Or choose from the drop down box below, to find event music providers in your area
Music Hire Guide is part of the Marquee Hire Guide group.
Below is some information to help with your decision when choosing a band or DJ for your event. By using Music Hire Guide you can search for local bands and DJ’s, using our extensive directory, or make an enquiry to a number of local bands and DJ’s in one go by filling out one short online form – click here to fill out that form and contact a number of bands and dj’s local to you
The Importance of Entertainment
It is very important to consider what you are trying to achieve by having music at your event – are you hoping to create an atmosphere or are you just trying to get everyone to dance and have a good time? The music will be a lasting memory of your event – and you therefore need to pick carefully when making a decision.
With so many acts available, it is easy to get overwhelmed when making a choice – but references, recommendations and recordings of performances can help make this decision less complicated.
Options
The first decision you need to make is what type of music provider you want at your event. There are two obvious options – DJ / Disco or Live music, but you could also consider karaoke (which is a mixture of the two!)
DJ's / Discos
A DJ has some major advantages over live music, for example volume control, flexibility and range of styles available.
A good DJ can offer a high level of entertainment, as well as keeping the dance floor busy all night. Disco’s are probably the most common entertainment at weddings and you will be able to find disc jockeys that just specialise in this kind of event.
If you are planning an event that will take place during the day or over a long period of time – a DJ should have the music available to keep playing for as long as he or she is needed.
Live Music
Having said that about DJ’s, sometimes there is just no substitute for live music.
Live music can come in a number of different forms:
Singers / Solo artists
Classical musicians (e.g. pianists / violinists)
Bands
or even Orchestra’s.
A band / artist may have less selection available than a DJ, but you can get interaction with this kind of entertainment that is unlikely to be achievable with a DJ.
If you decide to have karaoke at your event, the provider of the equipment should also provide music for people to dance to, in between the performances.
Things to Consider
You should always get references and where appropriate a demo CD, or better still, go and see the performer before you book them.
You should always use a written contract, especially if you are booking the act a long time in advance of the event.
With a band, it is worth making sure they have been together a while – bands break up and reform and the last thing you want is to find out two days before your event that the band have “gone their separate ways due to musical differences!”
Every audience is different and you should consider who will be at your event, and what sort of entertainment is going to make them most enjoy their day when making your decision.
