Wedding Bands playing time, interval duration etc

Scruff

Just wondering what kind of playing time we should be expecting from a Wedding Band. Also their set up time and interval duration.
Was at a wedding recently where the band were very good but they seemed to take way too long to set up and took a break of 45-60min (not exactly sure was a bit tipsy ).

Owen

Our band always has the best intention of being on stage at 10, but it never happens. People always have speeches that drag on too long, and it always takes the Hotel Staff about an hour to move tables off the dance floor, and setup the stage.

We play until the Hotel give us a signal that the Teas/Coffees/Cake is ready, and we give people a 30 minute break to chill out. The it's back up until about 12.45, at which point, it's DJ time.

olaola

Some venues insist that the band sets up before the meal so there is no interruption. Dunno how the band feels about that though!

Owen

Venues rarely have a say in the matter, it's normally down to the Bride and Groom's preferences. We have 80% of our equipment setup before the meal, the other 20% we do before we go on stage, but that still takes a good 20 minutes to be ready regardless.

Eoin

ned78 wrote:

Venues rarely have a say in the matter, it's normally down to the Bride and Groom's preferences. We have 80% of our equipment setup before the meal, the other 20% we do before we go on stage, but that still takes a good 20 minutes to be ready regardless.

Depends on the layout of the room. Some rooms need tables to be moved around before the band can set up, some rooms have an area where the band can set up early.

Our band is doing a 3 hour set, and then a DJ from then on. They will have an interval, presumably when the sandwiches etc come out, and then whatever time it takes the DJ to set up when they are done.

Gin Promotions

Speaking from experience playing weddings, it is unusual to be set up before the wedding as most venues will have the top table where the band plays. Set up time can take up to 45 mins even 1 hour depending on the band. I always ask the couple what time they are sitting for the meal and then arrive 2 hours later, e.g if the meal is at 5.30pm, we will be there at 7.30pm as in my experience the speeches won't even have started. These days my band don't take a break for 2 reasons: it kills the momentum and according to certain venues there cannot be live music played during food i.e the buffet, it is a health and safety issue. Usually we play 2 to 2 and half hours and then the buffet is served followed by the disco. It makes way for smoother setting up of dj and breakdown of the band gear. Times are arranged with the couple and the venue.

Diamondmaker

Gin Promotions wrote: »

according to certain venues there cannot be live music played during food i.e the buffet, it is a health and safety issue. .

For the band to prevent a Blues Brothers incident ?