So you’re officially Getting Married (with a capital G and M)! Well, first, congratulations to the both of you! Second, it’s time to start planning your wedding. You’ve probably dreamed or fantasized about your big day since you were little, and you want to make your wedding is a memorable occasion. After all, it’s not every day you get hitched! You have so much to consider: the cake, the photographer, the number of guests to invite… Something else to consider for your Chicago wedding is the music. Should you hire a band or a DJ? Where can you find them? How do you know if they’re any good? Never fear! We’ll lay it all out in this easy-to-use guide!

Choosing the Musician for Your Chicago Wedding

Likely you already know what kind of music you want to play on your special day. Now comes the task of finding someone to play it. The two most popular choices for musicians are bands and DJs. Bands and DJs each have their own pros and cons. For example, bands play live and charge more. However, one person behind a player can’t replace the joy of witnessing a live band. You’ll want your guests to enjoy your day just as much as you do. So why not treat them to the fun of attending a live performance? Having a live band that engages with its audience makes for an enjoyable experience! Plus, it’ll make your Chicago wedding all the more memorable! You can rely on word of mouth or else go through an entertainment agency to find your band of choice.

Checking out the Musicians

As with so many things, not all musicians are created equal. Some have better reputations than others. And the last thing you want is to book a non-reputable band to play at your Chicago wedding. When you find a band you’re considering booking, check out their references. Get reviews from the last few people who booked them. If they have a site, check it out and see what they look like live. Watch videos that they may have up. Or, if it at all possible, actually sit in on one of their performances. One thing to keep an eye out for is Chicago wedding bands that perform frequently. It means that there is a greater likelihood they play well together!

Drawing Up the Contract

The legal red tape is the last thing you want to think about when planning your big day. Unfortunately, it’s become a necessity to make sure both parties understand the other’s expectations. Include every detail about the band’s performance in the contract. This includes payment (of course), attire, break times, the date and hours, and the style of music. You can also include songs you absolutely want (or absolutely don’t want) played. Remember: your wedding day should be about who you are as a couple and what you love. You should take steps to ensure it meets your expectations. And we would love to help you meet those expectations.