The #coronacouples Are Coming

Too soon? Fair enough. COVID-19 is no laughing matter. But everyone handles tragedy differently, and for us, we use levity as a form of healing.

Like many industries, the arts, events, and entertainment community are detrimentally impacted by COVID-19. After the initial wave of cancellations, wedding couples scrambled to reschedule. At present, the postponement trend still leans towards fall-winter 2020 weddings. But we’ve also seen a dramatic trend towards 2021 postponements.

Don’t get us wrong, we’re not suggesting anyone move their wedding to 2021. But can you blame the inclination? With so much uncertainty, who knows what 2020’s “new normal” may look like??

Slowly, but surely, more and more couples are eyeballing 2021, rather than 2020, as prime-time for rescheduling.

What’s this mean? Depends on your vantage point:

Wedding Vendors

Short term, it’s terrifying. These folks spent years crafting a service worthy of filling a 2020 schedule. Every date they reschedule from Spring of 2020 to Fall of 2020 is a potential loss they can never recoup. And now, they begin seeing a trend towards 2021? Ouch.

Long term, there’s no doubt 2021 has the potential to be absolute gangbusters for wedding vendors who whether the storm.

The Saturdays are filling up faster, and the typically less populated Fridays and Sundays will become desirable options for clients left without available Saturdays. 

Prospective Couples/Clients

The #covidcouples Are Coming for your dates! Seriously. The wedding industries’ booking cycle just got a 5-month jump start. Couples who would typically be planning their 2021 weddings in the Summer-Fall of 2020 are finalizing their plans now. We have friends across the industry reporting sold-out dates for 2021 Saturdays that they would generally have open through the fall of 2020.

It’s crazy. Needless to say, if you are eyeballing 2021 for either a newly scheduled wedding, or a COVID-19 related reschedule, it’s time to GiddyUp.

That’s it for now. In the meantime, check out our last blog which outlines options for current couples facing challenges with their wedding date being compromised by Covid-19. It’ll provide further perspective in the planning of your 2021 wedding. And remember, at the end of the day, we’re in this together, and this too shall pass.

Weddings & Covid-19; What Are My Options?

With the world in limbo or lockdown, we’ve encountered much uncertainty in our daily lives, let alone wedding planning. There is no doubt that countless wedding couples will face tough decisions with Covid-19 looming large. Our hearts go out to all of you.

With that in mind, we have some suggestions as to how to process your options…

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

Communication with your event planner, venue, and all vendors is vital to making this work. Inquire about all available dates remaining in 2020. We’ve even seen “google-form-savy-couples” use these free tools to create tracking methods for multi-vendor availability:

REMAIN FLEXIBLE

With so many unknowns, now isn’t the time to be “married” to specifics (pun intended).

* While a Saturday may have been your first choice, consider Fridays, Sundays, and even Thursdays. Such changes may be necessary to line-up all your vendors.

* Discuss a 2021 postponement

* If you’re working with a company like an entertainment agency or photographer collective, they may have other available, comparable alternatives.

Policy/Pricing

Vendors understand the gravity of the moment and are open to discussing changes in their policies. After all, this is an “act of God.”

Inquire into how they are handling the transfer of deposits, options for changing services, and cancellations. It’s likely your vendor has already developed policies related to Covid-19, you need only ask.

Additionally, ask your invitation designer/printer on any options they might be offering should you need a re-print for a new date.

Remember, we’re all in this together; not only to get through this as a community but to make your special day come to life.

WEDDING BAND SHOWCASES 101

Tips on how to navigate a showcase event to ensure you pick the right band for you. 

