Are you in the middle of planning your big day? Between the guest list, the venue, and the vendors, your to-do list might feel a mile-long. Why not take a break and plan one of the most fun parts of the event? Your wedding entertainment!
Regardless of your musical tastes and preferences, there's an entertainer out there who is perfectly suited to help you celebrate your nupitals. The key is to make sure they're the right fit before you hire them.
Today, we're sharing seven important questions to ask as you research your options and explore your local performers.
1. Are You Available?
It might seem obvious, but you want to make sure that the entertainer you want is available on your wedding day! You don't want to fall in love with their performing style only to find that they're fully booked for the month that you need their services.
Before you meet in person to discuss specifics, get this big question out of the way, first. If your wedding date is set in stone, this could be the ultimate deal-breaker. On the other hand, if you're a little more flexible with your dates, then you might be able to make some changes to accommodate the entertainer if you're convinced they're the right one for the job.
2. What Would You Charge For My Event?
We know that most people aren't extremely comfortable discussing money. Still, this is one of those answers that you need to know as soon as possible.
Most couples establish a wedding budget to help guide their spending in the days leading up to their vows. Wedding entertainment will undoubtedly be one of your major expenses, but it's important to plan for it. Otherwise, if you commit without seeing the bottom-line figures, you might have to pull money from other places to afford the entertainer you hire.
This might mean sacrificing live flowers for faux ones, or staying in a local hotel the first night instead of jetting off to your honeymoon. If you're entirely sold on the entertainer, you might be comfortable making these changes! Either way, you don't want to be surprised by the charges, so go ahead and ask.
3. How Would You Define Your Style?
Ultimately, the entertainment you select should match the vibe and ambiance of your wedding. The venue you select is also important. Are you hosting a reception at The Peachtree Club? What about The Swan Coach House or Primrose Cottage?
Every element should tie into the other, to create a cohesive tone that sets the mood for your big day. Consider this tone as you plan your entertainment.
If you're going for a laidback, casual affair, then a beach music band might be ideal! On the other hand, a rock-and-roll cover band might not be the best fit for an intimate, formal gala.
Rather than make assumptions, ask the entertainers to describe their style. You might find that they offer exactly what you're looking for! Or, you could discover that their sound isn't exactly your preference, and doesn't match your space.
Not sure what your own musical style preferences are? This short quiz is a fun way to find out!
4. Have You Performed in Our Reception Space?
Every venue will have its own requirements and restrictions governing the use of power, acoustics, and amplification. Ask each entertainer if they're familiar with the location you've selected. Have they ever performed there before?
If not, ask if they'd be willing to check it out before your wedding day. You don't want to wait until the room is packed with guests and well-wishers to discover that the band needs an extension cord to set up their gear. If they're unwilling to research the venue, then consider this a red flag and continue your search elsewhere.
5. Can We Watch You Perform?
Hiring a wedding entertainer is a big commitment! You want to make sure that their style is exactly what you want. To this end, check to see if they have any upcoming shows that you can attend.
This way, you can get a sense of their overall vibe and gauge whether or not they'd mesh well with your audience and venue. Take note of how the attendees respond to their performance, as well as how it makes you feel. If you walk away happy and content, then you're on the right track!
6. Can You Play This Song?
Is there a song that's particularly special to you and your partner? For instance, maybe you fell in love while "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" was playing, and you've always considered it your song.
Ask the entertainer if they'd be willing to play that tune at your reception, even if it isn't in their specific niche. A professional will be willing to learn the arrangement and honor your request. Keep in mind that there might be an additional charge if they have to add new instruments or bring in extra vocalists.
7. Do You Have a Backup Plan?
What would your entertainer do if someone in their band or troupe suddenly fell ill on your big day? What if part of their gear malfunctions minutes before it's time to announce the wedding party?
An experienced performer will have a backup plan in place to respond to these types of emergency scenarios. For instance, they should have reliable replacements on call to fill in for sick or injured bandmates, and extra equipment to use, too. This way, you can rest assured that everything is taken care of, so you can relax and enjoy the moment.
Find the Perfect Local Wedding Entertainment
The wedding entertainment you choose can directly influence the look and feel of your day. You want to make sure that the performers you hire will align with the style, atmosphere, and vibe of your reception.
It can be hard to gauge these details by browsing their website or social media channels, so prepare this list of questions beforehand and don't be afraid to ask for the information you need!
In the meantime, we can help connect you with some of the area's best DJs, party bands, jazz musicians, and more. Contact us today to speak with our professional event planners and take the next step toward the wedding of your dreams.