While some couples hire DJs for their weddings, others choose to stick with a live band, which is great news for you. Playing at weddings is a lucrative business, one that may land you many more gigs. However, landing your first ceremony or reception can be difficult if you’ve never done one before. How exactly do you go about doing it? 

The first place most couples search for a band is the internet. Make yourself easy to find by expanding your online presence. If you don’t already have a website, now’s the time to make one. Set up a professional site and use it to brag about yourself a little bit. Ask previous clients to leave reviews as well. 

Take to social media and post videos and photos. Just be sure they’re high-quality and showcase your band’s wide range of musical talents. Additionally, post your contact information on all digital platforms and continually point people back to your website for more details.

Playing a wedding is similar to playing a dive bar or venue in that you’ll still have to bring your own gear. The main difference will be the setting. Some weddings are outside and others are indoors, but you must be prepared to play in both. Moreover, you should convince your clients you are capable of playing in the heat or cold. 

Plus, outdoor weddings don’t have walls to help reflect sound, so you must set up microphones, speakers and other gear correctly to ensure everyone can hear the ceremony and music. 

While connecting online is essential to landing a gig at a wedding, there is something to be said about good old-fashioned networking. Word-of-mouth advertising is the most effective kind, so meeting new musicians and speaking to friends, family and potential clients regularly can certainly bring in inquiries. Reach out to popular venues, too. They may be willing to include you in their catalog or suggest you to clients. 

Furthermore, once you’ve played one wedding, the guests who attended know your band. They may end up hiring you or suggesting you to others in the future if you’re good. Be ready to hand out business cards after the reception to any interested guests. 

Compared to working a gig at the local pub, playing a wedding is a whole new ballgame. Unlike club owners, wedding clients will want to pay you, which means you should have an asking price in mind. On average, U.S. couples spend $4,500 for a live band. However, some may pay upward of $7,000 or more. That being said, don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth. 

You might also offer different packages depending on what the bride and groom want. For example, if they only want you to play during the ceremony, you may only charge a few hundred dollars. For each additional hour, you may charge an extra predetermined amount. Work with your clients on a case-by-case basis to understand what they want and how you might accommodate them. 

While most couples would rather jump into a lake than hear the Village People’s “YMCA” at their reception, remember it is a wedding, after all. Odds are the newlyweds will want you to play a few classics. If you aren’t used to playing Pachelbel’s “Canon in D,” start practicing. You likely won’t be playing any originals at weddings, so get those covers down cold. 

To attract clients, prepare a list of song suggestions in advance. Include ones you’d love to hear at your own wedding and choose from a wide variety of genres. Put your own spin on the classics with acoustics or acapella, and make your repertoire uniquely you. Couples are looking for something special, and setting your band apart from the crowd may just land you a wedding gig. 

Above all, remember to be professional. Your clients will be paying good money for you, so treat the gig as a business transaction. This means you should prepare a contract, a music guide and other forms in advance. Having these on hand will show potential clients your band is organized and legitimate. 

It’s also important to be confident and thoughtful. This is probably your clients’ first time getting married. So, even if it’s your first time playing at a ceremony or reception, keep your nerves under wraps. The bride and groom have enough to worry about already.

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