Ten Essential Questions to Ask Wedding Entertainers Before Booking
Wedding Inspiration — 20th September 2023
Planning a wedding is a momentous and joyful occasion…
…but it can also be quite challenging, especially when it comes to choosing the perfect entertainers to make your big day even more special.
Your choice of wedding entertainers can significantly impact the overall atmosphere and enjoyment of your celebration. That’s why it’s important to make sure you pick the perfect entertainment.
But if you have multiple options to choose from, how do you work out which one is right for you?
To help you make a well-informed decision, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 10 essential questions to ask your prospective wedding entertainers before booking their services.
Keep reading to find out more…
Q: What Types of Entertainment Do You Offer?
One of the first questions to ask is about the range of entertainment options on offer.
Whether you’re considering a live band, DJ, solo instrumentalist, vocalist, or a combination of all of the above, finding out what the scope of your entertainer’s services includes is essential.
By asking this question you can assess whether you could book one entertainer for the whole day (such as booking a band for your evening reception and adding a solo vocalist option for your ceremony) which can save you money, or whether you’ll require multiple entertainers throughout the day (which could prove more expensive).
Q: Are You Available On Our Wedding Date?
While this might seem like its too obvious to be included on a list of questions to ask wedding entertainers, it’s a critical one people often leave too late.
Popular entertainers often have their calendars booked well in advance, so confirming their availability for your wedding date should be a top priority.
Ask this question as early in the process as possible. Some entertainers might be willing to hold a particular date for a short period of time while you make a decision.
You don’t want to end up feeling disappointed after setting your heart on a particular entertainer just to find out they don’t have any availability on your big day.
Q: Can We See Samples Of Your Performances?
To get a true sense of what to expect, request videos or recordings of past performances.
Visual and audio samples can provide insight into the entertainer’s style, professionalism, and the quality of their work. This is particularly important when evaluating bands or musicians.
You might also want to ask if they’ll be playing any live gigs that you can attend in the near future. Seeing them play live will give you a sense of how they interact with their audiences and how they’ll be able to get your guests amped up to celebrate.
Q: Do You Have Experience with Weddings?
Wedding entertainment is unique, and it’s essential to ensure your chosen entertainers have experience in the wedding industry.
Familiarity with wedding traditions, etiquette, and timelines can be a significant advantage in delivering a seamless performance.
At Musique we have decades worth of experience in the entertainment industry and have performed at hundreds of weddings and events, both intimate and large-scale – so we know the score.
Our dedicated booking coordinators are pros and will be able to help and guide you to make sure that everything runs smoothly and without a hitch on your big day.
Q: Can We Customise The Playlist Or Performance?
Your wedding day should reflect your tastes and preferences, and this extends to the entertainment.
Ask about the flexibility of the entertainers in customising the playlist or performance to align with your vision and musical preferences.
If your entertainers aren’t willing to make adjustments to accommodate your requests, this is a big red flag. Musique’s talented artists will happily work with you to create special renditions of meaningful songs.
Whether you have a specific song in mind for walking down the aisle, for your first dance, or to play out the night, the earlier you can ask, the more likely it will be that your request will be able to be fulfilled.
Q: What Equipment and Setup Do You Provide?
Ensure the entertainers have the necessary equipment for their performance and can handle the setup, including sound and lighting.
Discuss any specific requirements your wedding venue may have to ensure a smooth setup and performance.
Q: How Do You Handle Song Requests from Guests?
It’s not uncommon for guests to have song requests during the event.
Make sure you find out how the entertainers handle these requests (and if they’re welcome at all). Will they be willing to accommodate guest requests, or do they follow a predetermined playlist? This might be a deal breaker for you.
This way you can let guests know whether or not they’ll be able to approach your entertainers during your celebration and manage their expectations to ensure they have a good time.
Q: What Is Your Backup Plan in Case of an Emergency?
Unexpected situations can arise, such as an entertainer falling ill or technical issues with equipment.
Enquire about the entertainers’ emergency contingency plans to ensure that your wedding day entertainment runs seamlessly, regardless of unforeseen circumstances.
If they don’t have a backup plan, that could be a major red flag!
Q: How Do You Manage Breaks or Intermissions?
If your wedding celebration is extended, discuss how the entertainers handle breaks or intermissions.
You’ll want your guests to stay engaged and entertained throughout the event, so understanding their plan for managing downtime is crucial.
Q: What Are Your Pricing and Payment Terms?
Last but not least, discuss pricing and payment terms – Request a detailed breakdown of all costs, including any potential additional fees.
Understanding the deposit requirements, payment schedule, and cancellation policies is important to avoid any unwanted surprises in your budget planning.
Summary
Selecting the right entertainers for your wedding is a pivotal decision that can profoundly influence the overall atmosphere and enjoyment of your special day.
These questions to ask wedding entertainers will prepare you to make an informed decision and ensure that your wedding day is a joyous and unforgettable occasion.
Remember that open and clear communication with your chosen entertainers is key to achieving the perfect entertainment experience for your unique celebration.
As you embark on your journey to plan the wedding of your dreams, these questions will serve as your compass, guiding you toward the entertainers who will help turn your wedding day into a cherished memory that you and your guests will treasure forever.
Remember this is your day, and selecting the right entertainers is a vital step towards making it truly unforgettable.