The 7 Most Common Wedding Band Questions Answered!

Whether you're still selecting the perfect wedding band for your big day or you've already found your entertainment and now want to make sure they'll pull off the vibe you envision for your reception party, the experts at ONE Entertainment are here to help. Having performed a variety of styles of music around the globe, they're sharing their vast experience below by answering your most pressing questions about wedding bands!

How do we know if a band is legitimate?


Clients are relieved to know that we have performed many times before, making us experienced in what we do, and we are able to prove this experience in more than one way. Our advice on how to ensure that a band is legitimate before booking them would be to search for online presence, make sure to see plenty of visual and audio footage recorded at events (not just from a recording studio/video shoot), and of course read some of their testimonials! Don’t forget word of mouth has great power, too!


Are there any hidden charges like overtime?


We usually adhere to one set price so there are no surprise costs added – even if our set runs past midnight! But there are some bands that do increase their prices per number of performances or that charge over time, especially past midnight, so it is important to read the fine print and know exactly what you will be getting for your money


What happens if any of the band members are unwell on the day of our wedding?


This is a very important question to ask, as you don’t want a band to turn up on your big day who have never played together before! You must find out that if any of the band are unwell or unavailable that they have a suitable replacement who is up to the same standard. Ask for audio and visual references to ensure this!


We haven’t chosen our first dance yet. Can I ask my band for suggestions?


This is a great question to ask your band as your first dance is one of most special moments of your wedding day. We find this question easy to answer once meeting the Bride and Groom and getting a general understanding of their journey together and their musical tastes. We are then able to suggest the perfect first dance song for them, and often your band will be able to create something bespoke (for example, slowing down a fast song or making it acoustic, etc.). Make sure your band will make time to meet with you and that they want to get to know you, as they probably have a vast list of songs up their sleeves you may not have even considered as a first dance!


Will my band have a list of songs that they perform?


We feel it is important for Brides and Grooms (and sometimes other family members) to have an input in creating the set list for their special day and make it as personalized as possible! Most bands enjoy playing different songs at different weddings and not sticking to a ‘set’ list as that would get a little boring if they did! When discussing music choices with your band, be honest about your likes and dislikes and make sure they are able to accommodate your requests! It is always important, too, that a band is able to read the crowd and alter songs accordingly, so don't be afraid to ask them for an example scenario of when they had to adjust their music to match the vibe of the guests at a wedding!


My wedding has a specific style. How will I know if the band members will be dressed appropriately?


Most bands tend to have a uniform or costume that looks really smart, but a good way to tell if your band will turn up looking great is by watching their promo videos – if they are not dressed well in their promo videos, they will probably not dress well on the night!


What style and size band do I need for my wedding?


This answer depends on your venue, the type of music you would like, and your budget. Bands can range from a duo to 25 pieces, cover a variety of styles of music, and can range vastly in budget. The following are the sizes of bands we recommend for different weddings, so you can narrow down your search:

  • For small weddings (less than 100 guests) and intimate venues, choose a six piece band.

  • For more than a hundred guests, you will require a larger reception venue and, in turn, a larger band. We believe an 8 piece band is a perfect size as it has the components (drums, keys, guitar, bass, saxophone, and three singers) necessary to play any song and any style of music!

  • To maximize the sound quality in a room with the capacity for a very large wedding (think grand ballroom, huge outdoor space, 250+ guests) – or if you just want a party atmosphere – choose a show band!


If the band members are good at their job, they shouldn’t have any problem making sure the dance floor is full all night long no matter what you choose!
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Photography: Paul Toeman | Expert Advice: One Entertainment Productions