OK, so you’ve taken the plunge and announced to the world that you’re just engaged to that man in your life. Then he tells you he’s landed that dream job abroad and you have to be off in just a month’s time. You want a big family wedding and are determined to make it happen before you depart for distant shores. Not a lot of time to organise things, is it?
Don’t panic. As they say, everything’s possible. You’ve found the church and the reception venue. The honeymoon can wait of course – well, you’re off to the sun anyway, but there’s an important element you haven’t got to grips with. Entertainment at the wedding reception.
Websites for a live band to hire
Most top live bands, which are what you have your heart set on, are booked up eight months to a year in advance so an available band to hire in time is a tricky one. Fortunately, the Internet is a good place to turn and by using Google search you’ll soon be presented with a lot of links to websites for a live band to hire for wedding receptions. It may take you an awful lot of ringing around and burning the midnight oil into the bargain, but there’s many a good band to hire who will rise to the occasion if you explain your predicament.
But wait. Slow down a minute because you could be hurtling into a disaster on the big day if you just grab any band that comes along – just because they happen to be available for your date. You need to do more research on individual bands once you’ve narrowed it down to a select shortlist. They can do the date but are they really any good? It’s time to find out – and you don’t have a lot of that, time.
Wedding celebrations – beware of cheap quotes
Be a bit cautious when a live band to hire for wedding celebrations provides you with a very cheap quote. Either they’re desperate for the gig, which is a bit worrying in itself, or they’re being a bit sneaky and all they intend to charge is not included. Things like the cost of hiring PA and lighting systems should be included, so too the band’s travel expenses to your wedding reception venue. You could get a shock when they present you with a final bill at the end of the day if you don’t get that ‘all in’ quote upfront.
Having got it, don’t let them be cheeky in asking for a full payment upfront. If you do, they might subsequently get a better offer to play elsewhere on your big day. You could then be left in the lurch at the last minute and find yourself fighting to get your cash back.
Will the band take requests?
Ask the right questions. A band may advertise itself as ‘live band to hire London’ but they may actually be based in Dover. Will the band take requests? Will they carry out your requirements as stated or then go on to make excuses to wriggle out of certain obligations? It’s a sad fact that couples just days before their big day get let down by less ethical live bands for weddings which pull out on them.
You’re a bit vulnerable as it is given the shortage of time, but don’t act rashly when there’s an available band to hire. Think before you sign that contract. You’ll then have a happy wedding combined with a family and friends send off party as a prequel to a new life together!