Wedding band attire?

slaps76 · #1 12-29-2011, 07:37 PM

Hey everyone,

My cover band has a couple of weddings booked, which are our first. I'd like to know what other bands wear?

Exact outfits, or just matched colors(did you take a band "field trip" to the same store for the exact same shirt, pants, ect., or just all decide on matching colors & style and pick up the clothes on own)?

Anyone mix up colors, ex. singer has different color shirt, or do you stay uniform across the board?

We were thinking dress shirts, pants, vests & ties....?

Thanks!

elgecko · #2 12-29-2011, 07:45 PM

It depends on the wedding. I've worn tuxes, suits, dress shirt and slacks, and guayaberas. You should probably ask the wedding party how gussied up they'd like you to get. The closest I've gotten to playing in "uniform" was black tuxes.

slaps76 · #3 12-29-2011, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elgecko

It depends on the wedding. I've worn tuxes, suits, dress shirt and slacks, and guayaberas. You should probably ask the wedding party how gussied up they'd like you to get. The closest I've gotten to playing in "uniform" was black tuxes.

I know the wedding we have next month isn't a tux type of wedding(the reception is at a bar/nightclub), but the one we have later on may be...so I should definitely ask for that one. Thanks!

mrpackerguy · #4 12-29-2011, 08:06 PM

We are a wedding band. Unless asked to dress otherwise, suit n tie would do well.

slaps76 · #5 12-29-2011, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrpackerguy

We are a wedding band. Unless asked to dress otherwise, suit n tie would do well.

Thanks

ShoeManiac · #6 12-30-2011, 12:11 AM

I worked weddings for about 7 years on the photo/video side of things. There are always going to be varying dress codes for the party/guests. That's up to the discretion of the people planning the event.

As for the people working the event? Black tuxedos go a long way. You're going to see photographers, video people and the Maitre' D all in tuxes, too. It gives an air of professionalism to everyone working the wedding, the band included. I've seen a number of instances where the front person for the band will dress a bit differently. But a wedding is a situation where the musicians aren't necessarily meant to stand out like in other gig settings.

That being said, if you go the tux route, then your bandmates should be on the same page. Either you should all have bowties or all neckties. Regular neckties are a little more up to date style-wise.

EatADeadGoat · #7 12-30-2011, 02:54 AM

Like dis.

lfmn16 · #8 12-30-2011, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EatADeadGoat

Like dis.

Just goes to show that you can't go wrong wearing black!

slaps76 · #9 12-30-2011, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EatADeadGoat

Like dis.

That's a good look

Ideally I'd think we all in the band would have a couple of different options, including a tux on hand. And leather spikes haha.

Edward G. · #10 12-30-2011, 07:16 AM

Rule of thumb for working at social events: Dress like a guest.

klejst · #11 12-30-2011, 08:44 AM

Perhaps ask the couple what "wedding colors" they are using, however a nice suit or shirt and tie with nice slacks is never a bad choice...as long as it is not ridiculous.

cheapimitation · #12 12-30-2011, 08:50 AM

My band plays about 50 weddings per year, and our 2 female vocalists wear sparkly miniskirts, hair extensions, etc.... the works. The males wear different looks (i.e., not everyone wears a tie), and are also somewhat flashy -- things we wear include velvet vests, leather studded bracelets, shades, platform shoes, etc. Works for us. We don't subscribe to the idea that we shouldn't stand out, and we never wear tuxes.

Marko5657 · #13 12-30-2011, 09:31 AM

jgroh · #14 12-30-2011, 09:36 AM

Its really based on the feel of the wedding. Some people do a causal wedding and you can get away with more. You should talk to the bride/groom about what they want.

Febs · #15 12-30-2011, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edward G.

Rule of thumb for working at social events: Dress like a guest.

Or better than a guest. You will never go wrong being overdressed for a wedding, but the converse is not true.

We wear tuxes, but we are a 17-piece big band and we specifically market ourselves towards more formal events, so that look tends to work well with the type of weddings we book.

One band I sub with wears black suits and black shirts. Another wears all black with white ties.

elgecko · #16 12-30-2011, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slaps76

...We were thinking dress shirts, pants, vests & ties....?

Thanks!

Whatever you do, DO NOT do vests! You'll only be a straw hat and a armband away from looking like a barber shop quartet!

Muttleybass · #17 12-30-2011, 10:10 AM

Last wedding we did had a pirate theme. THAT was a good time!

I'd say depending on the wedding, a suit & tie. Even if it's just Dockers or khakis with loafers, it's better than being underdressed. I'd say absolutely no jeans, runners or t shirts. Unless, of course, it's that kind of wedding.

slaps76 · #18 12-30-2011, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elgecko

Whatever you do, DO NOT do vests! You'll only be a straw hat and a armband away from looking like a barber shop quartet!

Really? I've looked up some local bands that do weddings and have seen a bunch of photos with that look, don't think it looks bad. Formalwear vests of course, not something from Kmart.

elgecko · #19 12-30-2011, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slaps76

Really? I've looked up some local bands that do weddings and have seen a bunch of photos with that look, don't think it looks bad. Formalwear vests of course, not something from Kmart.

One of the bands I'm in has matching formal purple vests & ties.

It's corny as hell in my opinion.

slaps76 · #20 12-30-2011, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elgecko

One of the bands I'm in has matching formal purple vests & ties.

It's corny as hell in my opinion.

Yea I couldn't see rocking purple. Was thinking black shirt/pants with gray vests, more conservative.