5 Tips for getting the most out of a Live Band at your Wedding
Having live entertainment at your wedding can be a wonderful touch that helps to truly mark a memorable experience for both you and your guests. It's like a personal concert for you, your family and closest friends. Sounds great, right? But... what about that wedding you remember with the live band that was less than magical? The one where the guests seemed disinterested and the dance floor was all but empty for most of the night. The band was great, but it didn't seem to matter one way or the other. Well, never fear, here are some sure fire tips that will help maximize your live entertainment experience.
1. Selecting the right entertainment for you and your guests.
Top 40 cover bands or bands with a wide range of musical genres under their belt are almost always the best choice. The age range for wedding guests can run anywhere from 8yrs to 80yrs old, all of which have a variety of musical tastes. You may be a huge Rush fan but your guests may not be so eager to hear that extended version of YYZ. Choose music that works for everyone and throw in a few songs here and there that are special to you.
2. Have the band playing by 9pm.
Your wedding may go by in a blink for you and your wedding party but for your guests it can be a very long day, especially for the elderly and those with small children. A typical wedding is an entire day from 12pm - 1am, give or take. Be aware of how long your guests will have to sit and wait around. Sitting, drinking and eating a large meal can make people lethargic. Placing the speeches through out dinner service is a great way to maximize the personal experience while minimizing the time your guests feel obligated to stay in one place. Once dessert is served have the band get started so they can get everyone in the mood for dance filled evening.
3. Make sure the bar is in the same room as the band.
Having a gorgeous well stocked bar at your wedding is essential, however if the bar is in another room or a wide comfortable atrium just outside the door it is a guaranteed dance floor killer. Many couples choose to close the bar during dinner service, which almost always results in a surge of people flooding to the bar once dinner and speeches have concluded. If the bar is relatively close to the dance floor, the natural flow will keep people engaged. We have seen this time and time again. Trust us.
4. The right amount of light.
Most people feel uncomfortable dancing on a brightly lit dance floor. Be sure that lights are dim enough to set the mood well as not too dark as to seem uninviting. Working with the hall before hand is very important as some venues have only an on or off option and acquiring additional lighting may be necessary. On the flip side, too much party lighting can make your dance floor seem like an over the top disco. Great lighting can make all the difference.
5. Engage with your band.
Having a live band is personal experience. Be sure to place the band in a location where guests feel like they can easily interact with them. Though they may in some cases be responsible for playing recorded music during their breaks, they are not a DJ. Live bands bring a very different feel to an evening, they are meant to be seen as well as heard. Give them the opportunity to do what they do best and truly make your night special and memorable.
