Think back 20 years. Can you imagine trying to locate musicians for a wedding reception in 1987? There was no Internet, no streaming video and no online audio clips. The search was basically limited to your local Yellow Pages, or nights on end of running all over town so you could listen to prospective DJs or bands perform live at clubs.
If your town (or another close by) didn't have a band or DJ you liked, you were out of luck. There was no viable way to locate entertainment all across the country. Thankfully, today we do have the Internet. This allows you to have a huge selection of performers at your disposal, which can be previewed either via their own sites or through gig-booking sites. However, this enormous selection and wide geographic spread leads to questions. Here are the top 5 questions you'll want to ask when hiring performers for your wedding.
1. Can I Hear Audio Clips of Your Music?
There's really no excuse for a professional band, soloist, DJ or other performer not to offer audio clips online. They are inexpensive to create and easy to upload. Even if a musician doesn't have his/her own website, they can upload audio clips to any number of gig-booking sites. If there is no way to hear audio clips of the performer you're considering, consider a different performer.
2. Is Video Available of Past Performances?
The same applies to video. Footage can be taken with mobile phones for goodness sake! Serious musicians will want you to see the excellent gigs they've played. As with audio, even without having their own websites, DJs, bands and other artists can upload streaming video to gig-booking sites so you can view them.
3. What Is Your Payment Policy?
Most performers require a deposit of anywhere from 30% to 50% when you book the gig. Usually, the balance is due upon completion of the event. However, never assume. You'll want to not only ask for the payment policy, but also get it in writing. If the band or DJ has a contract, ask to see it up front. Then actually read it before you sign.
4. What Is Your Cancellation Policy?
Heaven forbid your wedding is postponed, but if it is you'll want to know what to expect from the band or DJ you book. An unexpected death in the family, the illness of you or your groom or even unforeseen natural disasters such as hurricanes or wildfires can interrupt your wedding plans. It's always best to be prepared.
5. What Will the TOTAL Cost of the Gig Be?
With some musicians, there is a base price for the gig and then there are add-ons. If the performer travels more than a certain distance, there might be an extra charge. Are you responsible for covering travel expenses including airline tickets, mileage for driving, or hotel rooms if performers have to stay overnight, etc? Will a light show cost more? Do emcee services mean additional fees? Better to ask now than be shocked later on.
Every bride wants her special day to be one that's remembered for all the joy and excitement she and her groom experience. What you don't want is a performance at your reception that leaves you disappointed. When looking for musicians, do a thorough search and get answers to all the questions above before making your choice. When you do, you're sure to add to the enjoyment of you and your guests.
About the Author: Kevin Kinyon is President of Gigmasters.com, the Internet's premiere live entertainment booking service. Find audio & video clips, client reviews, and secure bookings for over 4,000 performers throughout North America. When you're ready to hire wedding music, visit http://www.gigmasters.com. © 2007, All Rights Reserved
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