What To Look For in a Wedding Music Band?

Here, Mr Waddell offers some valuable advice when dealing with hiring a wedding music band.

TAKE TIME TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY

By Richard Waddell

When you are about to hire a professional, you should by now feel at ease with them through your discussions and/or consultations. Read this next sentence very carefully:

If you don’t understand what they tell you – in describing any aspect of their work, in terms of their contract agreement with you, in the nature of what your options and limitations are, in terms of what your responsibility is – tell them so. Just say, “I don’t understand, could you please explain this part to me again?”

Remember that their job is to inform you of their expertise in what they are offering to you. If their explanation still doesn’t clear it up for you, just ask again. They should quite easily be able to do this. If not, it isn’t because you don’t understand, and you probably should not hire them.

If you say “I know absolutely nothing about music,” and you think that statement is really true, think again! Isn’t it true that actually, like many people, you know what you like…and don’t like? That is the real bottom line in choosing music (and the musicians who provide that music).

If the basic sound of a group, an individual musician or a specific piece of music doesn’t seem right, that’s all you need to know. Whoever wrote something that you like or dislike – Handel, Bach Purcell, Mendelssohn – makes no real difference to you. Just remember: the more you know, the more precise will be all your decisions.

Case in point: “The Bridal Chorus”. Sometimes it is a piece that some people really want, but they are afraid it will sound corny or somehow too un-original. My response is that it is the musician’s job to play it beautifully and sincerely. When this happens, absolutely nobody will think anything other than “That is stunning! How beautiful!”, and the proper emotions are infused into the moment that will be unforgettable to everyone who hears it!

On the other hand, if the musician adopts the attitude that this piece of music is trite, or hackneyed, or boring, then they are not serious about what they are doing and the impression they leave is often the very reason why people learn to dislike certain pieces of music.

Quality of sound is often the single biggest determining factor when selecting music and musicians. A smooth, flowing, natural sound will be obvious, even if you believe that you are not a good judge of music.

You see, music is constantly in our lives: radio, television, movies, CD’s, Organ & Brass, churches, even in the dentist’s chair! Much of what you do know may be on a more subconscious level, but a capable, professional musician can help explain these things so that your response begins to sound like, “Well I know what you mean, I just never said it quite like that.” This shows that you already did know!

The professional wedding musician should be able to clearly explain to your satisfaction exactly what their job means to you. You should see and hear what their area or specialty is. If this is unclear, just say so.

Regarding the ceremony, any number of instruments work perfectly well – trumpet, flute, guitar, brass quintet, harp, organ are typically used (not at the same time!). Each of these instruments makes an impression on the listener and invokes an emotional reaction – this is the basis for your liking one sound more than another, one style more than another, one specific selection more or less than another.

Many people feel that “X” is the obvious right choice (according to their impressions, based on their informed value judgment). With the key selections for your ceremony selected, reflect on them – you should feel good about them, in just the same way you feel good about your dress, your cake, your photographer, and all the other areas you will be exploring. In every one of these areas, enjoy the process of discovery.

Notice which professionals take plenty of time to get to know you and be of good service to you, helping guide your decisions to choices that really are yours. Your good word in referring a professional’s service is a kind and generous show of support when you feel it has been earned. ENJOY!

Dealing with professionals can be stressful during your wedding planning, I hope these advices would ease your task when trying to hire a wedding music band or a DJ for your wedding.