You’ve shortlisted three wedding bands, watched their promotional videos, and love their sound. But before you sign that contract and hand over your deposit, you need to understand how to choose wedding bands that will truly deliver on the day—not just look good on paper.
After 35 years in Australia’s wedding entertainment industry, I’ve seen couples devastated by poor band choices—and thrilled by bands that exceeded every expectation. The difference? Knowing exactly what to look for (and what to run from) before booking.
How to Choose Wedding Bands: Non-Negotiable Checks
1. Watch Full Live Performance Videos—Not Promo Reels
Request unedited footage from actual weddings showing multiple songs, crowd interaction, and transitions.
Red flag: Only slick 90-second promo reels with perfect lighting. Real wedding footage reveals how they manage energy and handle technical issues.
2. Verify Their Song List Is Genuinely Extensive
Professional wedding bands should offer 150-250 songs spanning multiple decades and genres.
Red flag: Vague statements like “we play all the classics” without providing an actual song list.
3. Confirm Exactly What Equipment Is Included
Your wedding entertainment contract should specify:
- Sound system capacity (rated for your guest count)
- Microphones and stage lighting
- All necessary cables and power requirements
Red flag: Contracts stating “standard equipment provided” without itemizing specifics.
4. Ask About Backup Performers
Professional bands have contingency plans if a key member falls ill. Who replaces them? Are they of comparable talent?
Red flag: Bands that dismiss this question entirely with “we’ve never had anyone miss a gig.”
Stop overpaying for wedding entertainment 🎶
Learn insider secrets to book smarter, save thousands, and keep your dance floor full all night.
🎶 Secrets to Booking the Best Wedding Entertainment reveals insider strategies from music industry veteran Jeremy LaBrooy — showing you how to book smarter, save money, and elevate your celebration.
5. Read Reviews from Real Couples
Check Google reviews, Facebook recommendations, and wedding planning forums for specific comments about professionalism and crowd reading ability.
Red flag: Only glowing testimonials on their own website with no external verification.
6. Clarify MC Responsibilities
Will the band leader handle announcements for your entrance, first dance, cake cutting, and speeches?
Red flag: Vague “we’ll figure it out on the day” responses about coordination.
7. Discuss Special Song Request Process
- How many special requests can they accommodate?
- What’s the process for learning new songs?
- Are there additional fees?
Red flag: Unwillingness to learn any songs outside their standard repertoire, or exorbitant fees ($500+) for single arrangements.
8. Verify Set Lengths and Break Management
How long are performance sets? What happens during breaks—do they provide background music?
Red flag: Bands taking 20-30 minute breaks every 45 minutes with no music solution during rest periods.
9. Confirm Contract Specificity
The contract must name:
- Specific performers (not just “5-piece band”)
- Exact equipment provided
- Arrival/setup times and performance hours
- Overtime rates and payment schedule
Red flag: Vague contracts that don’t guarantee specific musicians you auditioned.
10. Check Insurance and Professional Standards
Do they carry public liability insurance? Are instruments and equipment properly maintained and safety-tested?
Red flag: Bands that dismiss insurance questions or can’t provide proof of coverage.
11. Are they open to negotiation on their pricing and package structure?
The price should align with your wedding entertainment percentage allocations (typically 12-15% of your overall budget). Negotiations are a normal part of business, and knowing how to negotiate with your wedding band respectfully is key to securing a fair deal.
- The Magic Phrase: Try asking, “We’re finalizing our budget—is there any chance you can sharpen your pencil on the pricing?”
Red Flag: A vendor who is inflexible on price and package details without offering any alternatives (like shorter hours or smaller setup).
Essential Questions to Ask at Consultation
- “Can I see full performance videos from recent weddings?”
- “Who exactly will perform—can you guarantee these specific musicians?”
- “What happens if someone is ill on our wedding day?”
- “How do you handle diverse age groups and musical preferences?”
- “What’s included in your quote versus what costs extra?”
Their answers reveal professionalism, experience, and whether they’re the right fit.
Immediate Deal-Breakers
Walk away if you encounter:
- Pressure tactics (“This price is only available if you book today”)
- Unwillingness to provide references or performance videos
- No backup plan for performer illness
- Dismissive responses to legitimate questions
- Significantly cheaper than market rates with no explanation
Trust your instincts. If something feels off during consultations—if they’re unprofessional, vague, or pushy—that behavior won’t improve on your wedding day.
How to choose wedding bands wisely comes down to more than just finding talented musicians—it’s about identifying professionals who understand weddings, read crowds expertly, can get guest dancing at weddings, and deliver consistent excellence regardless of circumstances.
Ready to vet bands like a professional? Grab “Secrets to Booking the Best Wedding Entertainment“- a complete insider guidance on booking entertainment with confidence.
