Averting the wedding band disaster – pt.1

This blog is the first of a series that will guide you through the task of choosing live entertainment for your wedding.

Your wedding reception is an event that you’re only ever going to have to plan once. You want it to be one of your most memorable celebrations.

Simply put; it is a giant party celebrating you, where all of your friends and family get to celebrate your union, have a great meal and then party into the wee small hours.

Here are a few simple things to consider when choosing entertainment that will simplify the process and make your night a success.

Finding the right band

The first big question is: Where do we look to find great entertainment?

Almost all Wedding and Party bands play regularly in local hotspots. All the ‘good’ ones should have a regular, or at least semi regular gig in a pub.

In Wellington your best bet is 1841. It is as easy as stopping by, asking the bar staff who the bands are, who they recommend and make a list ready to Google.

Most groups have a website to look up. Others utilize the many booking agents that are available online bypassing the need for a web presence.

At a glance their homepage should indicate whether they are going to appeal to you and your peers.

Another common way to find a band is to use an agent.

There are many websites that play host to a whole spectrum of entertainment choices. Any band can post a profile so you have absolutely no indication of whether they actually exist any more let alone how good they are. If you are going to stick with an agent then talk to them and ask what group they recommend. A well-known agent in New Zealand is Findaband.co.nz.

Although the Internet a great tool to see what the band is like, it is a static brochure that showcases only tangible features of the group.

The best way to know if the band will fit your needs is to GO AND SEE THEM LIVE.

There are many different aspects that make a group outstanding. If there is any one element considered absolutely crucial, it has to be consistency. If they impress you the first time, go and see them a second time, just to make sure.

Finally, on the night go and talk to them about your impending wedding, get their business card and be in contact.

If they are not available then they may have some tips and recommendations to make your search a little easier.