Ok, so you’ve searched the entirety of the google, watched countless videos, and have narrowed down your favorites. Now it’s time to focus on attending a live band showcase. While showcases don’t always line up with your preferred bands or time frame, you should still take advantage of viewing opportunities when possible. Aside from the music itself, Boston Wedding Band Showcases are a unique window into the identity of a company or artist. It’s also an excellent opportunity to put a face with a name and have your questions answered. Below are a few strategies you can use to navigate this process:

• Inquire Into Availability

 You’d be surprised how many people attend a showcase without knowing whether the bands they’re seeing are actually available! Make sure you inquire into availability before attending. PS- even if the groups performing aren’t available (or aren’t on your preferred list), it is still beneficial to participate. You can learn a lot about what you do and don’t like from seeing bands.

• RSVP to the event:

Your RSVP will allow the company to 1) keep you current on the latest showcase details, 2) provide availability, and 3) have your information readily available.

• Stay Up To Date On Social

Staying up to date with the company you’re considering on social media will keep you informed of showcase related news, lineups, and even extra content.

• Arrive Early

Showcases are generally held in ballrooms which fill up quickly. Arriving when doors open is the best way to secure your ideal seating. Bonus Tip: you’ll also be able to introduce yourself to the consultants before the performance to address any questions or concerns.

• Be Engaged,

And we’re not just talking about that ring on your finger:

Truth is, showcases can be a little awkward! People attend weddings to experience joy. Whereas people attend showcases to soberly evaluate performers. This is a rather unusual experience for the artists… so have fun, be engaged, and don’t be shy about singing and dancing along. The more energy you give, the more the performers will be able to show a glimpse into what your wedding day will look like.

• Introduce Yourself to the Band

After the performance, there is always an opportunity to say hello to the band personnel.

• Submit Your Booking Request ASAP 

 If you’ve done all of the above and fallen in love with a band, what’s next? Submit your request ASAP! Groups are booked on a first-come-first-serve basis. If you have a hot date, chances are you won’t be the only one in the room that night with the same date. The sooner you submit your booking request, the higher the chance of securing your Boston Wedding Band.

• HAVE FUN!

This one is obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people show up stressed about the process. Music should be one of the most fun aspects of planning your wedding. Enjoy yourselves and forget about the checklist for the night. Live in the moment, go with your gut, and you’ll know just what band is right for you.

Ceremony PA System Q&A: Why You Need More Than “Just A Microphone”

“How will people hear us during our ceremony?”

Most of us imagine a microphone being the “thing” that makes our voice louder. But for a microphone to broadcast your voice through speakers, it must work in conjunction with sophisticated equipment known as a “PA.” A sound engineer will orchestrate this set-up including speakers, stands, mixing console, wireless receivers, and the number of microphones you require. This engineer will monitor the PA throughout its use. The labor involved is roughly 2 hours in terms of additional time for arrival, set-up, and execution.

Let’s do a little question & answer on this critical subject:

Q: Will people hear my officiant? My vows? My readers? Do I need a microphone?

A: Perhaps. It depends on the location, number of guests and your own comfort level.

Amplifying the voices in your wedding ceremony is especially worth considering for outdoor receptions. Sound travels poorly outside. And the greater your guest count, the further sound needs to travel. At some point, your venue, event planner or family is probably going to recommend a Ceremony PA System.

The next most logical question would be:

Q: How much does this cost?

A: More than you think!

… Just kidding, a typical ceremony pa system is more like the following:

Typical microphone arrangements include the following:

1) Clip-On Lapel Mic for the officiant. This works with a small battery pack attached to the belt. Your officiant will be familiar with this.

2) Omni Directional Mic on a straight stand set at waist level for vows. At waist level, the microphone will not interfere with chest-up photos, does not require you to use a belt pack, and will amplify your voices sufficiently.

3) Wireless hand-held mic for readers, which can be passed amongst readers.

Access to Electrical Power is necessary.

Q: Enough already, what should I expect to spend?

A: $400-$600….if you want it done right.

We’ve heard quotes from wedding venues that even exceed 1K. But asking your band to provide this service is usually the most cost effective and reliable route.

