The most recent wedding I went to with a band was in Ireland. So maybe not the best comparison, but it was not impressive at all. Depends on the band, I'd say, and whether your wedding will have a sort of organizing/guiding voice emcee type person (very useful for the guests) and whether that person is a DJ or band leader or just organizer it doesn't matter as long as there is one.
On the other hand, my sister's upcoming wedding will have a band and they're really great, but pricey as you mentioned. So, it's dependent on the band and also on the DJ (some are great, some not). But do consider who will be guiding along your wedding in a sort of emcee-type role. Someone needs to step up and do that, be it DJ, band leader, or someone else. Otherwise people get confused... remembering that your guests probably won't bring their timelines (if they even get one in the invite, I don't know if people do that anymore). Even your BP need some guidance, probably, nevermind family members...
Interesting point. I was thinking about that. I against cheese, so I wasn't sure how to address the MC thing. I kinda like to have a family member do it or someone open and charismatic. We shall see
Ohhhhh man... $8k? That is a HUGE difference. I am all for bands. We are paying $2550. Ours is top-knotch, albeit hailing from a middle-of- california-no-name-town. $8k is A LOT. I am not against blowing the budget a LITTLE, but wow, that's TWICE what you were going to pay for music. Just be careful. I don't mean to be a downer, but I think you might be able to do better with a little more research.
You are very much right. I should have said that 8k is the price of this band, which is basically the most popular band in Miami. It's libido band, they played at the super bowl and for like Paul McCartney, so they are sort the top of the heap.
BTW - Did you tell the band that you was getting married at Vizcaya BEFORE he quoted you the price? When we were getting married at Vizcaya, I was under the impression that people were quoting me a higher price based on the venue. I don't know if it was true or not but it made me feel a whole lot better about the money I was spending. :)
This is true. It mostly the hassle since setting up at Vizcaya is a pain, you can't use wheels in the house, blah, blah, blah. There is a vizcaya premium.
The thing with a live band is that sometimes people want to hear specific songs played a certain way. If you are hearing a Mariah song and someone is not as good, it sounds hokey. And that goes for many other songs even if it's originated by a less talented vocalist than Miss Mariah. If a band is playing standards, their version or arrangement isn't overly important because standards have great bones. That's why they've lasted for decades. And people are used to hearing different versions of a standard. In contrast, audience members are less forgiving of a band that is messing up "their song" because they're basing it against the way they're used to hearing it on the radio. If you pay $8k for an all-types-of-music band and and they fall one hair short of your expectation, you will be pissed. I think reggae, specifically, sounds best live -- not on a record. So that's why I voted for a reggae band and a DJ for the rest of the music.
Try to find some focus whilst in the bridal vortex.
Finding focus is so hard. You see something and then you are like. I want that. Sounds nice, but really you don't. I am learning.
I am like that, I do want certain songs a certain way. Also, my guests won't be huge standard fans. The old crowd is all Caribbean, so they would enjoy the reggae aspect much better.
You are so right on the pissed factor. I sure would. I think I just entertained the thought for a while.
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On the other hand, my sister's upcoming wedding will have a band and they're really great, but pricey as you mentioned. So, it's dependent on the band and also on the DJ (some are great, some not). But do consider who will be guiding along your wedding in a sort of emcee-type role. Someone needs to step up and do that, be it DJ, band leader, or someone else. Otherwise people get confused... remembering that your guests probably won't bring their timelines (if they even get one in the invite, I don't know if people do that anymore). Even your BP need some guidance, probably, nevermind family members...
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The thing with a live band is that sometimes people want to hear specific songs played a certain way. If you are hearing a Mariah song and someone is not as good, it sounds hokey. And that goes for many other songs even if it's originated by a less talented vocalist than Miss Mariah. If a band is playing standards, their version or arrangement isn't overly important because standards have great bones. That's why they've lasted for decades. And people are used to hearing different versions of a standard. In contrast, audience members are less forgiving of a band that is messing up "their song" because they're basing it against the way they're used to hearing it on the radio. If you pay $8k for an all-types-of-music band and and they fall one hair short of your expectation, you will be pissed. I think reggae, specifically, sounds best live -- not on a record. So that's why I voted for a reggae band and a DJ for the rest of the music.
Try to find some focus whilst in the bridal vortex.
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I am like that, I do want certain songs a certain way. Also, my guests won't be huge standard fans. The old crowd is all Caribbean, so they would enjoy the reggae aspect much better.
You are so right on the pissed factor. I sure would. I think I just entertained the thought for a while.
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