Wedding gig advice? And gigging outside...

[BillMason]

So we just got booked for our first wedding gig on August 2nd. All of our gigs except one so far have been in pubs and bars, the exception was a birthday party in a firehall out in the country.

They asked for sound clips or some sort of demo, which we do not have, so I sent them our songlist and a link to our facebook site, and asked for a deposit, which they've agreed to, and they've agreed to our rate, they said we looked perfect and they love our song list, so we're booked with no audition.

The event is at a lakeside cottage, and the reception is going to be very casual - I mean shorts and sandals, maybe golf shirts instead of t-shirts.

Any tips on wedding gigs, knowing the above information? Aside from dress code and song selection, how are they different from bar gigs?

Also, we'll be playing outside - our current 12 channel powered mixer is sized for small pubs and bars, I think 250 watts per channel. I play my bass through my amp, rather than PA, and the drummer has a Roland kit that he sometimes plays through a keyboard amp, rather than PA, and sometimes runs through the PA, depending on the venue. For an outdoor gig, should we be looking at renting any equipment, such as a power amp or some bigger main speakers, or a sub?

EDIT, I should add, my amp is a G-K 700 RB-II through a 500 watt Avatar SB112 delta at 4 Ohms, and the drummer uses a 60 watt Peavey keyboard combo amp. There are sufficient channels on the mixer to accommodate both of us, just not enough power, so I at least usually fore go PA support.

[CapnSev]

Sounds like a lot of fun to me. My only suggestion is to keep it somewhat family-friendly, and play to the crowd. Be prepared for requests, which are absurd sometimes. You won't be the center of attention either, which i think is kind of fun because you have some freedom to play around a little.

My wedding/party tips and pay are head and shoulders above bars too.

EDIT: Checked your rig setup - There would be zero need for PA support for you. Volume is cut dramatically from what bar volume is. I would not go for any more power, low volume clarity would be more important.

[Febs]

1. Find out any special requests (first dance songs, other requests, "do not play" songs) well in advance.

2. Make contact with the facility manager/banquet manager or whatever facility is holding the reception at least 1 week in advance of the gig. Find out if there are any particular issues that would impact your load-in, set up and load out. For an outdoor wedding, for example, there may be designated access roads that will allow you to load in near where you will be performing. There may be time restrictions as to when you can load in (for example, you do not want to do your load-in and set-up while the ceremony is going on).

3. Make sure that they have adequate power available. This is absolutely critical. Don't assume that someone else will think of it!

[Horny Toad]

Originally Posted by CapnSev

.....Volume is cut dramatically from what bar volume is. I would not go for any more power, low volume clarity would be more important.

+1

Play loudly enough for the people on the dance floor - that's about it. Should be a very fun gig!

[crazyguy832]

I agree with the above three posters and second all motions, especially the one regarding power.

I haven't been to an outdoor show yet where power hasn't been blown (minus large festivals)... be careful.

[scottmabe]

I have done this many times before, even at my own daughters wedding.
I would keep in mind that the people are focusing on the Wedding party, not really the band. In bar gigs its about the band but here you are in charge of the atmosphere.

That said ..I would keep sound levels to a minimum, remain as sober as possible and just have fun.

s

[CapnSev]

Adequate power is way important! I'm glad someone mentioned it, because I didn't. Bring your power conditioner.....

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by CapnSev

keep it somewhat family-friendly, and play to the crowd. Be prepared for requests, which are absurd sometimes.

+1 Also be prepared for a member of the party to request to sing while you play. I have played a dozen weddings, and there was a "singer" in the family every single time. Either be the karaoke band with a smile, or figure out a polite way to rebuff them.

Another thing is drunks. Every wedding I have played (or attended) had drunks, and drunks will do the following things:
bump into your instruments and knock them over;
grab the mic and sing/talk whether or not you are playing;
ash their cigs on your gear;
set their drinks on your gear (and spill of course);
dance right into your "space" where you're playing;
and most especially, they will deny having done any of that, and be completely offended if you ask for any money to pay for damages. I've even seen a couple of fistfights start between a drunk partygoer and a musician over the drunk damaging an instrument and then denying responsibility.

My solution is to stay close to my gear at all times, putting instruments in their cases and closing the lids on racks any time I walk away, even if I'm just going to the buffet for a second. I also put away mics. If at all possible I put a few chairs or houseplants between the band and the rest of the room.

As far as playing outdoors, bring several large white towels. Drape them over your gear to keep the sun off and to soak up any spilled drinks. Bring sunscreen, and don't be afraid to wear a hat with a big brim.

[BillMason]

Awesome advice guys, thanks!! Keep it coming if you got it.

[jaywa]

Wedding gigs can be a lot of fun. Couple of things that come to mind:

1) If it's not already in your contract (you DO have a contract, right?), make sure it's clear with your client whether or not the gig includes food and drink for the band. Bad form to sit down at a table or belly up to the buffet if they hadn't intended to feed the band.

2) Whatever the balance is owing after the deposit, get that before you play a note. Once the reception gets underway anything can happen and if your money-man gets drunk and takes off with one of the bridesmaids before he pays you, good luck ever trying to collect.

3) Dress code - for a casual event like you're describing I would go up one level from shorts and sandals, i.e., khaki pants, a collared short sleeve shirt and penny loafers.

