What Are Some Issues You Need to Consider When Selecting Your Reception Band and Venue?
1. Time of Day/Day of the Week – Can you envision your
reception in the afternoon? During a beautiful lunch your band might
play fun New Orleans-style jazz and standards, and if your guests were
so inclined they might get up to dance a little. Saturday nights are
prime time, but planning a daytime or weeknight reception will give you
more choices in a band, and for a lower price.
2. Number of Guests & Size of Venue – Whether your
guest list is 100, 250, 500, or 1000, the number will certainly
determine what venue will be appropriate for your reception. Is it a
hotel or country club ballroom? The Garden Club? A private party
facility? How about a big tent? If you´re having a big crowd, you can
confidently hire a big 10-12 piece band; if your venue is modest, look
for a 4-5 piece band. If your plan is to be outside, the volume from a
band´s horn section won´t be as obvious as in a smaller room.
3. Staging and Power -A hotel or country club ballroom is
likely to have a built-in stage, or staging that can be put up for your
band. Most bands need a stage of at least 16´ wide x 12´ deep and more
often bigger. If you plan to have a big crowd you will want to elevate
the band at least 2´. To keep the band involved in the pace of the
party and mood of the crowd, it´s important that the dance floor be in
front of the bandstand. Most wedding bands need four or five 20 amp
dedicated circuits of power at the stage. Some hotels are charging the
client to provide the power, so be sure to ask.
4. Break Room and Band Meal – Bands often spend up to 3
hours setting up their equipment in the venue, so they get hot and
sweaty and hungry. It´s best to consider in your planning whether there
is a dressing/break room for the band where they can freshen up, relax
and have refreshments, so they can put on their best face and
performance for you.
For more tips on how Gulf Coast Entertainment can help in booking your wedding band, please email us at info@gulfcoastentertainment.com or call 713-523-7004
Original article here.
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