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Somewhere between Lawrence Welk and Motley Crüe lies the perfect band for the big wedding day. Whether you're looking for a group that plays funk or soul, classical or swing, you'll find them here - as well as some practical advice for nailing down this all-important detail.
It has all the makings of a fairy-tale wedding. A Vera Wang wedding gown and Kenneth Cole shoes. A three-carat Cartier engagement ring. An elegant ballroom is booked for the reception; the champagne chilled. But if the band you hired for the big day can't hold a beat, you just might turn into a pumpkin.
"It doesn't matter how many thousands of dollars you've spent on the wedding, if you book a cheesy band, you will cheapen the whole event," warns Sam Foxman, a booking agent at Contemporary Productions. "Music is the focal point of the party. It's the common denominator that brings people together." "Having a good band is the key, to any good party," agrees Tanya Sheridan, wedding coordinator for the Adam's Mark Hotel. "A good band can even get your grandma out on the dance floor."
If you're not clued in to the local music scene, finding a rockin' band to play at your wedding can be a daunting task. But if you follow some basic guidelines, you can easily avoid getting lost in a musical no-man's land. The number of guests invited should determine the type and size of band hired. If you're having 400 people, you'll need a big band (at least a 10-piece.) If you're opting for a more intimate wedding, you'll want to find a smaller group. Then decide what kind of music and mood you want. Do you picture folks dancing the night away or would you rather be able to hold a conversation while classic jazz standards play in the background?
Next, make sure the band you choose has cross-generational appeal. You don't want grandparents cowering in the corner because guitar jams are way too loud, nor do you want teenagers sneaking out for smoke breaks because the music isn't hip. The simplest way to remedy this dilemma is to hire professional players who can captivate crowds of all ages. Seasoned musicians may cost a bit more then the average garage band, but because they'll set up on time, dress for the occasion, and promise to entertain your guests, it's money well spent. Remember, you're probably going to ask them to play for up to 4 hours.
"The plan is to only get married once, so why have a party that is less than memorable?" says booking agent Benet Schaeffer. "If you hire veteran players who know how to engage an audience, the event will run much more smoothly. If you buy a cheap band, you'll add additional chaos to an event that's already stressful. The bottom line is that you get what you pay for."
Instead of scouring the city on a musical quest, call a booking agent, and let the experts do the legwork for you. It costs a bit more (usually around $250) to go through an agency, but when you consider the time it takes to scout around town listening to band after band, track down the players, and then nail them down to a contract, it's a small price to pay. (SLM recommends the Benet Schaeffer Agency [776-8084] or Contemporary Productions [962-4000]. Of course, this guide can be used as a reference when planning any festive occasion, not just wedding receptions.)
"When a bride is planning her wedding for the first time, she's in the dark about almost everything," says Sheridan. "We suggest that our clients hire an agent. It's one less headache."
Hiring a booking agent also provides you with a safety net if the band decides that they'd rather play Mississippi Nights instead of your wedding night. If the band happens to pull a disappearing act, an agency will conjure up another group to take their place. They'll also take care of all the details such as the contract and price negotiations, as well as making sure that the band is on time for the sound check.
"Artists often can be self-promoting, whereas an agent's job is to find the best band for the event," says Schaeffer. "Because of the broad age range, weddings are one of the hardest events to book. An agent will know if a band has a song list that will entertain your entire audience."
Schaeffer also reminds moms and dads (who often take on most of the planning) to remember who is getting married. "What's most important is that the bride and groom have a great time."
--By Kimberly Leydig
 Listings of Excellent St. Louis Bands!
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