Set the Stage for Love With These 9 Steps to Starting a Wedding Band

Wedding music is one of the most critical factors couples and wedding planners consider when planning their special day. Starting a band is a fantastic way to contribute to their vision while entertaining people with live music.

Creating a wedding band is quite a learning experience. Here are a few tips to help you navigate your journey to the stage.

 

1. Look for Your Band Members

You need several people to start a wedding band. An excellent singer is paramount to make couples and their guests swoon. Ideally, they would be a frontman who can get the crowd dancing and smiling throughout the event.

A wedding band also needs a good guitarist, bassist, pianist, drummer and more, depending on the music you want to play. Some may offer a DJ service to fill in when the band isn’t performing, but it’s optional.

Try to find friends and acquaintances who are interested. You could also hold auditions. Most people do music part-time due to the stress of constantly seeking work, typically accepting a full-time job in other industries.

 

2. Consider Your Support Team

A few extra hands and minds can lighten the workload on your band members. For instance, a sound technician could help you with your recordings and equipment management. A coach is also great for improving your music skills.

Wedding bands can also benefit from having a manager. They can help you manage your schedule, negotiate with clients and solve other problems during events. Most groups may start with a support team to be more independent.

 

3. Make an Impression

You need to make your group stand out. What is your wedding band name? Is there a specific type of music genre you specialize in? Do you want to write an original wedding song for the couples you’re performing for?

Clothes and makeup are also great tools for branding. If you want to establish a name as a classy, vintage-sounding band, blue jeans and a bare face may not convey that message. Try out a couple of test looks, and you’ll know when they look right.

Remember to be flexible and follow the bride and groom's requests on the wedding day. They may have specific themes and colors you need to adhere to. Consider getting a signature accessory instead, like hats or corsages.

4. Find Suitable Equipment

A wedding band needs instruments, microphones and speakers. Better to be safe than sorry if your client’s wedding venue has no audio sound systems.

Since you're just starting, be mindful of these financial purchases. A lot of pro audio brands have perfected their equipment design and production to provide affordable products. Review your options before making a choice.

 

5. Have a Wedding Setlist

A wedding setlist can make or break your booking in the future. Look for the most renowned love songs and learn how to play them. It also helps to know how to play the most popular recent songs in case someone requests them.

Wedding couples will likely get involved with what’s on the setlist. Many take their song choices seriously, whether for their first dance or cake-cutting. Just like with your attire, practice flexibility and play into the bride and groom’s vision.

 

6. Record Promo Material

Have promo materials ready when someone inquires about your wedding band. Record your music and share it with potential clients. You can choose different songs to showcase everyone’s range.

Video demos are also a great way to pander to people and show your stage presence. Record in a studio to nail down fundamentals like good lighting and high-quality audio.

 

7. Market Yourself Online

The next step is to market yourself online. About 83% of marketers say social media marketing increases exposure in the long run. Create profiles dedicated to your band and share them with friends and family to boost your follower count.

You can also create your own website. Use it as a hub for audio and video demos and a way for clients to contact you. Platforms like Google Adwords promote your content to your target audience.

 

8. Coordinate and Negotiate

Once you find a client, it’s time to work out the logistics. Destination weddings are becoming more popular, starting around late winter and lasting until summer. You may have to negotiate and change your rates to include those travel expenses. Finalize all details in a contract.

Some gigs happen as planned, while others are canceled. Practice resilience throughout this coordination and negotiation process. If you’re finding it difficult to secure work, tap into your personal network for any events you can perform at.

 

9. Rehearse Everything

The next step is to rehearse, rehearse and rehearse. While you may already be good at your role, practice can make you even better. It also brings the band members much closer, making the songs more fun to perform.

Rehearsals are also a mental exercise. About 40% of American adults experience performance anxiety, even when they love performing. Getting used to the flow of being on a stage in front of people makes the idea a little more real.

 

Get Your Wedding Band Rolling

Starting a wedding band takes several steps, from finding the right people to getting your name out there. Once you have all the pieces together, the journey can become smoother. Find fulfillment in being part of a couple’s special day and spread the love with your music.

 

 

Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about a broad spectrum of topics. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates on his work.

 

 

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