Live Wedding Music: 7 Tips For Engaging a Live Band In Singapore

We've noticed that many couples want to engage a live band for their wedding dinner, but have no idea how to go about doing it. So here are some tips to help you better understand what you can do and what to expect when you hire a wedding band for live music!

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1. Band costs are according to size and sets

Generally, live music is catered in 2 or 3 sets of 30/45mins. It'll be a good idea to plan early how many sets you need according to your itinerary, so that the musicians will know how many songs to prepare. The number of musicians to hire depends on the size of your venue and the music style you require. A bigger band will be louder and can sound more exciting. Once you have worked out with the musicians regarding band size and number of sets, you can get a proper quotation from them.

2. Check if the band can use the onsite sound system

It's important to check if the band is able to use the sound system in the venue. If the venue doesn't have enough channels for the band, or if the band is too far away from the sound system, you may have to ask for sound system rental. While some bands absorb the rental into their fees, some may ask for extra rental fees. And IF the band is unable to provide their own sound system, you might need to outsource for equipment rental.

3. Live wedding march-in

Yes, you can request for the band to play your wedding march-in! Just discuss with your hired band about the song you want to march-in to, and any extra cost involved. You can also reduce the duration of one set and consider the march-in as part of that set. Make sure that the band is around when you're rehearsing your march-in, to prevent any unwelcome surprises. If you'd like, the band can play for the first dish too(may we suggest Be Our Guest?)

4. Send your song requests early

If you have any special song(s), or maybe one that's written by YourLoveSong, it will be good to send them to the band 1 or 2 weeks prior. There's a chance your requests are not on their repertoire, and so they need time to learn it. For a more informal request system, your guests may write requests on coasters/serviettes and hand them to the band. If the band does not know the song, they will generally play something similar or a song from the same artist.

5. Choose if you want a singer or instrumental band

The deciding factor is this: should your band be supplying background music or musical entertainment? If it is the former, an instrumental band is perfect. This will let your guests chat comfortably while the music sets the mood and ambience. If it's the latter you want, get a singer for the job. The singer will front the band and speak to the audience in between songs, and will generally be more engaging than a band without a singer.

6. Watch videos of the band's past performances

It'll be a good idea to check if the band's style fits the style of your wedding. The best way to do it is to watch past videos and discuss with the band about it as well. You wouldn't want your fairytale themed wedding to have a hard rock themed band, for example.

7. Get your musicians a simple dinner

While this is entirely up to you, getting a few packs of food for your musicians is a good way to keep them around and on standby. They'll be grateful for the food, and do not need to wander off in search of it. Treat them like you'd treat your photographer, videographer etc.

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And that's it, 7 tips on hiring a wedding band. Next week, I will go into details about what instruments to choose for your wedding band. Stay tuned!

Edit: Here it is! Choosing Instruments for your Live Wedding Band