Newly Engaged? Your First Wedding Music Decisions
Congratulations. The first weeks of an engagement are full of advice, and most of it is about dresses and venues. Music deserves an early spot on the list too, because the bands couples want most are booked on the same Saturdays as everyone else.
Here is the order that works, from a Houston agency that has booked wedding music since 1993.
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The Four Things the Band Will Ask First
Every wedding quote starts from the same four answers. You do not need final numbers, just a good working guess.
Your date
Or two or three candidate dates. Peak months fill first, so a short list helps.
Your venue
Or the area you are looking in. The venue sets the space, power and sound limits the band works within.
Your guest count
It sets the band size. A duo or trio suits 30 to 75 guests, a 4 to 6 piece band 75 to 200, and a full 8 to 12 piece band 200 to 500 or more.
Your style
Variety, R&B and Motown, Latin, country, jazz and swing, or a mix. Different bands specialize in different genres.
Your First Month, Step by Step
- Week 1Pick candidate dates
Choose two or three dates and decide which season you want. Peak months in Houston are March through June, September through November, and December.
- Week 2Shortlist venues
While you tour, ask each venue the band questions: power, floor space, sound limits and end time.
- Week 3Watch and listen
Spend an evening on band videos together and save the acts you both like.
- Week 4Check your date
Once the venue is held, send your date, venue, guest count and style for a free, no-obligation quote.
Decide Which Parts of the Day Need Music
Many bands cover the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner and reception. You can also mix ensembles, and a string quartet for the ceremony and cocktails with a dance band for the reception is one of the most popular combinations Avalon books.
Writing down the parts of the day you want covered, and roughly how many hours each runs, makes every quote you receive easier to compare.
What Can Wait
- Your first dance song. It is chosen at the pre-event consultation every wedding booking includes.
- Your must-play and do-not-play lists, also part of that consultation.
- Special song requests. Bands ask for them 4 to 6 weeks before the wedding.
- The event-day timeline, which the coordinator works out with your venue and planner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after getting engaged should we book a wedding band?
Avalon recommends booking your wedding band 12 to 24 months in advance, especially for peak season dates in March through June, September through November, and December. Popular bands book out quickly in Houston.
Do we need a venue before we contact a band?
It helps, because the venue sets the space, power and sound limits. You can still ask about a date while you choose, and confirm the venue once it is held.
Can we pick our songs later?
Yes. Every wedding booking includes a pre-event consultation where you share must-play songs, your first dance selection and special moment music. Do-not-play lists are welcome too.