Top tips for wedding couples when booking live music..

With over two hundred weddings under my belt it's safe to say i have seen quite a bit when it comes to organising and playing a part in weddings. A lot of couples when enquiring have loads of questions. Some very simple to answer and others more challenging.
​When booking a live act at your wedding the goal is always the same. Any act should help to make your day even better! So...I've added below a few easy points to help make it easier to choose and book the best possible live act! I hope this is helpful.

What kind of music do you want?
Choose an act that play artists you love. Most good bands will have something for everyone but if you have eclectic taste its important that you know what the artists can deliver. This sounds obvious but we have had couples book us then ask us to play Hip Hop!.

Prioritise your passions
I get lots of enquiries from couples who really want live music but inform me that they have spent the budget so can't afford a band. Many couples spend a huge amount on stuff they really don't need. If you are both passionate about live music then make sure you have a budget put aside for the act. Trust me, a good act is worth the money.

Choose the right venue
This is a really early mistake that couples make when planning. The venue is booked, guests invited then the search starts for the live music. Unknown to the couple, the venue has a sound monitor that triggers when the band plays and cuts off the music. The room is also half a mile away from the entrance, therefore the band has to push past your guests just to set up. We have had this happen and it can delay and potentially spoil the entertainment. Again this sounds like common sense but if you do want a band, choose a venue that will support you and can accommodate live music. Access and sound management are vital when planning your party.

Communication
If you decide that you want the band/act to play your first dance then it's absolutely vital that you make sure the band can play it live. I have had change of requests a week before the gig. Changing requests at the last minute often ends in disappointment.
Most acts will learn your favourite song at no extra cost to you but the band/act will have to spend hours perfecting the song. Also they will most likely be learning at least a dozen first dance/requests every few weeks. Make sure you give them time to deliver!

Daz Robinson.

• Prioritise your passions

If y