RhodeIslandWeddingBands

Rhode Island wedding bands can make or break your party. The state of RI and Newport in particular offers a host of excellent entertainers and venues that are sure to wow your guests. While DJ's are less expensive than bands, I receive countless reviews from brides who are so relieved they extended their budget to allow for a great band. The right group will elevate the dynamics of your entire evening. While you certainly want to select a band whose style fits your needs, there are a few other less obvious things to consider.

Great bands typically book 12-18 months ahead of time for events in RI. If the venue is your first order of business, than the band should certainly be your second. If there is a specific band you have your heart set on, find out their availability and keep this in mind when securing your venue. While many brides look for less known ensembles in an effort to distinguish their weddings from all the others, be wary of groups that are not affiliated with a reputable agency or manager. Ensembles with no track record of experience are often unprepared to perform at a wedding. Your favorite Newport club band does not know how to time dance sets with dinner service or how to involve all guests from your 70-year old grandmother to your 7-year old nephew. Many families research their band and discover that you can book not only through multiple agencies but also with the bands directly! A common misconception is that bands will offer their group at a cost less than an agency. This is not the case, as the band and the agency's pricing are the same. Prices are set. Some groups work only with one agency, some with multiple agencies, while others book directly as well as through agencies. This can be very confusing. The most important thing is to work with whomever you feel comfortable. Also bear in mind that agencies often offer insurance certificates, as well as additional security by virtue of being larger establishments with a history of serving the community. They also accept credit cards while most bands do not. Take advantage of showcase opportunities. Attend monthly events where you can view multiple groups at once. Seeing bands is a great way to learn more about what you do and don't want in your ideal ensemble. The only way to not lose your first choice is to get comfortable as soon as possible. Ways to get comfortable include carefully reviewing band promo material, reading reviews from reputable sources like Weddingwire or The Knot, taking advantage of references when possible, and developing a relationship with the bands representation. Often times the people who represent bands are actual musicians who work at weddings and know how each ensemble differs from another. The fact that these people work with multiple bands also makes them less biased. rhode island wedding bands

Lastly, while there are some reputable bands at low cost, the Rhode Island wedding band industry is one where you primarily get what you pay for. The busiest, most requested bands discount less frequently and may be on the high end of your budget. However, these are the bands that go beyond your expectations and leave your guests feeling like your wedding was the best they had ever attended. Part of a band's cost not only reflects their caliber but also ensures the group will remain intact after you book more than year in advance.