Are you booking live music for your special day? If so, here's my top questions you need to ask your wedding venue about live music....
Does your venue allow live music?
This sounds like a no brainer, but it is the first question you need to ask if you're dreaming of being serenaded live. Some venues have very strict regulations around amplified music, so check this one out before anything else!
Are there any restrictions on where your venue allows live music?
Once you've ascertained that you're allowed live music, next on the list is to check if there are any restrictions on where you can have your wedding musicians play, as this will inform your choices as to when you book musicians. For example if you're having an outdoor ceremony, but there's no live music allowed outside, or if there's an area of your venue that has indoor restrictions.
Is there a cut off time when live music has to stop by?
This is more if you're having a band for your evening party, but it's worth checking this curfew, and informing your musicians so they can plan their set lists for the ultimate end of the night bangers!
Is there a sound limiter?
Again, more geared towards a live band, but such an important question - as well as what is the consequence of this if it's reached, or gone over. Some venues have an automatic power supply cut off if you go beyond their decibel level, which puts a downer on your party especially if you're mid Proud Mary dance off!
(My live band has the ability to play with an electric drum kit, which makes working with a sound limiter a walk in the park!)
Is there ample power supply close to your musicians performance space?
Usually a band will need at least x2 13 amp wall sockets, sometimes x4 depending on if they are using a lighting rig, or a larger PA system. Check your musicians power requirements, alongside the area you'd like them to perform in.
(My four piece band line up requires x4 13 amp wall sockets, as we use x2 state of the art PA systems - meaning if one fails for any reason, we have a back up right there!)
What is the size of the performance space?
Most solo or duo musicians can squidge into fairly small spaces, but in the case of a band, they will need a good amount of room for all the instruments and the PA system. Check what size space your musicians will need, and clear this with your venue - I'll tell you for free, the guitarist won't want to sit on the drummers lap if there's not enough space!
What is the set up time?
If you are having a live band, they will usually want a clear hour to 90 minutes to fully set up and soundcheck, so just make sure there's a space prepared by your venue that your guests can go while this happens - it feels disruptive to your guests to see musicians weaving in and out with speakers and instruments, so the clearer the space the better!
What are the parking and loading in and out arrangements?
Musicians like to be as inconspicuous as possible, so when we've finished our set, we like to try and pack down as quickly and quietly as we can, so not to disturb the flow of the day. Having a set route in and out of the venue, and somewhere to park close to the performance space will make this so easy. For a live band, especially when the night isn't finished, this is especially important, as once the musicians have finished they will need a quick and easy exit route, so the same speakers and instruments can be loaded out without booting your new father in law in the shins while we navigate the dance floor!
This is your list of must - ask questions, so feel free to save this and take this with you to your next wedding planning meeting!
For any questions about live music, please contact me for a chat!
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