1) If searching the Internet, use
phrases like ‘wedding singer’,
‘wedding band’ or ‘wedding
entertainment’, as this will
eliminate a host of other
entertainers that might not be
suitable for weddings.
2) If you have a particular style of
music in mind, then refine your
search for things like ‘string
quartet’, ‘swing singer’ or ‘swing
band’ to make your search more
specific.
3) Request videos of your wedding
singer or wedding band in action,
rather than demo tracks. Anyone
can sound good in a studio, but
you need to ensure that it sounds
good live, too.
4) Ensure that whoever you have
chosen has current Electrical
Safety (PAT) and Public Liability
Insurance (PLI), as most venues
will require this before allowing
them to perform.
5) Check that your wedding
entertainment has contacted the
venue to ensure that they have
enough space and power sockets
to accommodate them. Most
professional wedding singers or
bands will do this as a matter of
course, but it’s always wise to
check – don’t leave it until the day
to find out that the eight-piece
swing band you booked is too large
for the room!
6) Be clear about everything that
your entertainment has included in
their quote, in terms of arrival and
set up time, the total amount of
playing time and whether this
includes any ‘extras’, like
providing a microphone for
speeches or background music
between sets. You don’t want to be
faced with additional charges by
asking for things on the night that
haven’t been included in the price.
7) Similarly, ensure that any specific
requirements your entertainment
may need have been arranged with
the venue beforehand, and that
these will be provided, to avoid any
unpredicted charges.
8) Make sure that your wedding
entertainment is aware of any
issues regarding your chosen
venue’s regulations, such as
‘sound limiters’ or limitations on
the times that music must end by.
9) Check the dress code of your
entertainers. Most professional
wedding singers or wedding bands
will be suitably attired and of smart
appearance, but it’s always worth
checking that they are not a ‘t-shirt
and jeans’ band (unless this is
what you want of course!)
10) Finally, be sure to arrange
prompt payment and not leave
people running around at the end
of the night, trying to find the
person that has the money.
Wedding singer Gary
Grace gives you the
advice you need to
make sure everything
goes right on the night
A professional wedding singer or
wedding band usually works almost
exclusively within the wedding
industry, and so will be used to
dealing with venues, timing flexibility,
wedding protocol and so on. This
makes wedding entertainment
unique. However, to avoid any pitfalls,
here are ten top tips to follow:
58 » pink weddings magazine
MUSIC
That’s entertainment!
Gary Grace is a professional
wedding singer.