I know, I know …it’s a costly service. You’ll definitely find less expensive quotes in the $150-$250 range for a “speaker and microphone.” But buyer beware; low-cost dental surgery isn’t a good thing, and neither is a bargain on a PA for your wedding ceremony.

We suggest you take the ceremony amplification as seriously as everything else in your wedding. It’s not just a microphone and a speaker. It’s arguably the most sensitive and memorable part of your celebration.

Band Turnover; What Are My Options?

We’ll let you in on a not so little secret:

The band industry is rife with turnover!

We live in a society that is continually moving and changing, as are it’s people. Many performers will move on to opportunities with original artists, record deals or writing positions, while others will re-locate in pursuit of their own dreams. As such, no band or company can guarantee the appearance of any one performer or vocalist at your event. Anyone who tells you otherwise is being disingenuous.

Nonetheless, there are steps you can take to protect your interests…

1) Ask about a band’s policy regarding member changes, specifically, vocal turnover. What you want to hear is:

A) you will be notified in the event of a vocal change and

B) you will have the option to opt out with a refund in the event you are unhappy with the changes.

2) Consider the band or company’s ability to maintain the integrity and success of their bands, over time. Think about it; if a provider has been successful for 15+ years, they didn’t get there by using the same personnel for 15+ years! This would suggest they have the juice and network to recruit, train and place top-tier talent. Here we find another instance where tenure really matters.

3) Go in with your eyes open. You are not buying a person or persons, but instead, an experience; the guarantee of an incredible party. This can be achieved with different personnel, if necessary. And if you are emotionally prepared for the possibility of turnover, it will help you make a more informed, less emotional decision as to whether the band is still right for you.

Lastly, there is also the possibility for performers to experience physical or personal emergencies. It should be the responsibility of any provider to ensure a substitute of equal or greater talent in the event of an emergency.

The more you know, the more you grow.

-The BWB Team

Wedding Music; How To Sift Through The Noise

So it’s time to get serious about vetting bands. You sit down to review a stack of band material and assume the SONG LIST is the most important, right? Meh….

SONG LIST:

Jokes aside, the song list is relevant (not to be confused with the play list, more on that below). But song lists are also one of the least helpful tools when reviewing bands. Here are the top 3 reasons you should take song lists with a grain of salt:

1) You don’t need to peruse thousands of songs to verify whether a band knows your first dance! Any legitimate band will learn several new songs for you or will have the capability to DJ music.

2) The most highly rated general business bands perform roughly the same music. Top 40, 2000s, 90’s, 80’s, Classic Rock, Country, Swing and Jazz are all genres employed by reputable Boston Wedding Bands. As such, the difference between one song list and the next isn’t earth shattering.

3) A band performs 38-44 songs max in a 4 hour dinner/dance reception. So when one band has 100 R&B songs on their list, and another has 250 R&B songs, what does it matter? If they played 10 R&B songs, that would be 1/4 of all the music at your wedding!

PLAY LIST:

Play list is a term used to describe the body of songs that a band actually performs at an event. You should ask the following of any band you’re considering:

How do you manage your play list? What kind of input will I have?

With the exception of formal dances, most bands reserve the right to select the songs they perform, with your preferences in mind. They want a lot of feedback so they can accommodate you. They may play as many as 10- 15 of your specific favorites. But they also require you place trust in their ability to call songs throughout the night.

Let’s face it, when you read a review that says “ THE BAND PLAYED THE BEST MUSIC AND HAD EVERYONE DANCING ALL NIGHT”, it wasn’t because they recreated the groom’s favorite mix tape. And sometimes, bands have to play music that guests respond well to, even if it isn’t the bride’s favorite song.

And if the above doesn’t work for you, that is cool too! You just need to have an open dialogue with each band you consider to ensure they meet your needs.

NUTSHELL: what we’ve seen work best is a compromise between two parties. You trust the band, and the band promises to take your tastes into account.

– The BWB Team