Top Tips for Wedding and Events Band Part 2

Welcome to another instalment of our occasional series, Top Tips for Wedding and Event Bands.

These tips may seem basic—especially for bands that are already busy and have been gigging for years —but it’s easy to get a bit blasé and overlook the fundamentals. The best bands in the world, if they care about maintaining their reputation, make sure they get these things right.

Ensure Your Transport is Reliable

The most talented band is rendered useless if they’re stranded on the side of the motorway, unable to reach their gig. That’s why ensuring your transport is in excellent condition is crucial. Before heading to an event, check your vehicle's maintenance. This becomes even more critical if your band travels in multiple vehicles. Each one must be in good shape. No point in the rest of you being there if the singer is sitting in a layby sucking a fisherman's friend and wondering what all the pretty lights on the dashboard mean (I get to say this as I was a wedding singer and that very thing happened to me. Although it was TCP lozenges for me).

Here are some key points to consider:

Check Fuel Levels: Make sure everyone’s vehicle is topped up. Daft? It's the main cause of roadside breakdowns.

Regular Maintenance: Ensure tyres, headlights, and windscreen washer fluids and wiper blades are all in good condition.

Road Tax and Insurance: Make sure your vehicle is fully taxed and insured to avoid unexpected stops by the local constabulary. You won't be allowed to continue your journey. Ask me how I know.

Breakdown Coverage: Consider AA or RAC breakdown coverage—or any reputable service—to make sure you’re not left stranded.

Neglecting your transport can ruin your reputation and cost you your fee for the night. Don’t leave anything to chance.

• Check Your PA and gear.

Even if you arrive at the venue on time, faulty equipment can derail the entire event. A small issue, like a malfunctioning cable, can delay setup and result in a frustrated client and increased pressure from the event organiser. It’s always the small problems that build up under pressure.

To avoid this scenario:

• Carry Spares, Particularly Cables: Most equipment failures are due to faulty cables—so always bring spares. The same goes for fuses. A wee toolkit stored somewhere useful is very wise. I once had to change the fuse in a plug using a butter knife borrowed from the venue. They weren’t impressed.
  
  
• Test Your Equipment Regularly: Make sure your PA, mics, amps and instruments are working properly before every gig.
  
  
• Bonus Tip: Always Take Your Own PA

This issue came up fairly recently for one of our bands: If the venue already has a PA system and you’re not familiar with it, don’t rely on it or even expect it to work. Even prestigious venues may have substandard equipment. Additionally, the installed PA may have been damaged by previous users, or you might not have time to figure out how to operate it properly.

Solution: Bring your own PA, or at the very least, your own mixing desk. This ensures you have complete control over the quality of sound, and you won’t be left scrambling if the venue’s system doesn’t meet your standards.

• Final Considerations

If you’re performing at a city-centre venue, be mindful of any congestion or restricted access zones that could delay your arrival. For example, Glasgow has introduced new ULEZ restrictions, and others like Edinburgh will follow soon. It’s always wise to double-check the traffic situation beforehand too. A big football match or event can seriously slow you down. One time we were in our van looking at our venue (Dundas Castle) but we couldn't move for an hour becuase the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston had just come out. Very frustrating. We made it on time but could have done without the stress and of course I was bursting for a pee by the time we got moving. 

Key Takeaways:

Transport: Ensure all vehicles are in good condition, taxed and insured.

Equipment: Check regularly and take spares for all your gear.

PA: Always have your own PA as a backup. Even if the venue tells you theirs is a belter.

Traffic Considerations: Research the venue location and plan accordingly.

Taking these steps will keep your band’s reputation intact, ensure smooth performances, and avoid unnecessary stress. They’ll also mean you’ll have money to buy Monster Munch and Red Bull on the drive home.

If you're a bedroom musician, you may think this is so obvious as to be completely unecessary and maybe even a bit patronising. Join a band my friend, it's not nearly as easy in real life as gigging musicians make it look.

I hope the rest of you find these tips a useful reminder.

 

Best of luck,

Del Cotton - Founder of Hireaband Limited and grizzled veteran of thousands of (mainly) succesful gigs.