Booking entertainment for your wedding can feel like a daunting task. To help out with the search process and to make sure you get a high quality band, here are the top mistakes to avoid:

1. Forgetting to Budget for Entertainment

There are certain things you might want to cut in the budget. Entertainment isn't one of them. Great music means good times and good times mean lasting memories.

Bands come in various sizes, styles, and price points. These prices typically reflect band size, band member experience, and overall show quality. It's best to figure out your entertainment budget in the very beginning, which will help you avoid the next problem.

2. Waiting until the last minute to start your search

With so much to do when it comes to wedding planning it can be easy to overlook and save the entertainment for last. But the longer you wait to book a band the less options you will have.

 Many weddings are planned a year or more in advance. Wedding entertainment is no exception. This is why it is best to book early. We suggest looking into bands as soon as you figure out your wedding venue if not before. Not sure where to start? Just answer a few questions and one of our agents will reach out to you to help!

3. Not working with a qualified and experienced agent-manager

Working with an experienced agency like ours comes with the knowledge and expertise of over 30 years in the business.  We have recurring clients and a reputation to uphold, meaning we only work with the best of the best. 

Many venues also require liability insurance which most bands don't have. As a licensed and accredited agency, D. Bailey Management, Inc. has this coverage and we carry it at no additional cost to the client.

Our agent coordinates MC work and bridal party introductions, creates detailed itineraries for the band, and figures out all of the logistics with the venue for power and sound. On top of this, an extensive agency roster allows us to be ready for any event or circumstance.

These perks equal saved time for you and added security when it comes to your wedding entertainment.

4. Hiring a Hobby Band instead of a Professional Band

Not every band is qualified to play at a wedding. As much as we love every uncle that has a band as a side gig, we wouldn't suggest hiring him and his buddies to perform at your wedding.

Musicians and performers who do this type of work for a living rather than a hobby bring a different level of experience and therefore quality to the performance.

It takes a special kind of skill to create a party and make wedding guests happy without missing beat. You want to make sure you get a band that can put on a great show and keep the party going!

5. Forgetting a "Do Not Play" list

It is important to always review a band's repertoire and song list. Take a look at the style of music and variety to make sure it matches the mood that you want for your wedding day. We always recommend letting the agent know if there is anything that you do not wish to be played and creating a specific "Do Not Play" list.

Sometimes there are common wedding songs that clients really do not want to hear, and that's okay. A "Do Not Play" list and review of the band's repertoire ensures that there won’t be any unwanted songs played on your wedding day.

Booking a band for your wedding doesn't need to be overwhelming. At DBM we pride ourselves in making it easy and helping you have the most memorable wedding you could have imagined.

Feel free to check out our roster for a full list of talent or contact us for a free quote!