I’ve been a Wedding and Event Photographer for over 12 years now and I like to think that I have a pretty good sense of what works and what doesn’t work when it comes to entertainment. So, with this in mind, allow me to indulge myself for a moment.
I was doing a shoot recently, a 50th birthday party. A not unusual job in intself, I shoot loads of parties. But being a card-carrying member of this very age bracket (and becoming super aware of all the associated aches, pains and grumbles that seem to go with it), I was struck by how energetic everyone was and how up they still were for really letting loose and partying their collective socks off. But do you know what really set it off? The band they had booked. I’ll mention their name later but I have to tell you, the energy these guys brought to the event was off the scale. They were the complete package – they looked great, were really tight musically and the energy they brought took the party up a whole other level. I really don’t think that the room would have had the same atmosphere had it been a DJ playing. Don’t get me wrong, there are some great DJ’s out there who are absolutely tuned into their crowd and keep the dancefloor packed all night. But I wanted to take a moment to extol the virtues of live music and how it can absolutely and positively raise the experience for you and your guests and blow the roof off your dancefloor.
The energy, excitement and personal touch that a live band brings are unparalleled. So, what should you consider when booking one?
Unmatched Atmosphere
A live band can create a dynamic and engaging atmosphere that recorded music simply cannot replicate. The musicians' passion and energy can elevate the mood, making your big day feel even more special. Every song performed is unique, adding a personal touch to your celebration.
Versatility in Performance
Live bands will offer a wide range of musical styles and can adjust their setlist to match the tone of your wedding. Rock? Indie? The best of the 80’s? You could have it all!
Interaction with Guests
One of the standout features of a live band is their ability to interact with the audience. I’ve seen Brides and their flower girls up on stage playing along with tambourines, Bass players getting amongst it on the dancefloor, I’ve even had a lead guitarist jumping off stage and running outside to do a lap of the marquee, all whilst shredding a solo. All this fun, spontaneity and crowd interaction helps to make the evening even more of a memorable one for you and your guests.
Considerations When Booking a Band
Budget - Live bands can vary significantly in cost, so it's important to determine your budget early on. Keep in mind that while a live band may be more expensive than a DJ, you can’t really put a price on the added value that they bring in terms of atmosphere and the interaction can be well worth the investment.
Band's Experience and Reputation - Researching a band's experience and reputation is crucial. Look for bands that have performed at weddings and events before and have positive reviews from previous clients. You can also ask for references or check out their social media profiles to get a sense of their style and professionalism.
Style and Genre - Consider the musical style and genre that best matches the theme of your wedding and your personal tastes. Discuss your preferences with the band to ensure they can deliver the kind of performance you envision. It's also helpful to attend a live performance or watch videos of their past events to see if their style aligns with your expectations.
Logistics and Venue - This is an important one. Discuss the logistics with your venue to ensure they can accommodate a live band. Consider the size of the performance area, the availability of power sources, and any noise restrictions that may apply. Communicate these details with the band to ensure a smooth setup on the day of the event. Also, how long do they need to sound check? Do you have an area for them to chill whilst waiting to perform?
Setlist and Special Requests - Work with the band to create a setlist that includes your favourite songs and any special requests you may have. This collaboration will help ensure that the music reflects your personality and enhances the overall experience for you and your guests. Most bands will also offer a DJ option so that, when they take a well-earned breather between sets, you’ll still have music to keep everyone entertained.
There are a ton of bands out there, each with their own kind of special sauce. Here are a few who have really caught my eye over the years:
So, there’s some food for thought for you. Take a look at some of the pictures in this blog and hopefully, you'll get an idea of what I'm talking about. From creating a vibrant atmosphere to offering personalised performances, the benefits of live music are undeniable and will really be the icing on the cake of your big day.
Matt Harris is a Hampshire photographer who specialises in Event Photography, Wedding Photography and Party Photography. Covering Hampshire, the Home Counties and beyond. If you’re planning your wedding, party or event and are looking for a photographer who has a knack at capturing all the fun while being as discreet as possible then drop him a line today!
#hampshireeventphotographer #hampshireweddingphotographer #hampshirepartyphotographer #hampshirephotographer #bestpartyphotographer
I was doing a shoot recently, a 50th birthday party. A not unusual job in intself, I shoot loads of parties. But being a card-carrying member of this very age bracket (and becoming super aware of all the associated aches, pains and grumbles that seem to go with it), I was struck by how energetic everyone was and how up they still were for really letting loose and partying their collective socks off. But do you know what really set it off? The band they had booked. I’ll mention their name later but I have to tell you, the energy these guys brought to the event was off the scale. They were the complete package – they looked great, were really tight musically and the energy they brought took the party up a whole other level. I really don’t think that the room would have had the same atmosphere had it been a DJ playing. Don’t get me wrong, there are some great DJ’s out there who are absolutely tuned into their crowd and keep the dancefloor packed all night. But I wanted to take a moment to extol the virtues of live music and how it can absolutely and positively raise the experience for you and your guests and blow the roof off your dancefloor.
