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Wedding Bands in the North West

We play at quite a few weddings each year so we thought it would be useful to share some information that might help you when looking for a wedding band in the North West.  Consider these points when choosing a party band for hire or considering music or entertainment for your big day.

Choose a band that plays music that will get you and your guests on the dancefloor

You really can’t beat an occasion where the music is pumping and everyone is dancing – sharing in the celebration of the occasion and joining in with the music. In order for this to happen you might want the band to play a mix of music in different styles and from different periods so that you can satisfy as many of your guests as possible. Don’t compromise too much though – after all it is your wedding!


Consider the size of the band alongside the size of the venue and the number of guests

Bigger wedding function bands are louder, even if you turn the PA down as much as you can, there’s still a limit how quiet they can play. If you have a small wedding reception for 20 or 30 people in an intimate venue then maybe a smaller 3-piece band might be more appropriate. Of course bigger soul bands are more exciting visually and have a much bigger sound and impact, so if your reception is for 70 or more people, in a good size venue then go for it!


Sound limiters

If you really want a band at your wedding, then have a chat with your event organiser at the venue to ask if they have a sound limiter installed. These are devices that detect how loud the entertainment or music is and if this exceeds a certain threshold, then the power is cut to the stage. As you can imagine this can cause huge problems if a live band is playing, as often the acoustic sound of the band (and the audience) can often be enough to put the sound limiter into action! Be sure to discuss this with the band in advance of the gig so that they can adapt their setup to play at a lower volume.


Timings

We know that timings on a wedding day can be difficult to predict. Who knew that the best mans speech would last for an hour or that the photographs would take longer than you thought? The band that you choose should be flexible in their arrival and setup times, and fit in with whatever happens on the day. We usually take between 1 and 1.5 hours to setup and soundcheck and we usually get asked to do this immediately after the wedding breakfast finishes and before the evening entertainment starts (maybe at 6 or 7pm). This way the bride and groom (and your guests) can have a chance to relax and digest before they get on the dancefloor later!


First Dance

Bands will often agree to play a specified song for your first dance if you discuss this with them well in advance of the event. It will depend on what songs you choose, does this fit in with the style and the makeup of the band? If the song has a female lead and your band has a male one then it may not sound quite the same! Of course an easy option is for the band to simply play a CD for the first dance, but where it works, you can’t beat the sound of a live band playing your favorite song in front of you as you dance!  We are happy to learn any song that you choose for your first dance – we only ask that you give us at least 6 weeks to learn it.


Cost

With everything else to plan and pay for on the wedding day, often the entertainment in the evening can be compromised by using a DJ instead of a live band. We have no problems with DJs – a good one can really make the difference, but an indifferent one can often just play the same songs at every wedding he or she plays at, with no consideration for the audience or the happy couple! You might want to discuss with the band whether they are able to DJ as well as play at your reception. After all they have a PA and lights in place already! This can often work out much cheaper than hiring a seperate band and DJ, and could mean the difference between booking the band you really want, or compromising with a smaller 3 or 4 piece option.  A great party band for your wedding will make the evening special!

Venues

Stuck for a venue for your Wedding reception?  Here are a few suggestions in the North West:

The Midland Hotel
Peter Street
Manchester
M60 2DS

Kilhey Court Hotel
Chorley Road
Standish
Wigan
WN1 2XN

Last Drop Village Hotel
Hospital Road
Bromley Cross
Bolton
BL7 9PZ

The Jarvis International Hotel
Manchester Road
Blackrod
Bolton
BL6 5RU

The Lowry
Pier 8
Salford Quays
Salford
M5 2AZ

Wrightington Hotel And Country Club
Moss Lane
Wrightington
Wigan
WN6 9PB


Groovething: The Most Frequently Recommended Wedding Band in the North West!


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