I've been reading through reviews on the boards of different wedding bands. My catering manager really recommended Faze 4 - he said they will make our party. And I've heard many really great things about them. From what I've been reading, though, they seem expensive, but I think we'd be willing to splurge on a really great band.
Problem is though, how you pick a band if you haven't been to any weddings to hear bands. How did everyone make their decision? Did you go by the showcases? Word of mouth? Just seems scary to make that decision without having seen a band in action.
little j
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Re: How to pick a band?
first, look onliine! some of the bands have clips on their website...or try youtube search
ask the bands to send a DVD
when we were considering a band, this is what we did. and there is a BIGGG diffference out there in bands and band quality!!!
MrsLaT2be
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Re: How to pick a band?
We have been going to showcases and seeing what type of energy each band brings. One of my personal tests is that if I don't see anyone's heads/feet moving to the music than the band isn't doing their job.
I think going to showcases is your best bet if you don't have any weddings coming up. Check out the band websites -- they usually list when they are performing next.
Lisalana
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Re: How to pick a band?
It's definitely great to showcases when you can, but there are a bunch of bands that don't do them. Instead, they will show you DVDs at the appointment.
We chose our band because we were very impressed with what we saw on the DVD, and we also really like the bandleader. We felt comfortable meeting with her and like the fact that she will be the one performing on our day.
We looked at 8 band companies in total (faze 4, starlight, vali, NYC swing, creations, code blue, times square orchestra, soul revival) so feel free to FM me if you have any questions.
Good luck!
NewYorker09
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Re: How to pick a band?
I just wanted to say we're using Faze 4 (the Original Faze 4)and we've never seen them live . . . but their reputation makes me very excited to have them! Yes, they're expensive, but I have heard nothing but people raving about them. You can watch videos of them performing on their website which sounds really good. They were the band at Oheka on Platinum Weddings (not that you could hear them performing on it lol). We also considered New York Orchestra (we saw them perform live) but went with Faze 4. We're so excited to have them at our wedding!
GinaMike24
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Re: How to pick a band?
I am using the Projekt I looked them up online, went to a showcase and loved them and then went to another showcase before booking...love them!!
Tomlaur0808
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Re: How to pick a band?
We used The Naked Truth - & believe me they were worth every penny! 9 pcs for $4950 on a Sat night in Aug. They have been playing weddings for 25 years. I recommend them highly! Our dance floor was NEVER empty! Our DOC is actually recommending them to all her future clients b/c she was so blown away by them.
Tracey1979
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Re: How to pick a band?
Posted by GinaMike24
I am using the Projekt I looked them up online, went to a showcase and loved them and then went to another showcase before booking...love them!!
My friend had them and tells EVERYONE to get them. We asked, but they were booked for our date. But we are so psyched for Code Bleu
rdubs
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Re: How to pick a band?
We actually read about our band in New York Magazine and then went to a practice session. We also saw two other bands (Renegade and NYC Swing) but we wanted something different from other bands. Check out article on our band from NY Times a few weeks ago!
Definitely get recommendations for friends and ask how many breaks the bands play because they never advertise how many they actually take!
Lisalana
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Re: How to pick a band?
Posted by rdubs
We actually read about our band in New York Magazine and then went to a practice session.
That's how we found our band too! We were almost done with our search, but after seeing a great write up in NY Mag, figured we should check them out. We booked them on the spot.
Lsorrent
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Re: How to pick a band?
We're using Code Bleu. We booked them at one of their showcases. I really wouldn't book a band without hearing them in person first. And believe me, dvd's don't do them justice.
fonz616
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Re: How to pick a band?
We used 'The Touch'.....they are simply AWESOME!!!
Edited: we first saw them at Claudio's in Greenport and have seem them at Napper Tandy's, but they mainly do weddings now. If you go to their website you can listen to samples and see sample videos, as well as have a DVD sent to you I think.
lucydin2009
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Re: How to pick a band?
We saw LOTS of bands before we booked Soul Revival and they were amazing! FH and I loved them immediately and knew they were who we wanted at our wedding. Seeing a band live is super important even if they have a DVD IMHO. I know Soul Revival has a showcase this Monday b/c a friend of FH's is going. Also, bands are expensive but so worth it and Soul Revival is reasonable compared to other bands we saw. Good luck and FM me if you have any questions
