Top 10 Tips For Choosing Bands For Hire For Your Special Event

Overlooking entertainment when planning your special event would be a big mistake. Hiring a band for the special event would help create that lively atmosphere that your guests will remember for a long time. But how do you choose the best band?

Outlined below are top ten tips for choosing bands for hire for your event.

1. Hire Only Professionals

There are thousands of people out there who claim to be a band but are not really professionals. They charge very cheap when hired, and work part-time only to make that extra money. Bands with such people are not the best choice and will in most cases disappoint you. Go for the professional and experienced band that solely does music performances for a living. The professionals have a reputation to maintain and you will be therefore being guaranteed of top class service. Their talent and professionalism will be worth every penny for your party entertainment.

2. Avoid Entertainment Agencies

Not all entertainment agencies are bad but most of them are not appropriate efficient when it comes to hiring bands. Most of them are unscrupulous and have agents interested only in earning a booking fee rather than getting the suitable band for their clients. They often charge a band fee plus 15-25% and VAT which will be quite a lot. They will also never show up at your event to handle problems in case they arise and their contracts are normally shoddy and offer no real protection to their clients despite the assurances they make. Avoiding them and booking a band direct, is a step in the right direction.

3. The Type of Band

Aim to please your guests by choosing the right type of that which will set the right tone for your event. You might want to choose a band depending on the kind of guests who will be attending. For example you cannot hire a hard metal rock band when most of your guests will be elderly, something toned down like a jazz band might be more appropriate. Make sure the band you are hiring is able to play variety of music to entertain your guests both young and old.

4. Ask For Referrals

Ask for referrals from family or friends who have hired a band before. They might know of an ideal band that did great work for them in the past, which you could also hire. This might save you a lot of searching, but you should still take precautions by adhering to the more tips further discussed.

5. Hear The Band Play Before Hiring

This is the best way to establish if the band is really good and fit for your event. You could ask them to play or you could simply attend one of their performances that will happen before your event’s date. If that isn’t possible ask them for a CD or a video of their recent performance at an event. You will make a more informed decision after hearing them play.

6. Ask For References

This is also another good way of determining if the band is good. Follow up on the references and ask them how their experience with the band was at their own event.

7. Interview The Band Leader

Ask the band leader questions about the their past performances and how they handle crisis. Ask questions to determine if they are reliable. You will learn a lot and decide if they are suitable.

8. Check Liability Insurance

You definitely don’t want to bare additional expenses in case the band members get injured within your premises. Ensure they have a liability cover just to be on the safe side.

9. Check if They Have Backup Performers?

A professional band should have some back-up performers in case an emergency arises on the big day and the current ones cannot perform. This should put you at ease.

10. Discuss Contract Details

Establish the details of the contract with the band and include a deposit, the rate per hour if they charge that way. Spell out their obligations and everything else that is relevant such as how the equipment will be handled, the band’s playing time and so on. Always be ready to negotiate for a favourable price when you feel the price is high.

With the above tips, you will definitely get yourself the best band.