Wedding music, be it band or DJ, can make or break the event. In addition to hearing them live, or watching them perform on a DVD or online, be sure to ask these crucial questions to make sure they're the right fit for your wedding.
1. How long has the band or deejay been in business?
2. What is their fee structure -- a flat fee, per musician, hourly, etc.?
3. Is there an overtime charge?
4. Can I see a video of one of their performances?
5. Are they performing at a bridal showcase where I can see them live?
6. Does the band specialize in a particular type of music?
7. How many musicians do they recommend for the event?
8. Who will act as the emcee?
9. Do they have a specific routine or order of events that they recommend for the reception?
10. Can I give them a playlist and a "Do Not Play" list?
11. Have they ever worked at my wedding location before?
12. How much time do they need to set up?
13. Do they need access to special electrical outlets?
14. Do they have substitute musicians in case someone gets sick?
15. How much is the deposit I'll need to give them to hold the date?
16. When is the balance due?
17. How many breaks will the band or deejay need? Will they provide live or taped music during their break?
18. Do I need to provide food for the musicians or deejay?
19. Will they take requests from my guests?
20. How many hours of playing are usually included for a wedding?
21. How many genres of music can they play?
22. Will they learn a special song if I ask them to?
23. Will they bring backup equipment?
24. What will they be wearing?
25. Can they play music for the ceremony and music during the cocktail hour?
26. Do they have a list of recommended songs for the ceremony? For the first dance? For the parents' dances?
What questions should you ask your other vendors? Read on.