The Do's and Don'ts of Hiring a Band

from Richmond Weddings Magazine - Issue 63 - Spring/Summer 2022

Five Things to Bring to Your Bridal Appointment

The Do’s and Don’ts of Hiring a Band… But Mostly the Do’s!

By Myriam Phiro

Brian David Photography

The date is quickly approaching and every detail is meticulously planned to a T. Your dream wedding is coming to life, and you and your partner are buzzing with excitement. You have rehearsed the First Dance enough to offer anyone the performance of a lifetime. How about bringing everything to the next level by dancing your routine to live music? You are about to tell the world about your love story; it deserves some pizzazz! Whether that dream accompaniment is a serenade in the moonlight, a step back in time with an orchestra, or a pop concert at your wedding, live music will undoubtedly add that extra magical touch to an already special moment.

When hiring a band, here are 7 things to think about:

1. Be clear about the style(s) of music the band will play.

Although many bands do, not every band plays a variety of different musical styles. A Jazz band might not be the best fit to perform Top 40 songs, and a Pop band might not be the best choice for a cocktail hour. If you have a musical vision, it’s important to share it with the band leader/agent and ask if it is part of their repertoire.

2. Plan an appropriate budget for a live band.

Often, people don’t realize the details involved with hiring live musicians for an event, such as the hours of travel or the number of musicians. Additionally, coordinating schedules and arriving to the location long before the guests do to load in and properly set up and test the sound equipment and instruments usually takes a great deal more time than the actual performance itself. However, when breaking this fee down between the amount of band members as well as the time & skills required to perform your music perfectly, the price tag soon reveals itself as being not so extravagant. Remember: these are professionals and having high level entertainment will require a certain budget.

3. Ask the band if they can play multiple segments of your wedding.

This would be particularly advantageous if you’re on a budget and would still enjoy having live music at your wedding. Many ensembles are often skilled in several musical styles and could potentially accommodate your ceremony as a duo, the cocktail hour as a trio, and the dinner portion of your reception as a quintet for example. This option would not only allow for more variety on your end, but by hiring the musicians in “bulk”, you may benefit from a substantial savings. Again, be sure to be extra clear when communicating the musical styles you wish to hear during the relative timeline; e.g. classical repertoire for the ceremony, gypsy Jazz for the cocktail hour, and Swing dancing for the reception.

5. Feed the performers and plan for breaks accordingly.

Breaks are necessary for musicians to avoid hand and lip injuries as well as strained vocal cords. To ensure smooth transitions, break timelines and length can and should be discussed in advance. Additionally, if musicians spend over 3 hours at your event including travel and set-up, a meal of some sort is greatly appreciated.

Ashley Hesse Photography

4. Use song requests sparingly.

Each couple has their song or a memory that’s attached to a soundtrack: it’s only human nature! Whereas it’s expected to accommodate for First Dances, Processionals and other songs that are uniquely tailored to your wedding, it’s important to keep in mind that you’re hiring a professional and well-rehearsed band with an established repertoire, not a jukebox.

6. Don’t just grab any microphone for speeches.

Especially in times of Covid, it is important to follow appropriate guidelines when asking the band to provide microphones. Discuss alternate microphone allowances prior to the event to avoid bad surprises.

7. Tip the band.

If you enjoy the music during your wedding or had a nice rapport with the band leader, the best way to show your appreciation is by tipping the band directly! Whereas it is not required, gratuity is highly cherished among the band members when delivering a satisfactory performance.

As a good rule of thumb, musicians will reciprocate the energy they receive from you. They are entertainers at heart, and they’re passionate about what they do. Music is so connected to emotions: a skilled musician is in tune with this concept and can transmit it to their audience.

There was a time when live music was a daily part of everyone’s lives, long before the stereo. In each home was a piano and, in each restaurant, would be live musicians. People would congregate around the piano and sing or play together in their living room. Music was not just a vocation or a pastime but a common thread of communication.

Hiring a band for a memorable occasion is ALWAYS a good idea. No matter what style of music, the band will bring either a heightened sense of sophistication or will make you feel like dancing with that certain joy that only live entertainment can bring. After all, isn’t that what your special day is about? So, begin your marriage with a live performance and show everyone the best time; you won’t be disappointed!

