Ah, weddings… For some, weddings are synonymous with days of joy, love, and unforgettable memories as two become one. For others, weddings mean decisions, decisions, and more decisions.
In today’s weddings, the checklist is almost endless; the right dress, the perfect venue and so on – there’s simply a lot of choices that a bride and groom must make in the days leading up to the big day. But some decisions – like hiring the perfect live wedding band – can seem like Hercules fighting the mythical Hydra. Every time you make one decision, two more pop up in its place!
If you are in the midst of making big wedding day choices, we are here to help with the perfect guide to choosing the perfect live band for your Montreal wedding. Continue reading as we break down how to find the band that is right for your wedding venue and style, and has the skills necessary to make your big day unforgettable.
Choosing The Right Live Wedding Band Begins With Clear Goals
Before you hit the websites and online directories to find a live band, take the time to sit down and make a list of your “Wedding Band Must-Haves.” Just as you would with choosing any other part of your big day, make sure to carefully consider all of the roles that you wish for your wedding band to fill. Consider the following questions:
- Are you looking for musicians that can perform at the ceremony and the reception?
- Do you have a specific look and feel you are going for with your entire wedding? Does the band match that style?
- Is there a particular feeling you are going for with your musical taste? Are you wanting classy and formal, or fun and exuberant?
- How much are you budgeting to pay for a live band?
Setting goals ahead of any conversation will help you navigate negotiations with a clear head. The emotions that run wild during wedding planning can leave you wanting to throw a dart and pick the first band you hit. Bring your hopes, dreams, and expectations to any conversation with a live musician or group to ensure they offer what you are looking for!
Check Out Wedding Band Agencies & Directories
A great place to start looking is with specific wedding band agencies or online directories. These services help connect live bands with gigs that fit their expertise and can be a good place to start building a list of potential candidates.
While an agency can be a perfect tool for finding the right group for your wedding, many times they will want a “finder’s fee” that will cover the expense of hiring the group, and other may take a portion of the revenue the group will make from playing your wedding. If you want to ensure that your money is paying for entertainment and not agency fees then you may want to consider…
Read Reviews & Utilize Word-Of-Mouth Experience
One of the best ways to find a great band that you can trust is by following word-of-mouth advice from those who have worked with a certain group in the past. By asking around to those you know have used a live band in their own ceremony, or looking up reviews on online wedding forums and other live music sites, you can get a feel for the experience that individuals had with particular groups. Beware – many times people only leave reviews to complain, and others loved their experience so much that they forgot to leave a raving review! Overall, a combination of trusted sources will help connect you with the best band for your special occasion.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Once you land on a band, make sure to set up an appointment to either meet with or speak with the band or their spokesperson prior to the wedding. In this initial meeting, you can clearly share your wedding vision, as well as any other expectations or special requests you may have. The band will have the opportunity to share their story and experience, and together you can begin to put together the best live music your guests will ever experience! While you can put a price on a great musical group, you can’t put a price on the value of quality communication leading up to your wedding day!
Connect The Dots – Band & Venue
Feel good about the band you have chosen? Do you love their style, enjoy their music, and trust their judgment? Great! The final step in the process of choosing the perfect live band for your wedding is to connect the band with your venue. Depending on your wedding set up, there may be elements that need to be updated, modified, or removed to help create the environment that your live band needs to perform.
Make sure to connect your band with your wedding planner or venue liaison to ensure that there are no snags when it comes to setting up before the wedding day. If your live band has the time to set up, practice, and feel comfortable with the available space, they will have the ability to provide an unforgettable night of fun and entertainment for your wedding and reception!
Make The Easy Choice With The Mile Stones – Montreal’s Best Live Wedding Band
Our live wedding band guide will help you get started on the journey to choosing the best live group for your special day. If you need a little extra help or are short on time, why not consider jumping a few steps and checking out Montreal’s favorite wedding band – The Mile Stones!
As Montreal’s live music experts, wedding enthusiasts, and party starters, The Mile Stones infuse every event with energy and full dance floors. With engaging rapport and musical talent to match, The Mile Stones are the perfect band to bring your special day the unforgettable experience that only comes from live artists! Check out The Mile Stones online to learn more and contact them today to learn how they can bring the party to your wedding!