Dirtbag Entertainments - 5 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Live Band for Your Wedding
The Hustle
As with most things when it comes to wedding planning, it can feel like a minefield of unknowns. But with the alternative scene, as a music based culture, music can can be an incredible addition to the day. It has the power to transform and elevate the atmosphere, and finding the right band requires more than a casual listen.
Here is Dirtbag Entertainment with everything you need to know to make the process of find the right band a breeze:
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Have you ever hired a professional wedding band before? Don’t worry. Most people haven’t… in fact, it’s something that you will probably only ever do once in your lifetime. At Dirtbag Entertainment, we help couples from all over the UK find their dream wedding band for hire, so we know a thing or two about the pitfalls you should avoid!
If you’re anything like us, music is very important to you. And the choices you make for your big day play a massive part in tying your whole celebration together! So before you pull the trigger on live musicians or a band for your wedding party, be sure to read these top mistakes.
1. Not Checking If Your Venue Has Sound Restrictions
There’s a reason that this mistake is first on the list, and that’s because it’s by far the most common pitfall for any couple hiring live music for their wedding day.
Unfortunately, sound limiters and noise restrictions at wedding venues are becoming more commonplace across the UK. Whilst there are many bands for hire that will happily work with restrictions, it really depends on how harsh those restrictions are.
Some venues may have a general guide of a decibel limit, whereas others will have systems in place that literally cut the power to the stage if a traffic light sound limiter is tripped! There are a whole range of different restrictions and sadly, we encounter many venues not freely offering this information up to couples before they book the space.
Sundown
2. Hiring a ‘Collective’ of Dep Performers Instead of a Consistent Band
Many bands operate with a revolving lineup of 'deps' (deputy musicians), meaning that the singers you see in their promotional videos might not be the same ones who show up on your wedding day. It might seem odd but it’s very, very common.
For some couples, this isn’t an issue. They just want any ‘band’. But we’re not fans of this model, and our couples aren’t either. You want a real band and ideally, you want the right people showing up on your day! Sometimes deps are necessary due to illness etc, but some bands will take 3 or 4 wedding gigs on the same night and send out whoever is available. Which is a different model entirely.
Do your research and check for bands that consistently showcase the same lineup in their media. Ask the question too about the lineup so you can book with confidence!
The Hustle
3. Leaving It Too Late To Book
Waiting too long to hire your band can lead to massive disappointment, especially if live music is important to you!
The most popular bands will get booked 1-2 years in advance of the wedding date. At Dirtbag Entertainment, we specialise in lively bands and alternative / pop punk wedding bands. Because these bands are slightly more niche, we find they get booked up even further in advance, simply because there are fewer of them in the country at a high quality!
If you fall in love with a band, do not wait to pull the trigger. There is honestly nothing worse. They can, and will get booked up by someone else!
Call of the Kraken
4. Hiring A Band Without Wedding Experience
The difference between your standard pub band and a professional wedding band is vast. A wedding is so much more nuanced and packed with challenges that an inexperienced band will simply not be able to handle.
It’s not just about the performance… the best bands are equipped to handle the various demands of the day. They also come prepared with high-quality sound equipment that has been PAT tested, ensuring safety and reliability. Also, they carry Public Liability Insurance, which is essential when performing at wedding venues. Do you expect your pub covers band to have this documentation? It’s unlikely, and best not left to chance.
When it comes to YOUR wedding day, the right band can make or break the entire vibe. So hire a group of pros!
The New Ventures
5. Not Checking The Band's Social Media And Online Presence
Many bands marketed through agencies can appear polished and professional in their promotional materials, but they might not be an actual cohesive group...
Taking the time to dig into a band’s social media profiles can tell you so much. You can get a real idea for how busy they, check out live performance clips, and get a feel for their personality and vibe as a group! A band that posts regularly is likely confident in their performance and very in demand.
On the flipside, if you find a wedding band on your shortlist with little to no social media presence, that should raise a big red flag! Don’t let a pretty video fool you. Do your research, and make sure the band you hire is as real as the experience they promise to deliver.
The Reverie
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At Dirtbag Entertainment, we believe in providing the best and most honest advice for couples. Our lineup of live wedding bands is designed for those who dare to be different, so reach out now to find your dream wedding entertainment!