Myriam Phiro is the band leader/ founder of “Nuage Rhythm”, a vintage French/gypsy Jazz band recently relocated to the RVA area from NYC. “Nuage Rhythm” specializes in blending Parisian & American Jazz of the Golden Age and Bossa Nova to accompany any cocktail hour, ceremony and/ or reception with sophistication & ebullience. For booking & inquiries, visit www.NuageRhythm.com.

featured weddings

* All information in our Featured Weddings section was provided by the couple.

AUDREY MIKE August 14, 2021 &5

Audrey and Mike both went to Virginia Tech, but that is not where they met. Audrey says, “I’ve always been very drawn to tall guys, and Mike is 6’7!” I can’t believe our paths never crossed.” Eventually the two connected at a mutual friend’s birthday party and immediately clicked. “We bonded over our love for primetime TV shows, pasta, dogs, and good humor. From that night on, we never looked back!”

Mike planned the proposal by dropping “some fake hints” according to Audrey. Self-admittedly not being one who is easily surprised, she knew “Mike had to pull off something major to catch me off-guard.” Mission accomplished as a fake kidney stone removal and help from friends led to Mike making a lovely speech and getting down on one knee in their apartment, where Audrey happily accepted. “It was a night I’ll never forget!,” recalls Audrey.

Being a lifelong artist and art lover, The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) was a natural choice to hold their wedding. Per Audrey, it was important to support her hometown, and Marble Hall boasted the beautiful and formal vibe they were going for.

Due to Covid, the couple ended up having four wedding dates. When the day finally did arrive, the weather was hot and rainy, but the VMFA has many options and the ceremony was held in the lobby “with subtle booms of thunder in the background,” according to Audrey. “It was actually incredibly beautiful and powerful, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Indie music, family readings and personal vows played a big role in the ceremony, “which might have been my favorite part of the whole day,” says Audrey.

A seven-piece band and Social Party Booth with their full-length mirror photobooth kept the guests entertained all evening. Everyone danced all night, having the time of their lives all the way to the last song, “Shout.” Admits Audrey, “It is extremely cliché, but is Mike’s favorite part of any wedding.”

At the end of the night, a ribbon wand send-off and an epic afterparty finished the celebration!

Guest Count: 150 | Budget: $35,000

FEATURED WEDDING KENEIL

&5LEKEISHA October 10, 2021

Keisha and Keneil met via mutual friends on homecoming weekend. Their friends lied to them both by stating they wanted each other’s numbers. (They found this out months later!) Sidewalk Café was where the two had the first date, which is still one of their favorite dinner spots, and where Keisha introduced Keneil to their hot fries!

The proposal came at the beginning of the pandemic on Easter Sunday. Keisha surprised Keneil with a basket filled with Easter eggs and Jameson, one of Keneil’s favorite whiskeys. Keneil says, “There were three Easter eggs; the first one had the date we met, the second was filled with money, and the third and final egg had a sticky note that read, “Keneil D. Rainey will you marry me? 4/12/2020.” Through my happy tears I told her YES! I kept wondering why my friends wanted me to paint my nails before dinner.”

Keneil, already in the wedding industry, had been to numerous venues around the city and beyond so she gave Keisha a list of her favorites. After going back and forth a few times and taking into consideration the fickle RVA weather, the two decided on a venue that had a mix of both indoor and outdoor options.

As Keneil states, “There is nothing really traditional about Keisha and I and that was reflected throughout our wedding.” They wrote their own vows and had a few close friends be the flower guys. Since it was an unplugged wedding, they requested that everyone take a selfie, text it to them right before start of the ceremony, and then put their phones away to be present.

Both Keisha and Keneil were very involved in the whole process as a united couple (much to Keneil’s surprise!). Both agreed that they wanted the vendors to be woman, minority, local or LGBTQ owned. “This was important to us because these are marginalized groups that represent us and the community we care about.”

The couple offers this advice for anyone planning their wedding, “Remember this day is for you and bae. Don’t let anyone deter you from your love and why you are here. This is just the beginning of a new chapter in your life. You don’t stop here, you START here.”

Guest Count: 115 |Budget: $40-50,000

&5ROBERT JAMESE October 23, 2021

Jamese and Robert’s first spark was at a friend’s going away party. Although they knew of each other, it wasn’t until this moment that the romance began. Numbers were exchanged and dating commenced. The couple enjoyed many happy hours, good conversations, and lots of laughs. Early in the relationship, Robert moved to Northern Virginia. Despite the distance, they still found time to see each other. A year later, Jamese was offered a job in D.C.!

