Bands are crucial when it comes to party entertainment. They guarantee to get the party started, giving guests a night to remember. But how can you find the perfect party performance? Alive Network’s MD, Dave Bevan, offers some top tips.
A party lives or dies on the quality of the entertainment. Alongside the food and drink (plenty of the latter, of course), it’s this that will avoid your colleagues and guests awkwardly mingling around the bar area.
And live bands are top of the pops for corporate party planners. Just over 43 per cent rate this as their entertainment of choice, with ‘mix and mingle’ artists, (magicians and lookalikes), reception musicians and DJs also featuring highly in their wishlists. But finding and choosing the right band needs to be carefully considered. After all, there’s no point in booking a pop band if your guests are more Bublé than Bieber.
Similarly, that local band of university students might be super cheap, but there’s a reason. You’re risking your reputation by unleashing an amateur band or DJ on your guests. And that’s not to mention any health and safety issues you could face with dodgy equipment. You can get cutting-edge and professional bands for under £1,000 that are not only amazing performers, but are also insured, with PAT-tested equipment. You can shave even more money off the cost by booking a band local to the venue who won’t be charging extra for travel expenses.
Our business, Alive Network, is all about parties, so a good agency can also help you with planning. First of all, think about the venue – are there any sound limiters or noise restrictions? Always check this before you book your venue. If yes, don’t worry – you’ll be able to find a host of sound limiter-friendly bands. Is there enough performance space? Is there a power supply near the performance area? Is there a changing space or room? All of these things are important to consider. Similarly, before booking your band, ensure you check their availability and research their performance and style. Reading and sourcing reviews are also a great way to check out their previous performances. Be sure to also ask your artist if they offer a DJ set in-between and after live music sets.
One month before, the artist should contact you to run through the finer details of your event, which will also provide you with the opportunity to give your artist/band advance notice of any party music preferences. Ensure you also put your band in touch with your venue so they can communicate if needed.
On the day, one to two hours is required for the band to set up and soundcheck. Allow your band to park close to the venue, so that they can unload their gear easily, plus keep their energy up for a crowd-wowing performance with additional food and drink supplies.
These simple steps will help you host a party to be proud of. You just need to find the perfect pair of dancing shoes.
