considerable amounts of calories! So, fuel your function band with a proper meal during the evening (ask when is best for them). Sandwiches are not really function band fuel – remember, after they have left your event, they may have two or three hours’ drive back home again.
5. Hydrate your band!
Just as your guests get hot and thirsty dancing all night, so do your band from playing all night! Make sure they have plenty of bottled water to drink, and ensure the bar staff know the band are not required to pay for any soft drinks they require. Your function band neither require or should request alcohol as part of their contract, but a pint or two after the show for the non-drivers will usually be appreciated!
6. Sufficient set-up and post show packing time
Setting up for a performance takes time, and most bands want to check their sound in the room they will be performing in before they play, if possible. So, if you can, give them a chance to be alone in the space to put up their instruments and PA, lights, and sound test the whole system.
7. Provide a proper power source
This might seem obvious, but every function band will require access to a 13 amp power source for their PA system, keyboards, lighting and so on. If your wedding is not in a regular venue, make sure the power supply is sufficient, and in marquees, that there are available plugs near the performance area.
8. Say hello, wave goodbye
Function bands always appreciate if there is a member of the wedding party at the venue ready to meet them, point them towards their changing room, run through the timetable and generally make them feel welcome. You can appoint any reliable family member to do this, as hotel staff and function managers can be busy elsewhere and unable to help when needed most. You don’t actually need to see theband off at the end of the night but make sure they have a clear exit from the performance area back to their van, so they can load their equipment in safety, even in the dark.
9. Make any requests early
By the time they arrive at your venue, your function band will have chosen their set list (items they will play), rehearsed it and timed it to make sure it’s exactly right. If you want any special requests, ask them weeks in advance so they have time to learn it, rehearse it and add it to the set list.
10. Book your band through an entertainment agency
The best function bands are very much in demand, so you’ll want your booking to be confirmed and secured well in advance. By booking through an agency, you’ll receive a proper binding contract that ensures your band will be there on the day, fully briefed and ready to delight your guests. What’s more, if you don’t want to worry about paying the band on the night; you can pay the agency, and they will pay the band after the event, a much more professional arrangement.
Whichever function band you choose, if you treat them right, they’ll play a storm for you and your guests, for a night everyone will remember for years!
