Wedding Band Contracts

They come in different forms and disguises but essentially, whether they're called an agreement, booking form, confirmation letter or performance rider, they're the same thing, a contract.

A contract works two ways. It provides the band with a written and legally binding confirmation that they've got a paid booking on a certain date which is important as for some musicians in wedding bands, 'gigging' is their main form of income and like us, they have bills to pay! It also gives the happy couple's an assurance and a legally binding confirmation that they're not going to be left with nobody to entertain their guests on the night of their wedding.

The thing is, we're not all lawyers and contracts are a minefield! I think it's fair to say that you don't need to engage the services of a lawyer or legal professional when dealing with wedding band contracts but having an idea about what you're signing may be helpful. Below are six key points to look out for when you're checking your all important paperwork for the band you've settled on!

FEE

Some bands state an all inclusive price, some bands state a performance fee plus travel expenses. What about VAT? Just because you see a figure of £1200 mentioned somewhere in the contract, that doesn't mean that it's the total price. Read the contract through thoroughly to make sure that you're aware of any other costs that you might incur.

REFRESHMENTS

It's not unreasonable for a band to request food and drink but I've known bands take the biscuit a little when it comes to their refreshment clause and rack bar bills up of huge proportions. The more professional bands will likely request some soft drinks and ask to be included in any evening buffet that's being served. Some may even ask for a hot meal upon arrival if they're travelling a large distance. Some won't ask for anything at all. There's no right or wrong here, just make sure you're aware what their expectations of you are as a 5 piece band at £15 per head (if that's what your venue are charging) adds £45 to your expenses.

DEPUTIES

People sometimes get ill. That's a fact. There's nothing we can do about it. You'll find that the best bands have 'doubles' where if one member is ill, then someone can come in and replace them at a moments notice. Some of the best bands do over 100 shows a year and it's inevitable that occasionally, someone will be ill or on holiday and they'll bring a replacement in. It's reassuring to see that a band 'reserves the right to call upon replacement musicians in the event of proven sickness or acts of God'.

KEYMEN

On the flip side, some bands really rely on key individuals. Imagine going to see Take That without Gary Barlow or U2 without Bono. In a contract there is normally a description of the band which often names members. A key man clause gives you the right to cancel the contract if a specifically named individual isn't available for whatever reason. Most bands will have one named key man, normally the musical director as all other members will likely have deps as mentioned in the paragraph above.

PAYMENT TERMS

What's due and when? The vast majority of bands ask for a deposit which gives both parties piece of mind. Deposits are almost always non-refundable although nicer bands will refund the deposit if they're able to rebook the date or if your circumstances strike a chord with them and they feel sorry for you. Find out when the balance is due and how! The best way to make any payments is using online banking as it's completely traceable and there can be no dispute about who's paid what, when and where! Some bands like to have cash on the night (normally because they're trying to dodge the tax man), others prefer cleared funds 28 days before the performance. Again, there's no wrong or right but make sure you know what you're signing up to.

ARRIVAL TIMES

Although you're booking the band to play at the evening function, do you want them there to setup before you sit down to dine? If so, don't assume that this will be ok and the band will be happy to do so without additional charges. Typically, a band would be expecting to arrive one hour before their allotted slot. If you want them there at a different time, make sure it's specified in the contract otherwise your 'best laid' plans might not come to fruition. Most bands will be happy to arrive earlier but will charge for the privilege which is fair enough when you think about it as they're likely to be sat around doing nothing for a few hours when they could be out watching their kid play football or golfing!!