Top 5 Questions To Ask When Hiring Wedding Music
Think back 20 years. Can you imagine trying to locate
musicians for a wedding reception in 1987? There
was no Internet, no streaming video and no online
audio clips. The search was basically limited to
your local Yellow Pages, or nights on end of running
all over town so you could listen to prospective
DJs or bands perform live at clubs.
If your town (or another close by) didn't have a
band or DJ you liked, you were out of luck. There
was no viable way to locate entertainment all across
the country. Thankfully, today we do have the Internet.
This allows you to have a huge selection of performers
at your disposal, which can be previewed either via
their own sites or through gig-booking sites. However,
this enormous selection and wide geographic spread
leads to questions. Here are the top 5 questions
you'll want to ask when hiring performers for your
wedding.
1. Can I Hear Audio Clips of Your Music?
There's really no excuse for a professional band,
soloist, DJ or other performer not to offer audio
clips online. They are inexpensive to create and
easy to upload. Even if a musician doesn't have his/her
own website, they can upload audio clips to any number
of gig-booking sites. If there is no way to hear
audio clips of the performer you're considering,
consider a different performer.
2. Is Video Available of Past Performances?
The same applies to video. Footage can be taken
with mobile phones for goodness sake! Serious musicians
will want you to see the excellent gigs they've played.
As with audio, even without having their own websites,
DJs, bands and other artists can upload streaming
video to gig-booking sites so you can view them.
3. What Is Your Payment Policy?
Most performers require a deposit of anywhere from
30% to 50% when you book the gig. Usually, the balance
is due upon completion of the event. However, never
assume. You'll want to not only ask for the payment
policy, but also get it in writing. If the band or
DJ has a contract, ask to see it up front. Then actually
read it before you sign.
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4. What Is Your Cancellation Policy?
Heaven forbid your wedding is postponed, but if
it is you'll want to know what to expect from the
band or DJ you book. An unexpected death in the family,
the illness of you or your groom or even unforeseen
natural disasters such as hurricanes or wildfires
can interrupt your wedding plans. It's always best
to be prepared.
5. What Will the TOTAL Cost of the Gig Be?
With some musicians, there is a base price for the
gig and then there are add-ons. If the performer
travels more than a certain distance, there might
be an extra charge. Are you responsible for covering
travel expenses including airline tickets, mileage
for driving, or hotel rooms if performers have to
stay overnight, etc? Will a light show cost more?
Do emcee services mean additional fees? Better to
ask now than be shocked later on.
Every bride wants her special day to be one that's
remembered for all the joy and excitement she and
her groom experience. What you don't want is a performance
at your reception that leaves you disappointed. When
looking for musicians, do a thorough search and get
answers to all the questions above before making
your choice. When you do, you're sure to add to the
enjoyment of you and your guests.
par
Kevin Kinyon
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