Photo by Shannon Hutchison Photography
1. Book Early to Secure Your Date Live bands are in high demand, especially during wedding season and holiday events. The best bands book up fast, so if you want live music to be a part of your celebration, don’t wait—get your date locked in as soon as possible. One Nite Band mentioned that they typically book up a year in advance so getting on it early is important.
2. Budgets Can Vary – Know Your Options Live bands come in all shapes and sizes, from intimate acoustic duos to full-scale party bands with multiple musicians. Think about your budget and the vibe you want. Do you want a romantic acoustic set for your ceremony? A jazz trio for cocktail hour? A high-energy band that will keep the dance floor packed? Ask what the company offers. For instance, One Nite Band, offers a range from intimate acoustic performances to full-band extravaganzas which helps to match your budget and event style. They also provide cocktail hour, jazz sets, or acoustic duos to meet your needs.
3. Reviews and References Matter You wouldn’t book a wedding photographer without checking their reviews, right? Same goes for live music! Watch performance videos, read reviews, and ask for references if needed. Seeing how a band interacts with a crowd will give you confidence in your choice.
4. Contracts Provide Peace of Mind Contracts protect both the client and the band by clearly outlining expectations, performance details, and special requests. A professional band will provide a detailed agreement to ensure everything runs smoothly. Photo by Shannon Hutchison Photography
5. Space and Setup Are Key
Live music needs room to breathe! Before booking, check with your venue to make sure there’s enough space for the band, their instruments, and sound equipment. Not sure? Certain companies like One Nite Band work directly with venues to ensure a smooth setup. Make sure to ask what the band needs or if they will work with the venue for you. 6.
6. Sound and Production Requirements Does your venue provide sound equipment, or does the band bring their own? Some bands include all necessary gear, while others may require additional sound production. Make sure to ask if this is part of their process. One Nite Band comes fully equipped with state-of-the-art sound and production gear, ensuring your event sounds as amazing as it looks. For larger events, they collaborate with production companies to ensure top-quality results. Make sure to ask if these technical details are handled or if you need to add this to your list.
7. Music Can Be Tailored to Your Event Your wedding soundtrack should be as unique as your love story. Whether you want a soulful first dance, a classic sing-along, or high-energy party hits, good bands will work with you to create a setlist that fits your vision. One Nite Band warns to make sure that who you are talking to will make it personal to you.
8. Setlists Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All Want to hear your favorite song? Let the band know! Many live bands, including One Nite Band, love incorporating couples’ must-play songs while also reading the crowd to keep the energy up. Whether it’s a throwback hit or today’s chart-topper, the right songs at the right time to keep your guests on the dance floor.
9. Seamless Music – Even During Breaks Even the best musicians need a break, but that doesn’t mean the energy has to stop. A great band will keep the vibe going with curated playlists between sets or time their breaks strategically around speeches and other events.
10. Live Music Creates Unforgettable Moments Nothing beats the energy of a live performance. Bands like One Nite Band don’t just play music—they create an interactive, electric atmosphere that brings your guests into the experience. Whether it’s sing-alongs, hyping up the dance floor, or making every moment feel personalized, live music adds a layer of magic you can’t get from a playlist.
There’s something special about live music—the energy, the interaction, the way it brings people together. It’s more than just background noise; it’s a key part of the atmosphere that makes your wedding feel truly unique.
If live music is on your wedding wish list, taking the time to find the right band can make all the difference. Whether you want a lively party, an intimate acoustic set, or something in between, a great band will help turn your wedding into an experience your guests will never forget. If you are interested in getting the live music going, you can find out more about One Nite Band here. I absolutely loved photographing a wedding with them – from their professionalism to the moments they created, they were amazing!