The energy, excitement and personal touch that a live band brings are unparalleled. So, what should you consider when booking one?
Unmatched Atmosphere
A live band can create a dynamic and engaging atmosphere that recorded music simply cannot replicate. The musicians' passion and energy can elevate the mood, making your big day feel even more special. Every song performed is unique, adding a personal touch to your celebration.
Versatility in Performance
Live bands will offer a wide range of musical styles and can adjust their setlist to match the tone of your wedding. Rock? Indie? The best of the 80’s? You could have it all!
Interaction with Guests
One of the standout features of a live band is their ability to interact with the audience. I’ve seen Brides and their flower girls up on stage playing along with tambourines, Bass players getting amongst it on the dancefloor, I’ve even had a lead guitarist jumping off stage and running outside to do a lap of the marquee, all whilst shredding a solo. All this fun, spontaneity and crowd interaction helps to make the evening even more of a memorable one for you and your guests.
Considerations When Booking a Band
Budget - Live bands can vary significantly in cost, so it's important to determine your budget early on. Keep in mind that while a live band may be more expensive than a DJ, you can’t really put a price on the added value that they bring in terms of atmosphere and the interaction can be well worth the investment.
Band's Experience and Reputation - Researching a band's experience and reputation is crucial. Look for bands that have performed at weddings and events before and have positive reviews from previous clients. You can also ask for references or check out their social media profiles to get a sense of their style and professionalism.
Style and Genre - Consider the musical style and genre that best matches the theme of your wedding and your personal tastes. Discuss your preferences with the band to ensure they can deliver the kind of performance you envision. It's also helpful to attend a live performance or watch videos of their past events to see if their style aligns with your expectations.
Logistics and Venue - This is an important one. Discuss the logistics with your venue to ensure they can accommodate a live band. Consider the size of the performance area, the availability of power sources, and any noise restrictions that may apply. Communicate these details with the band to ensure a smooth setup on the day of the event. Also, how long do they need to sound check? Do you have an area for them to chill whilst waiting to perform?
Setlist and Special Requests - Work with the band to create a setlist that includes your favourite songs and any special requests you may have. This collaboration will help ensure that the music reflects your personality and enhances the overall experience for you and your guests. Most bands will also offer a DJ option so that, when they take a well-earned breather between sets, you’ll still have music to keep everyone entertained.
There are a ton of bands out there, each with their own kind of special sauce. Here are a few who have really caught my eye over the years:
- Fake Tan: The band I was talking about at the start of this blog? It was these guys. Full of energy, excellent crowd interaction and really tight musically.
- The Light Years: These guys are high-energy performers. Oozing personality, they take fun extremely seriously and after an evening spent in their company, your voice will be hoarse and your feet will be sore.
- 29 Fingers: With a focus on classic rock and pop hits, 29 Fingers had the dance floor absolutely heaving. With an element of dress-up and props for all the crowd, the fun and laughter that the band brought was like nothing I’d ever seen before.
- RPJ band: Led by frontman Rick Parfitt Jnr., a performer who literally holds the crowd in the palm of his hand, and surrounded by some of the best session musicians around, the RPJ band delivered an epic performance that had the crowd literally braying for more. They are highly regarded in the events industry and have a pedigree to match.
- Zazu: Based in Brighton, I think I saw these guys at a wedding in Wiltshire. They were fun, quirky and had wide and varied set-list that really appealed to the crowd. Like the bands mentioned before, they performed to a packed dancefloor who demanded not one but 2 encores.
So, there’s some food for thought for you. Take a look at some of the pictures in this blog and hopefully, you'll get an idea of what I'm talking about. From creating a vibrant atmosphere to offering personalised performances, the benefits of live music are undeniable and will really be the icing on the cake of your big day.
Matt Harris is a Hampshire photographer who specialises in Event Photography, Wedding Photography and Party Photography. Covering Hampshire, the Home Counties and beyond. If you’re planning your wedding, party or event and are looking for a photographer who has a knack at capturing all the fun while being as discreet as possible then drop him a line today!
#hampshireeventphotographer #hampshireweddingphotographer #hampshirepartyphotographer #hampshirephotographer #bestpartyphotographer
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