Robert planned the most special proposal. They were in Richmond for the weekend attending his fraternity’s charity gala. Robert suggested heading to The Beach House to grab a drink beforehand. This place was special to them, as this is where their first date took place. As the two were talking Robert asked, “Do you remember the three things I love about you?” Jamese responds, “Yes. Loyalty, attention-to-detail and loving.” It was on the word “loving” that Robert got on one knee and asked Jamese to marry him. After the proposal they danced as onlookers cheered. Afterwards, they headed to another location to find family and friends waiting to congratulate them.

Hanover Tavern was the chosen wedding venue for a few reasons: the rustic feel, the <almost> all-inclusive package, and that having a wedding there supports a non-profit organization. Their short, unplugged ceremony concluded with jumping the broom and reading the custom script, then a dance down the aisle in joy and accomplishment!

The theme of the night was their favorite saying, “I Love You To The Moon & Back.” This inspired the decor and special touches throughout. The colors were perfect for fall and Jamese’s love of wine: cabernet, silver, ivory and emerald green.

Jamese and Robert offer this sound advice for couples planning weddings: “Planning in times of high uncertainty was no easy feat. You have to find the bright spots and remind yourself what you do and don’t have control over. Also, think about your must-haves and things that you aren’t willing to negotiate on. Always remember that this is your day, so have fun, be unapologetic, and make everlasting memories for years to come.”

Guest Count: 140 | Budget: $20-25K

FEATURED WEDDING JULIA&5 JAD October 30, 2021

Julia and Jad met at VCU in 2016 where she was a freshman and he a sophomore through mutual friends. On their first date, he presented a bouquet of sunflowers to Julia, her favorite flower!

A few years later in October 2020, they spent the day apple picking in Charlottesville with friends. After they left and as Julia started suspecting something was up, Jad showed Julia a video. Julia recounts, “It was a compilation of our years together, some very heartfelt words, and even a video of him asking my dad permission to marry me. He pulled over onto Raven’s Roost Outlook off the Blue Ridge Parkway and proposed to me under the iconic Raven’s Roost tree at sunset. Our friends and family were there, too!”

The couple chose an outdoor venue for their guests where many came from out of state and other countries. Many parts of the wedding celebrated Julia’s family and Jad’s Middle Eastern upbringing.

The couple displayed Julia’s grandparents’ cake topper with their wedding day picture. She also had their photo in a charm around her bouquet as well as a cuff from her grandmother’s wedding dress and a necklace made from the diamond from her wedding ring.

During the ceremony they watered an olive tree together which represents peace, friendship and a new start and “was a nod to his family because his grandfather owned an olive tree farm.”

Jad and Julia cut the cake made by Jad’s mother who is a licensed baker with a sword, a tradition started with Jad’s parents at their wedding.

They also had an Arab drummer and performer at the reception that led everyone in the “Dabke”, a traditional Middle Eastern line dance done at joyous occasions. Julia says, “We think our guests really enjoyed this element of the wedding, and we believe it was a great way to incorporate and honor Jad and his family’s Middle Eastern roots.”

Jad and Julia’s favorite part of the day? The dancing! “It was amazing seeing all our friends and family sing and dance with us at all parts of the night.”

FEATURED WEDDING MEREDITH&5CHRIS

November 27, 2021

As the old saying goes, “It’s a long story.” That’s how Meredith and Chris describe how they met. The two originally crossed paths in 2013 when they sat next to each other at a mutual friend’s wedding. Several years later, in 2018, Chris tagged along with a couple of friends to a surprise party for Meredith. He was reluctant as he did not know Meredith well. Later in the evening, Chris ended up going out after the party with Meredith and her friends where the pair were drawn back together. Meredith jokes, “When I was standing on the table dancing, that’s when Chris knew I was the one for him.”

One evening in January 2021 after a nice date night at Lemaire, Chris lured Meredith to the backyard where she found the fence lit up with rope lights that read “Marry me?” Meredith was completely shocked and of course said “Yes!” While they were at dinner, Chris’ parents had come by to set out champagne and candles. Immediately after the proposal some family and a few close friends arrived to celebrate!

Since Meredith started her career at The John Marshall, this venue is near and dear to her heart. She knew right away that this is where they would get married. Thankfully, Chris agreed. It is also very special because her mom now works there. Although Meredith is no longer at the venue, she shared, “It was so much fun getting to plan everything there with her.” It was the perfect location for their timeless and elegant theme.