4) Others have said keep it family friendly, I would definitely concur with that. Song selection and on-stage commentary. If you think a song or joke might be pushing it, leave it out.

5) Have fun, remember you are the background and not the "show".

6) Try not to get too distracted by all the pretty ladies.

[Lonnybass]

1. Be as flexible as possible. The unexpected will happen, so be ready for on-the-fly changes to occur, and make sure you are able to roll with them.

2. Find out as much as possible ahead of time in terms of "the plan" for the night and what will be expected of the band other than just playing. Will the band be responsible for introductions, announcements, etc?

3. Identify a point person in the wedding party ahead of time who will be the band's ONLY designated contact. Let that person run interference for you. Especially valuable when it comes to handling requests, identifying start and stop times, people trying to tell the band what to do, etc.

4. Anticipate any and all problems ahead of time. Bring extra EVERYTHING. Power cords, strings, heavy-duty extension lines, you name it.

5. Learn 5 slow songs.

6. Dress professionally and uniformly regardless of how casually the crowd will be dressed. Black pants and white dress shirts would be a good starting point.

7. I am always a proponent of bringing more power than you think you will need. A pair of high-quality JBLs and a power amp/mixing board rental should be readily affordable within the budget.

Lastly, with all of these points, keep in mind that this is someone's wedding - usually a once (or possibly twice) in a lifetime kind of event! And you want to make it as smooth and polished and free of logistical challenges as possible.

Lonnybass

[scottbass]

Originally Posted by jaywa

6) Try not to get too distracted by all the pretty ladies.

This is impossible. The best you can do is make sure there isn't some drunk/jealous/overprotective husband/boyfriend/brother/father waiting to punch you (or jump you from behind) when (not if) they start flirting with you. IME all women in bridesmaid dresses flirt - it must have to do with overcompensating for the usually-hideous dress.

[BigPappa985]

1) Remember that you're playing for the dance floor. Not to get confused with playing for a crowd who wants to listen to your music. It's not necessary to be so loud that people have to stop their conversations because of the volume.

2) I'm not sure how it is with your band, but one of the previous cover bands I was in allowed me to drink while playing. The issue at one of our wedding gigs was that the reception had an open bar...make sure you stay professional!

Though I didn't get out of controll, it didn't help that the groom's favorite band was KISS and we hand to learn alot of their covers.

[CincyBassMan]

^^+100 to Lonnybass' post

I would add be prepared to play w/o a break! I just did a wedding (indoors) last weekend where we were supposed to start @ 6:30p and didn't start till almost 8p! Then got to play only 45 min, break for the bouquet toss/garter toss, then started up around 10 and played to the end w/o a break!

You are pretty much at the mercy of the wedding party...

Good Luck! Russ

[Bassman7PM]

1) Find out from the wedding coordinator what the bridal colors are and dress accordingly.

2) If the wedding is theme based find music to match

3) Ask well before hand what songs the bride and groom want for their dance number as well as any special requests from the immediate family

4) Outdoor weddings call for outdoor catering, try to avoid getting in each others way during loading and unloading. Also, get to know the caterer, they are an awesome source for referrals for future events.

5) HAVE FUN!!!

[Cryhavok]

Smile and enjoy yourself. You might not be the center of attention for the night, but that doesn't mean you can't be interactive and involved with the crowd. If people aren't getting into it, play something with more energy and get em up on their feet. If they're digging the tunes and having a blast, keep them entertained.

Let us know how it goes!

[ee-san]

Playing outside: Check your shelter. If none, request that you get some or re-locate. Even if it is sunny it is an issue as you'll be standing there for hours while your ax heats up and curls around the edges.

Don't forget, someone will always talk to you while you are playing and even while you are singing. They will request a tune that is way out of your style. They might even be pretty just enough to make it difficult for you to refuse.

And after the 5,000th time doing wedding gigs, after you've passed to the great beyond, you'll be standing at the great pearly gates waiting for your turn to enter heaven and God will tell you to load-in through the kitchen.

[Lonnybass]

Oh, and I forgot to mention in my last post...

WHATEVER YOU DO, don't let the caterer plug in their ovens and cooking equipment into the same circuit as the PA and band equipment. You will find out the hard way what happens when an industrial-size electric stove is turned on "max" just as you attempt to thump out some Kool & the Gang. Trust me, it's not pretty.

Lonnybass

[Virgil]

Also, try to play a few songs that each generation can dance to...grandma, the parents, and the young adults. You want referrals after the gig, and the greatest compliment the band can receive is that everyone had a great time....I haven't seen Uncle George dance in years. My band is not allowed to drink alcohol, water and soft drinks only. Keep in mind, you want to exceed expectations. Get to the gig early, you never know what may happen unexpectedly, and regardless who's fault it is, if you are not ready to start on time...it's your fault. Also start on time, if the bridal party is not ready, that's on them; at the end of the night if they want you to play longer, they have to pay you for the extended time. Get that in writing before the gig. For outdoor gigs, weather and electrical, so I would request shelter and a backup generator.

[Lazylion]

I love playing weddings.

Does anyone in your band sing "I Will Always Love You"? Even though it's about breaking up, it's a very popular wedding request. Life is funny...