Would/does your band do WEDDINGS? Are they that bad?

[CoffeeLove]

There seems to be quite a bit of "dislike" out there for playing weddings. Curious why this is exactly? Have done the bar/restaurant/winery scene for a while now, along with special events, so exploring other options. Have not formulated my question very well, but you get the idea.

My band has considered doing more modern dance music, as well as 60-70's disco/funk stuff. Doing so mainly because we like the music, and people really seem to love our handful of dance tunes (Uptown Funk, LeFreak, Bust a Move, etc...), it always makes them dance. But we also talked about how more playing opportunities might open if we leaned in that direction, and so weddings came into the conversation.



Peace

 

[bass12]

I play in a wedding/corporate events band and quite enjoy doing weddings. If I was the one having to deal with logistics and with the planner, etc. I probably wouldn’t enjoy things quite as much, but as strictly a musician? Yeah, sign me up.

 

[ahc]

Like any gig sometimes it's good, sometimes it's not. It should always be way more lucrative than your average bar gig. The hate probably comes from folks who don't want to play cover tunes or dress for the occasion (tux, suits or other semi formal attire). And some don't want to put up with annoying wedding/event planners or learn a tune or tunes that you hate that are requested by the bridal party. You have to be flexible regarding setup times and scheduling. I've done my share of weddings and corporate events and sometimes they suck and other times they're fun. Bar gigs are generally more "fun" but I'll put up with it cause the money can be really good. And remember that the band is not the center of attention. The bride and groom and family is. No one comes to a wedding to see the band.

 

[CoffeeLove]

Like any gig sometimes it's good, sometimes it's not. It should always be way more lucrative than your average bar gig. The hate probably comes from folks who don't want to play cover tunes or dress for the occasion (tux, suits or other semi formal attire). And some don't want to put up with annoying wedding/event planners or learn a tune or tunes that you hate that are requested by the bridal party. You have to be flexible regarding setup times and scheduling. I've done my share of weddings and corporate events and sometimes they suck and other times they're fun. Bar gigs are generally more "fun" but I'll put up with it cause the money can be really good. And remember that the band is not the center of attention. The bride and groom and family is. No one comes to a wedding to see the band.

That's sort of what I figured. You mean the crowd is not there for the band, why not?

 

[two fingers]

I've played hundreds of them. The money is great. Most of them are fun. You're almost always done early. Did I mention the money is great?

I love playing weddings.

 

[JRA]

There seems to be quite a bit of "dislike" out there for playing weddings.

really? not among professional players...

IME: weddings in general, and 'upscale weddings' in particular, pay very well. the best wedding bands are among the highest paying opportunities for many musicians who play full time. the best wedding bands are well known (at least in their own area) and are in demand. they know the wedding protocols and they specialize in pleasing their market (bride's and their families). successful wedding bands work with wedding planners/event specialists/agents regularly. the repertoire is important but 'presentation' is everything. they tend to be dress-up gigs (tuxes/suits/themes) and they are not driven by 'band culture' --- the bride and groom (and their families) are the stars!

You mean the crowd is not there for the band, why not?

the bride and groom (and their families) are the stars!
the bride and groom (and their families) are the stars!
the bride and groom (and their families) are the stars!
the bride and groom (and their families) are the stars!

 

[buldog5151bass]

It could be a fun gig, it could be an absolute bore, it could be a horror show, but the money generally is good

 

[Vic Winters]

I played my first wedding last year and it was great. The free dinner and drinks was a nice bonus.

 

[motoman]

You might even bring home a bridesmate

 

[2112]

Job's a job.

 

[bherman]

As long as you know that you're going there to entertain and keep drunk guests on the dance floor, not to change the world with great musicianship, its fine. They can be fine. I wouldnt do any during the pandemic, alcohol and emotions dont mix well

 

[Chickenwheels]

Wedding gigs are my bread and butter. We call them “Waitings” due to the long periods of formalities and early setup times. If you’re working with awesome people and getting good pay/terms they are great gigs.

 

[bolophonic]

My old band played one wedding and I never wanted to do another one ever again.

Professionally, I have officiated several dozen weddings and now I don’t ever want to do another one ever again.

 

[moon-bass]

Weddings are great! Usually everyone is happy, money is good, food and booze is good ... Sure there Are downsides (esp if you have to deal with a bridezilla or groomzilla ... Or mother of the bridezilla, etc.) but for the most part I enjoy playing weddings.

 

[moon-bass]

There was a very short lived TV show with Brian Austin Green called, appropriately, Wedding Band. I thought it was awesome. Lot's of band-life in jokes.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

We told the bride and groom from the moment they contacted us: We were a stinky little bar band. We would play their requests ("Somewhere Over The Rainbow", "Isn't She Lovely", "Stand By Me") but we could not be held responsible for anything else. We made a bunch of money and got to spend a free weekend on Cape Cod. Someday maybe we'll get to play another one.

 

[jnuts1]

weddings can be a chore but taking home 10x what i make a regular club is not.

 

[57pbass]

Played many weddings and wedding type shows. Great opportunities to learn different styles of songs. Great comp and most of the time the food is also an added bonus. Thankfully most of the modern day weddings don’t require musicians to wear tuxedos.. just all black business casual. So much easier and comfortable. We always ask in advance if Uncle Louie or Aunt Millie will get up to perform..no surprise drunk guests.

My favorite wedding band experience.
We were going on break and one of the drunk guests told me and the guitar player
“ You guys are horrible “

 

[ezstep]

You have to play many styles of songs that you normally wouldn't play. (Bobby Darin, Sinatra, Tom Jones, etc.) But the trade off is $$$. They can be fun, the food is good, but the waiting is a pain.

 

[Ggaa]

Haven't played a bad wedding gig yet. $ is good, probably get to eat, and when bride and groom leave, gig over.

 

[Johnny Fingers]

My bands played at quite a few. Played at my HS sweetheart’s reception, we had broken up a few years earlier. Found out a couple of years ago sadly that she had died.
They ran the gamut from biker bashes to some hoidy-toidy affairs with ritzy food. One of the best ones was a mob wedding in Rolling Hills, very near to where my profile photo was taken. (didn’t want to piss anyone off at that one!)