The Safe Bet for Your Entertainment
Congratulations! You've decided to tie the knot and you're now in the process of organising your big day.
Probably by now you've flicked through the wedding journals and been to a few wedding fayres.
Maybe you've talked to a few bands and entertainers and
no doubt you will have so many questions.
We like to make things as easy as possible for our brides and grooms. So we have put together this compilation of questions and answers.
In fact if you have a question that you would like answered, please post it in the box at the end of the Q & A section and we will answer it here on this page.
Q.
What size of band should I book?
A.
This one is mostly down to budget and venue. Larger bands are usually more expensive. Another deciding factor is how much space there is for your band to set up? If, for instance, your band play on the dance floor itself then there is less available space for actual dancing. Your venue will give the best advice on this but for advice from the band’s point of view, contact us and we will be happy to talk you through it.
Q.
Do all bands perform live?
A.
Bands fall into two categories: Fully Live – meaning that everything you hear on the night is generated by the musicians on stage, with no pre recorded music at all. This normally means that you’ll have at least three musicians but more likely four or five. An “all live” line-up can include drums, keyboards, bass, guitar and vocals. Some bands include a brass section, taking their numbers up to nine, ten or even eleven! Do you have the space? Remember, you’ll also have more people to pay so expect a higher price.
Semi Live – these bands will have an element of pre recorded music in their performance, generated by computer, keyboards or recorded on disc. Most duos for instance will use some form of backing track to give them the full band sound. This has the advantage of usually being less expensive, quicker to set up and demanding less space. The choice is yours – some people are very determined only to use fully live bands and that’s commendable but the fact is any good band should keep your guests on the floor. Once the party has started most people don’t watch the band, they’re too busy dancing.
Q.
Can bands play different styles of music?
A.
Always check with your band first to see what’s available. A Blues band for instance won’t consider Lady Gaga's latest. Most good function bands will play a little of the most popular genres. Originally hailing from Scotland Poker Face do include ceilidh music as part of their normal set; a Gay Gordon’s being a sure way to break the ice. They are one of a few select bands that are equally at home with ceilidh and pop tunes. They’re very much in demand.
Q.
How long will it take to set up their equipment?
A.
Most bands need around an hour to set up. Some of the smaller bands can do it in 40/45 minutes. If access to the function room is difficult i.e. a long way from the band vehicles, you can expect a longer set up time. (Top tip – to help speed up a band’s set up at difficult locations why not ask your ushers to help them in with their equipment.)
Q.
For how long will a band perform?
A.
It really does depend on the band. Poker Face standard performance times for a wedding are 8PM – Midnight. A break of 30/35 minutes will be taken at the same time as the buffet during which we will play background volume at reduced volume. Very Important – Bands are not booked for a set length of performance i.e. four hours, but between set hours i.e. 8PM till Midnight. If you’ve booked your band for an 8PM start you should bear in mind that if they are expected to play in the same room in which you’re dining you’ll have to vacate the room for 7PM. If you’re running late for whatever reason and the band can’t access the room they will do their best to be set up as quickly as possible but are under no obligation to extend their performance past midnight. For example – the band arrives at your venue for 7PM but don’t gain access till 8PM they may not be ready to play until 9PM, you cannot expect them to play till 1AM. By all means ask the band to play past their contracted time but you may be asked for an additional fee or your request may be politely declined. We strongly recommend negotiating with the band at the time of booking to alter their performance time.
Q.
What about volume?
A.
Volume is always at the discretion of you, the client. However it can be difficult to balance the dynamic required for a good performance against requests for very low volume. Also remember - drums have no volume control (other than the drummer,) therefore a band with live drums can have difficulty coping with requests for very low volume.
Q.
What if my band cancel or don’t turn up?
A.
With Poker Face it has never happened yet! In fact last year Sharon managed to get herself a pass out of hospital the night before major surgery in order to perform at a Wedding! Poker Face take every booking seriously and treat every event as special.
Q.
What is the band dress code?
A.
This should be down to your preference, ask the band what their usual attire would be. Is it formal or smart casual. It gets very hot on stage so ties can be unusual, or if worn at the start of the night they usually don't see the end of the night! If you have a particular requirement please let us know.
Q.
Can we view before booking?
A.
We would definitely recommend viewing before booking. Most bands have demo CD’s and videos now their web sites. When possible (and with the prior agreement of the bride and groom) we can arrange for you to discreetly view us at an actual wedding.
Q.
Can we choose the first dance?
A.
We are happy to learn any song for your first dance provided you give us one months notice, although it should be understood that some songs can be problematic. In this event we would suggest that you provide a CD with your song on it.
Q.
What type of music do you play?
A.
We play music to suit all ages and all tastes. This could be anything from Sinatra to current chart music with 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and Ceilidh music thrown in for good measure. We are happy to call the Ceilidh dances if necessary.
Q.
Can we book you provisionally?
A.
We are happy to take provisional bookings and take the pressure of you. If we have another enquiry for your date you will be given ‘first option.’
Q.
Do you have a sample CD?
A.
All of our demos are available on the website. But should you prefer, we will gladly send you a copy of our free promotional CD.
Q.
How many weddings have you played?
A.
The fact that we are a professional and highly recommended band that specialises in wedding entertainment means that over 20 years in the industry, we have played at literally over two thousand weddings!
Q.
Can we contact you anytime, will you reply promptly?
A.
Yes, we will reply within 24 hours and are happy to answer any of your questions anytime. We would finalise all details one month before your wedding
Type your question in the box below and we will post it here with an answer within 24 hours ...
Sharon McGeough.
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Revised:
30/03/10
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