When do you get a wedding band?

The best time to book a wedding band is as soon as you have your venue and date confirmed. Good bands are often booked a year or more in advance, particularly for popular dates like summer weekends. If you have a specific band in mind, contact them early to check availability. If you are flexible, you can look closer to the date, but you may have fewer choices. Start by deciding what kind of music you want and how much you want to spend. Then ask your venue for recommendations, or ask friends and family who have been to weddings recently. Once you find a band you like, check their availability for your date. If they are free, ask for a contract that confirms the date, timings and set list. You should also agree on when they will arrive to set up, and how long they will play. Many bands play two or three sets of about forty-five minutes each, with breaks in between. Make sure you know what happens during their breaks, whether they provide recorded music or if you need a playlist. Booking early also gives you time to request specific songs for your first dance or for special moments. If you are planning a winter wedding or a weekday, you might find more availability, but it is still wise to book as early as you can.