The ceremony was traditional, and the wedding party was large. “Family is so important to both of us, and it was so special to have them all play a part in our day.” The celebration continued through the reception, and everyone danced the night away on the dance floor!

Guest Count: 160 | Budget: $50-75,000

FEATURED WEDDING GINNY&5AARON

December 4, 2021

RW MEMBERS Rehearsal Dinner/Ceremony/Reception/Lighting/Post-Wedding Brunch/Exit Car/Vintage Furniture Rental/After Party DJ/ Accommodations: Historic Mankin Mansion | Planning: Historic Mankin Mansion, Gillian Zehr | Rentals: Rent-E-Quip ADDITIONAL VENDORS Wedding Photography: Wedding: Ash Hobson Carr | Engagement Photography: Jason Collins Photography | Rehearsal Dinner: Sincero | Shower Location: Saude Creek Vineyards | Flowers: Marylee Marmer Events | Catering: Stella’s Market | Officiant: Kenal Hall | DJ: DJ Ant Boogie | Gown: Rebecca Ingram, Blue Sage Bridal | Alterations: Oksana at Fashion Design | Photobooth: Richmond Photobooth | Shoes: Volanda, Nina Shoes | Bridesmaid Dresses: Baltic Born | Accessories: Etsy - hairpiece from Artequeenshop | Hair: color - Susannah CraftPrism Salon, style - Ivy of Boho Braids by Ivy Perkins | Makeup: Gentry | Formalwear: Macy’s & JCrew | Stationery: Paperless Post | Dance Instruction: Catherine at Dance Masters | Sweets: Graeme Byrne | Accommodations: Sheraton Richmond Airport

By Paula Ramirez

It happened just the way it was meant to, friendship first. Ginny and Aaron met through mutual friends and soon fell in love… “Aaron was the missing piece to the puzzle,” professed Ginny. Overcome with anticipation, Aaron popped the question on a random pandemic Monday. He dropped to one knee and blurted out, “I just can’t wait any longer.” In yoga pants, surrounded by their pups, Bru and Lyla, Ginny happily whimpered “Yes” through streaming tears.

“Since we started dating, we knew Historic Mankin Mansion would be our venue. Essentially growing up there, I knew it would mean the world to Aaron to be married at his family home. It’s also the most beautiful venue in Richmond, so how could we not? We knew we would be so well taken care of by choosing the Mansion and we were NOT disappointed!” said Ginny.

Guests came together from California, Utah, Arizona, Tennessee, and Mexico, along with Virginia locals, to celebrate Aaron and Ginny. The family was elated to see such loved and beautiful souls come together in marriage. Their dear friend officiated the wedding, the perfect blend of sentimentality and hilarity, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house!

“My mom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s back in 2006 and dancing to ‘Shout’ with her and all my friends was such a fun and special moment that I’ll cherish forever!” ~ Ginny

“Being at the altar and just seeing that it was finally all happening. I was so happy walking down the aisle with my mom, being up there with my best friends, and then seeing Ginny walk down the aisle. It was the best feeling.” ~ Aaron

From the whimsical pampas grass and vintage gem tones to the mix of gourmet Greek and Mexican food to the Aston Martin getaway car, the entire weekend was absolute perfection and, most importantly, unapologetically Aaron & Ginny.

Our advice to other couples… “Take in every special moment during the day - it goes by in a FLASH!! Don’t focus on the minuscule details, it won’t matter in the moment, just have FUN!!! Remember this day is about YOU and your love – make it what YOU want!!”

The Do's and Don'ts of Hiring a Band

Next Article

Five Things to Bring to Your Bridal Appointment

The Do’s and Don’ts of Hiring a Band… But Mostly the Do’s!

When hiring a band, here are 7 things to think about:

1. Be clear about the style(s) of music the band will play.

2. Plan an appropriate budget for a live band.

3. Ask the band if they can play multiple segments of your wedding.

5. Feed the performers and plan for breaks accordingly.

4. Use song requests sparingly.

6. Don’t just grab any microphone for speeches.

7. Tip the band.

featured weddings

AUDREY MIKE August 14, 2021 &5

&5LEKEISHA October 10, 2021

&5ROBERT JAMESE October 23, 2021

FEATURED WEDDING JULIA&5 JAD October 30, 2021

November 27, 2021

December 4, 2021

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This article is from:

Richmond Weddings Magazine - Issue 63 - Spring/Summer 2022