Choosing the right music for your Orlando wedding is a big decision, and one you’ll want to get just right! While Orlando wedding DJs are always a great option, many couples opt for live music. Thankfully, Orlando is home to lots of talented musicians, making the decision easier than you might think.
Music really sets the tone for each portion of your wedding day. You’ll want to factor in what type of energy, theming and ambiance best compliments and enhances each important moment and choose your music accordingly.
Below you’ll find some important things to consider when choosing your Orlando wedding music, and some great photos of amazing Orlando wedding musicians you’ll definitely want to add to your list as you start meeting with talent.
1. Consider the Ambiance You Want to Create!
Think about the vibe you’re going for… what type of energy would you like to see at your wedding? What ambiance would you like to create for your guests at different times throughout the day? Beyond just the specific songs or genre of music, consider the energy level of the band, the instruments the musicians are playing, and how the overall aesthetic of the setup compliments your venue and theme. This is more about personal preference and what fits your style than anything else. Remember, it’s your day and the Orlando wedding music/musicians you choose should reflect the two of you!
2. Recommendations Go A Long Way!
Asking friends, family or trusted wedding vendors is a great place to start when searching for your Orlando wedding music! Many of the Orlando wedding vendors you’ll be working with – like your Orlando wedding venue, photographer or wedding planner – are great resources for recommending bands and musicians they have worked with in the past. You can also ask the talent for references – a happy couple is most definitely the best reference!
3. Get to Know the Talent!
A meet & greet with the band can be super helpful in finding out if they’re the right fit. Here are some great questions to ask while you “interview” your talent:
- How long have you been playing at weddings?
- How familiar are you with our specific venue?
- Do you play outdoors?
- Will you bring your own sound equipment or do you require the venue to supply this?
- What are your audio/equipment requirements? Do you have a backup plan if there’s equipment malfunction?
- How long is your set; how many sets; how many breaks?
- If we have a shy crowd, how will you motivate them to dance?
- Will you follow a dress code?
- How do you handle song requests?
- What is your cancellation policy or insurance, if any?
- Will you play overtime?
- What are your setup requirements and will you require a venue walk-through?
- When do you start/end?
4. See Them Perform Live!
Music really creates an atmosphere at an event, so you’ll want to make sure you choose talent that helps to set the tone you’re going for at your wedding. Seeing a musical act live is a great way to know what type of vibe they’ll bring to your day. You don’t have to go crashing any weddings; some bands may play at public events or are likely to have a YouTube channel or social media pages showcasing their work. Beyond sifting through reviews, spend some time looking up videos online and see them for yourself!
5. Discuss Fees & Remember Your Budget!
The range of pricing for live wedding entertainment can be extreme. Make sure you set your maximum budget before speaking to any talent, but be prepared to be flexible if needed. Remember, even if you have a limited budget, shopping around is a great way to get a feel for what’s typical for the music type, style and talent experience you’re going for.
Don’t forget that the time of year also plays a part in this process, so be prepared to pay more during peak wedding season.
6. Discuss Setup & Consider Venue Layouts!
Some musicians will need minimum setup beyond their instrument, but larger bands will require a much more elaborate setup and therefore, a lot more space. Consider the layout of your venue to make sure it can accommodate the needs of the band or musicians you’d like to hire. Sometimes walking through the venue is all the musician needs to make sure they’ll have the space for all of their equipment and specific setup, so ask your venue if this is something that can be scheduled ahead of time to get any questions answered about space, sound systems and electricity.
On the day of your wedding, the band will likely arrive early to set up and complete their sound check (usually 1.5 hrs beforehand or more). It’s a long day for everyone so, like all the vendors who are in it for the long haul on your wedding day, make sure to feed them and allocate a space for musicians to freshen up and store personal items.
7. Think About Timing & Flow!
The flow of your wedding day is largely based on timing. To make sure the timing is just right for each part of your event, make sure you discuss the overall timeline for the day, factoring in setup, set lists and breaks. Also, make sure to ask about time constraints or fees and availability for adding on additional time, if you need to fill gaps.
8. Consider Multiple Musicians!
Different parts of the day will call for different music, energy and ambiance. For example, you may want classical music played by a string musician for the ceremony, a solo acoustic artist for cocktail hour, and a versatile cover band for dinner & reception. Don’t be afraid to consider hiring multiple Orlando wedding musicians to fill these needs throughout the day, if your budget allows.
9. Discuss Playlists & Special Songs!
While many couples already have the type of music they want in mind, your Orlando wedding band or musician may have set lists prepared in advance and won’t necessarily follow a detailed playlist you create. This is your chance to take advantage of the band’s experience, as they’ll be most familiar with which tunes create the kind of atmosphere you’re aiming for.
With most experienced Orlando wedding bands, you just have to give them a few ideas of the energy you’d like to create and they’ll be able to come back to you with whole playlists worth of suggestions while incorporating the specific songs you want!
10. Ask About Insurance!
No matter how well we plan, not everything is certain and unforeseen circumstances do happen sometimes. Be sure to check on whether the Orlando wedding band/musician you are hiring has insurance. And don’t forget to check on their policies in regards to backup artists and sickness, as well as deposits, refunds & cancellation fees, should you need to make adjustments at the last minute.
11. Consider Theming & Visual Appeal!
After you’ve covered all of the technical aspects, think about what really makes a band stand out – their energy, flair, style and presence. Many couples specifically choose their Orlando wedding music based on the overall vibe the band brings to an event! The musical vibe flows throughout the whole event, so you’ll want to make sure it fits well with your personality, the experience you want to create for your guests and your overall theme.
Bookmark this article to save these tips and this great list of Orlando Wedding Musicians. When you reach out, don’t forget to let them know you found them on Married Orlando!
