When choosing entertainment for your wedding reception, a function band can provide a wonderful focal point to the evening whilst still providing all the regular facilities of a DJ. Ask for a demo CD & be careful to choose an act that will appeal to a wide-spread cross-section of generations who will attend your party and preferably one that comes with plenty of experience & glowing references from previously satisfied customers. You can save a small fortune by talking directly to the band instead of going through an agency and often it is a good idea to go and see the band playing live at a club before you book.

On The Day:

After the ceremony, the guests will usually arrive at the venue for the evening reception where they will sit down for a meal known as the wedding breakfast. After Dinner, the speeches and presentations will be made and this process will usually finish between 6 and 8pm. At this point the venue will usually invite the guests to move to a bar area while tables are removed and a mobile dance floor is laid. It is during this time that the band normally arrives & begins setting up the show for the evening performance.

How much space will you need?

In addition to musical equipment & amplifiers, your band should bring a PA system with monitors, an Engineer and disco & lighting equipment to your event. Although it is often not possible, in an ideal world it would be beneficial to reserve a space 18 x 15 ft to accommodate all of the equipment. (See the 'stage floor-plan' diagram for a better understanding of the lay out.) Always check with the band that they will fit on the space available.

Setting Up:

The setting up process will take approximately 75 minutes so it is a good idea to always check with the venue to see if there is good access directly to the function room to save as much time as possible. During the first hour, the equipment will be installed and when it is ready, the band will need a "Sound-Check". This is usually a 15-minute procedure during which the band and engineer will mix the sound levels through the PA systems. Every room has a unique acoustic so during the sound-check the guests are often requested to leave the function area as the levels can become quite loud before the right balance is found.

Technical Equipment:

Powered Mixers, & Power Amplifiers, Guitar Amplifiers, Bass Amplifiers, Keyboard Amplifiers, Low Key Back-lighting & 250W Lighting Units are the norm here. There is also a large amount of low powered musical equipment which, as you can see, means your band will draw quite a bit of power. It is therefore best not to run the show from a single power socket but instead spread the load over a number of different power sockets. Always check with the venue that this is possible as 'The Power Location' is one of the first things the band will need to know on arrival at the function.

Sound Limiters:

Some venues are fitted with a sound-limiting device to stop volume levels going out of control. This is especially common in residential areas and hotels. If the sound goes above a certain volume then the electricity can be cut off automatically and someone will have to reset the fuse box before the show can continue. Sometimes it is possible to bypass the limiter, which is very useful as if the electricity cuts out in the middle of the show, the sound and lighting will go off and expensive bulbs and speakers could be damaged. If a fuse in a powered mixer trips then the show might not be able to continue so always check with the venue to see if there is a limiter.

Midnight:

Unless you have a late license, many hotels are very strict about the time that the band must stop playing. This is usually midnight but it is always worth asking the venue to see if it is possible to extend the deadline.

Band Checklist:

Venue Checklist:

· Is there a sufficient amount of power available for the band?
· Where are the power sockets?
· Is there a sound limiter?
· Will they cut the music off if it goes past Midnight?