Hiring a wedding band can be an exciting experience, but it’s important to make sure that everything is in order before signing any contracts. Every venue has different rules and regulations when it comes to live music, for example, so it’s important to make sure that your band is a perfect fit.
In this article, our team at Blue Avenue Entertainment have compiled what questions to ask a wedding venue before hiring your band.
Things to Ask Your Wedding Venue
Is Amplified Live Music Allowed?
You might have found the most beautiful venue on the market, but it’s possible strict noise pollution laws have left them unable to play live music. This may be an aspect of their license agreement, and can take a variety of forms, such as only prohibiting amplified music, permitting unplugged acoustic options, but not allowing large ensemble bands. This is one of the key things to ask your wedding venue before progressing with a band.
Is There a Sound Limiter at the Venue?
A sound limiter works through a connected microphone that gauges the volume of a performance. Should the volume exceed a set limit for even just a few seconds, all power travelling to the equipment and instruments will be cut off. They are handy when unruly musicians go rogue and start blasting speakers, however some bands maintain a volume threshold, and will not perform with restrictive sound limiters present.
Is a PA System Available?
A venue with its own sound system can prove either helpful or a hindrance to your wedding band. If the specs check out, it will save the musicians having to transport and assemble their own equipment. Unfortunately, many bands will prefer to use their own PA system, limiting your options if this is not possible.
What Space is Allocated for Musicians?
While you might have free reign with the level of noise you can make, you must also appreciate how much space your wedding band will require before booking. This should be one of the first questions you ask of your wedding venue. If they don’t have specifics, you should aim for a space that offers a metre in width for each member of the band, as well as three metres for the drummer and their equipment.
Think also about the placement of the dance floor – the closer to the stage, the better!
Will There Be Sufficient Access to a Power Supply?
This may seem a redundant question to ask a modern wedding venue, but it can prove crucial for your particular wedding setup. For example, should you wish to hold the reception outside, what will be required for the band to receive electricity for their equipment? If you are rearranging an indoor set-up, will there be an array of unsightly extension cords creating a tripping hazard across the dancefloor? Be sure to understand the venue’s capacity to deliver a power source, whether that is directly from outlets, via generators, or a more creative solution, and how that works for your band.
Will the Musicians Receive Food and Drink?
Wedding bands will often have inclusions within their contacts stipulating the provision of food and drinks. Many venues might treat this as a given, but to prevent any uncomfortable issues on the big day, be sure to double-check they have the facilities to accommodate well beforehand. If not, this may be something to raise with the band before booking.
Is There Enough Room For the Band to Park and Unload Their Equipment?
If your big day is held far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this might not be one of the more pressing things to ask your wedding venue. If not, be sure there is a legal space available for the wedding band to unload their equipment. Convenience is preferred as there is likely a lot to transport amid their instruments, speakers and more. Should parking not prove available on-site, then it might leave an additional charge in your agreement.
Is there a green room available for musicians?
Musicians require a private space where they can peacefully prepare for their performance without disrupting the wider event. A dedicated ‘green room’ may not always be a prerequisite, however, be sure to ask your venue for a room that can offer the same benefits.
Find the Perfect Band for Your Wedding Venue with Blue Avenue Entertainment
Still looking for the perfect wedding band for your special day? Review the amazing selection of talent we have available at Blue Avenue Entertainment, as well as cover bands, DJ’s and more.
For more information, please contact us today by calling 0423 328 904, sending an email to anthony@blueavenue.com.au, or submitting an online enquiry.
