Advice on a wedding band!

[PP2291]

I am desperately trying to find a really fun band to play at my wedding in Somerset.

What is the protocol with a band? Do I need to put them up in a hotel or should I strive to find someone really local so that they can just go home? Am very new to this!

Does anyone have any recommendations of bands in the South West???

The protocol is that they are a professional supplier to your wedding so if they give you a quote for playing at your venue on your date then it should alrerady have taken into account where the venue is and whether transport/accomodation is required.
You will find that local bands and smaller bands charge may less than equivalent quality bands fromn further away or with more members.
You would probably have more luck with a recommendation if you post this on Hitched or confetti (thogh there are other wedding forums).

The Wurzles?

have a ceilidh.

We looked at an agents website, they have loads of types and styles of music with singers, bands everything. They've been really easy to deal with. I've no idea where they're based but they just have set prices on their website which is what we are paying. They can also send out a copy if their contract and Ryder which tells you exactly what they expect.

Straw dogs party band seem quite good :-)

This is the band we've gone for. Based in Bristol and with a great reputation, though will let you know for sure in Sept!
They are charging us for travel but not accommodation as our venue is about 2 hrs away.

Just to say that you'll also need to provide a band with food and drink and probably somewhere to get changed etc- this should all be mentioned in a quote.
Good luck!

Don't have any recommendations for your area, I'm afraid, but DP gigs regularly with a wedding band so do have some experience with this. You absolutely do not have to put them up or pay for their travel. DP has driven to the other end of the country (at his own expense) for weddings. They ought to factor this in to their costings. With DP's band, they have very few expectations, they just love doing weddings and always give the B&G a bottle of Champagne with a personalised label with their names and the date. However, there are a few things that, while they never expect, always appreciate - being included in the evening food (getting a few sambos and cocktail sausages) and their drinks being paid for (never alcoholic, just a few Ribenas and Cokes).