How to Hire the Perfect Band for Your Wedding

Hire a band, or a DJ? This is one of the most crucial (and often, hotly contested) questions a couple faces when planning their wedding reception. DJs are typically better for your budget, and can play recordings of all your favorite songs, but a skilled band brings a unique energy to your celebration, and helps make it an immersive, exuberant experience.

If your heart is set on spending your first evening as newlyweds dancing the night away to tunes supplied by a talented group of live musicians, go with your gut—and read on, for tips on how to find the perfect band for your nuptials. The first step, of course, is doing your research. Since it’s not always possible to see bands perform live before booking them, references from vendors and previous clients are key.

“These are all ways to get a nuanced picture of how the company or group functions both in the lead up to and during the event,” advises Jesse Kivel, co owner of the band and DJ company . Start by asking for recommendations from your own planner and your venue. Your planner will be able to direct you to bands who have proven themselves at previous celebrations, and if a group has previously performed at your wedding venue, they will already know the ropes of the space, which will ensure a seamless and timely setup.

“Alternative spaces, like restaurants, will often be less prepared for the footprint of a band which is why it is always best to check with the venue with respect to the maximum space they can allocate a group,” adds Kivel. It’s also a great idea to recall bands you have loved at weddings you have attended as a guest.

Not only will you have had a first hand experience of what their energy is like at a reception, but your friends can give you insight into what it was like working with them. Be aware that while some bands only work locally, others can fly to locations around the globe (with additional travel fees).

In addition to the reception, you should also consider whether you want to include live music in other parts of your wedding, as well. Certain bands or entertainment groups can provide breakout musicians or full bands to perform as you walk down the aisle, enjoy cocktail hour, or dance into the wee hours at your after party.

These performers can vary from classical five piece orchestras to jazz trios to rock bands. “We have a plethora of the most talented singers in the country for our clients to choose from based on their personal preferences,” notes Jordan Kahn, founder of . “We offer music curation and entertainment design meetings ahead of booking in order to make dreams into reality for the event.” Organizations like Khan’s can also help you bring headline talent, like major recording artists, to your nuptials.

Once you’ve created a shortlist of acts, make a date with your partner for a musical watch party. Two key things to look for in the promotional materials supplied by bands are the song list, i.e., the usual set the group plays, and how the video was made. “A pro tip would be to make sure the videos are filmed and recorded live,” says Kivel.

“Some band's performance assets are studio recordings with almost a ‘music video’ quality, but those tell you little about how the band will actually sound and play on the day.” He adds, “While Dart Collective’s groups learn custom songs all the time, you want to click with the majority of the music on their primary list as that is what they perform on a regular basis.” While you definitely should ensure you love the vibes of your wedding band, don’t overlook the technical details of their performances.

“Today’s modern equipment has come a long way from even five years ago, and a wedding in 2024 requires a ton of finesse. Quality of equipment is critical when selecting your band,” shares Kahn. “Not only is it critical to how things look, but also for volume management.” He continues, “I recommend looking at pictures or videos of your potential band’s sound, lighting, and overall stage setup.

With modernized equipment, the setup can be wireless, elegant, and integrated into the stage. If you see a lot of speakers on stage, mixers, trusses, wires, gear, and equipment, it's likely your band has not upgraded and does not appreciate the level of volume control available with the right setup.” Once you narrow down your selection, ask for quotes and contracts.

These will detail everything from performer costs to requirements for vendor meals. “I would be wary of any entertainment company that does not provide an all inclusive price for an event within the continental United States, especially if they have to travel,” notes Khan. “Usually, these companies have expensive rider add ons that can double the cost of the entertainment without you knowing it upfront.” And now that you have picked that perfect band to keep your reception grooving? Make sure they are equipped with everything they need to MC the evening with ease.

Not only should you send your finalized lists of songs to the band around six to eight weeks ahead of the wedding date to allow for proper rehearsal time, you also need to share a timeline of the event and details of how everyone should be announced throughout the night. This includes preferred pronouns and phonetic pronunciations of names to avoid any mix ups.

Kivel adds, “Having the information in advance of the event makes it easy for our dance bands and DJs to execute the night in an effortless way.”.