A question for those with a band

alina Posted: Feb 13, 2003 03:25 PM

A question for those with a band

I am wondering if the MC is supposed to give you suggestions on which songs to play for special dances if you ask him for suggestions?

Mine has been less than helpful, so I am seriously thinking of 'decreasing' his tip at the wedding...

Its not a big deal, but not a great positive.

So just asking what the proper approach would be.

dubliner Posted: Feb 13, 2003 03:28 PM

Re: A question for those with a band

I am a little confused - do you have an MC and a band?
We have a band, and wherever we need an announcement to be made - dinner is served, B&G first dance, he will make it.
We will make all (well most) of the music decisions. He should not be telling you, but I do think he should have some input if you ask questions.
What kind of 'special'songs will you have? You have to meet with him before the day and go over this stuff

Annieb Posted: Feb 13, 2003 03:29 PM

Re: A question for those with a band

Our band leader gave us his suggestions for what works and a list of songs that are typically used for the different dances.

charliesgirl Posted: Feb 13, 2003 03:30 PM

Re: A question for those with a band

I met with my band last weekend and the MC was more than helpful with suggestions.

alina Posted: Feb 13, 2003 03:32 PM

Re: A question for those with a band

I think I have an MC and a band. Basically, the MC coordinates all the songs, and announcements, and puts the whole band together (i.e. we go through him to book). He wants to meet with us a week before the wedding, to finalize song lists, but does not help with inputs on things like: Father/Daughter dance, Mother/Son, cake cutting, garter toss, bouquet toss, etc...

He's been pretty reluctant to fax me any type of song lists... And I am pretty upset about it, it just creates so much work for me

OctBride03 Posted: Feb 13, 2003 03:32 PM

Re: A question for those with a band

The band I am using gave me a song list, with a list of separate songs for father/daughter dance and mother/son dance.

alina Posted: Feb 13, 2003 03:34 PM

Re: A question for those with a band

Ok, so should I:

a)harrass the guy or

b)give him a lower tip?

As it seems to be a standard part of hiring the band...

We're paying a lot of money for the band, so I kind of expect 'full service' if that makes sense.

dubliner Posted: Feb 13, 2003 03:41 PM

Re: A question for those with a band

OK - I get the idea

If you are not happy, I would mention to him that you need more input from hime, paying for experience, etc., but I would be nice about it. If that doens't yield an improvement, then you could adjust the tip.

He might change his attitude if you mention to him that you don't feel like you are getting a 'full service'

dubliner Posted: Feb 13, 2003 03:42 PM

Re: A question for those with a band

I just checked your wedding date - you are very organised. I am getting married 5/25, I guess I need ot get in touch with my band

alina Posted: Feb 13, 2003 03:55 PM

Re: A question for those with a band

dubliner:

I just spoke to him again!!!
Still no help. He expects the bride/groom to come with a list. I.e. he does not have a list of 50 or 100 songs that he can provide me with as a guidance.

He agreed to meet with me in May to go over songs, and will show us sample weddings. Didn't want to do it sooner...

But May is too late for us to start making our CD favors => no yielding from him...

I really don't know what to do...

alina Posted: Feb 13, 2003 04:18 PM

Re: A question for those with a band

bump

SeptemberBride03 Posted: Feb 13, 2003 04:56 PM

Re: A question for those with a band

What band? Mine gave me a sample list when I signed them on. Maybe he can fax you the lists former brides have used to give you somewhere to start from.

alina Posted: Feb 13, 2003 05:00 PM

Re: A question for those with a band

Its a Russian band, based out of NJ/Brooklyn... We attended a friend's wedding who hired this band, and loved them. I have asked him for a list of former brides songs, but he claims that with over 100 weddings annually and 20 year's in the business, he's all over the place and would have too many suggestions!!! Yet wouldn't spill the beans for us

coralmali Posted: Feb 13, 2003 06:34 PM

Re: A question for those with a band

I can't really give you any good advice since I haven't booked a band yet myself, and have no clue what the standards are.

I would come up with a small list and tell him what types of music you would like, then make him show you videos and write down the songs you liked.

My Mom keeps telling me to go with a Russian band because they are sooo great and can sing anything. I'm sure your band will be really good, especially since you've already heard them and liked them, but I am printing this post so I can show her that it is probably easier for me to work with an American band.

alina Posted: Feb 13, 2003 09:23 PM

Re: A question for those with a band

Ella, just an FIY for you, we've hired david Freilehs... We also visited Bremens Band and Sam Michaelson and didn't click with them...There is also Yohan (buhar) and Alexey's band (but I heard they get drunk at their own gigs). For us having russian music was important, so I ruled American bands out...

coralmali Posted: Feb 13, 2003 09:31 PM

Re: A question for those with a band

I know it's important. My parents would love it too. Did the Russian bands sing American songs well? What were the price ranges?
I'd like to compare the pros / cons of American vs. Russian? Let me know if the MC works with you and helps you out?

alina Posted: Feb 13, 2003 09:45 PM

Re: A question for those with a band

oops, I didn't realize you were online...The Russian bands can play most of the Pop american songs, from my understanding...

the band's we've seen were between $3,500-$6,000 without the extra lightning, etc (day wedding). I think yohan is closer to $10K... I never looked at american bands, so can't help you here. The only other difference that I can think of is that American bands actually have specific people in the band, but the way david has it (and probably the other russian bands) is that he pulls people who perform in Russian restaurants. Since we liked what he had at our friend's weddings, we just asked for something similar, with a specific violin player (who is awesome, I am not kidding here). But I think in American bands they actually specify which people will play at a wedding (i.e. names, instruments, etc).

So far lack of input from david is the only problem that I have encountered.