STEP 1 - ASK AROUND

The internet is great for finding bands that fit the bill you're after but remember, it's likely you've not done this before. Ask venues, friends, Facebook groups for recommendations of bands that have all the ingredients for a great night! When you've found someone you like, don't be afraid to check their facebook page or contact the source of some of their testimonials to check they're as good as they'd have you believe. Also, make sure you check to see what their reviews are like on Wedding Band Reviews.co.uk - If they haven't got any, what does that tell you?

STEP 2 - MAKE YOUR REQUIREMENTS CLEAR

One of the biggest sources of problems is where couples haven't made their requirements clear enough from the outset. How long do you want the band to play for? What time should they arrive? Are you expecting them to play the first dance live?

We recently heard of a bride who rang the band two days before the wedding and asked them to learn a song they'd never heard of for her first dance. She was then moaning that they'd declined.

Let the band know what you're after and they can then be honest in their quote and whether they'll be able to deliver the goods

STEP 3 - GET THEM BOOKED

Good bands get booked well in advance. Some of the top bands book two years in advance! Don't hang around once you've decided they're the band for you as you can't expect them to wait and fend off other bookings if you've not given them a definite answer. Make sure you've paid a deposit and got a written confirmation from them either via email or post!

STEP 4 - MAKE CONTACT THE MONTH BEFORE

It's best to get in touch with the band to make sure that everything's ok and let them know about load in times etc..... It's likely that the venue will be after the bands' public liability insurance certificate and their PAT test certificates also, this is a great time to do this. Doing it to early means that it'll probably be expired by the time the big day comes. Remember, top bands do lots of weddings so they'll be quite happy to supply all this. Don't be afraid to ask!! It's also a good idea to get a contact number for a band member, particularly if you've been dealing with their manager so if on the day, you need to speak to them, you can.

STEP 5 - DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY!

On the day, things will change! It happens! Speeches take ages, Aunty Ethel faints. Most bands have seen it all before. If they arrive and speeches are still going on, they won't be surprised. In fact, they'll expect it! They do this week in week out and will be prepared for delays! It's your day, not the bands, so make them welcome but don't worry if their performance times have to change, they'll be cool! Remember, before you booked them, you checked that they were nice people, flexible, accommodating and generally chilled....so why stress! They won't be!!