Select your favourite genres:

List some of your favourite songs you'd like to hear during the dance:

What is your first dance song:

• Will the first dance song be performed by the band or played from a recording?
• Looking for some first dance song recommendations? Check out these first dance song ideas.

What is the ideal band size?

• 4-6 piece: Bands of this size can have great energy, but rarely come with a horn section. Depending on your preferred music genres, a horn section may be a necessity. Obviously, the cost is less, but surprisingly, the size isn't much different. The size difference when adding a horn section is really just the addition of standing room for 2 or 3 people. The bulk of the space taken up by any band usually pertains to the sound system and the rhythm section instruments (bass, drums, piano, guitar).
• 7-10 piece: A bigger band usually means multiple lead singers, a full horn section (trumpet, trombone, saxophone, etc) and the most accurate renditions of all your favourite songs. More action on-stage means a more engaging show and a more interactive and memorable experience for you and your guests. Because of the size and diversity of these ensembles, it's common for them to offer services for your ceremony (like a sound system or a solo musician), live dinner entertainment and even dancers. You can save money when you package these services together and get them all from one place. The Phonix offers all of the above services in our various wedding entertainment packages.

Desired vibe for the dance party:

Ceremony Music:

Here's a list of 35 Wedding Ceremony Processional Songs from theknot.com

Dinner Music:

• Select some popular genres: Jazz, Easy listening, Classical etc.
  Here's a great dinner Jazz playlist on Spotify
• List a few of your favourite artists or song titles:

Don't hit the search engines just yet! The next section (budgeting) will help you narrow down what you can afford so you can begin your research with more accuracy.

Select your preferred entertainment options:

Now, add up the low end and high end totals.

We expect the costs of our wedding entertainment to be between:

$_____________ and $_____________.

Search for wedding bands or DJs near you:

• Did you like a band you saw at a friend's wedding? Call your friend and get that band's contact info.
• Check out this list of Vancouver's Top 6 Wedding Dance Bands or look for something similar in your city.
• Go to google and try these formulas:
  "[favourite genre] wedding band [city]". Ex: R&B Wedding Band Vancouver
  "wedding band music [city]"
• Check out sites like WeddingWire and GigMasters to find bands in your city
• Ask your wedding planner for some recommendations or talk to your venue about great bands that have played there in the past. Don't have a planner? We highly recommend all of these fantastic Vancouver wedding planners.

Band Scoring and Info Sheet

Band Name: 
Email:
Band Size(s):
Stage Size:

Website:
Phone:
Referred By:
Band Is Available: Yes / No

Attend a performance:

• Attended performance on: _____/_____/_____(date)

(NOTE: If you'd like to check out a Phonix performance, head over to our Shows page.)

Score the band:

• Skill level: ___ /10
• Audience Engagement: ___ / 10
• Plays repertoire we like: ___ / 10

• Fun score: ___ / 10
• Matches our "vibe" (see step 1): ___ / 10
• Website score: ___ / 10

 

Band Score:        / 60

Get a quote:

• Requested quote on: _____/_____/_____

• Received quote on: _____/_____/_____

The quote amount is $            , and includes:

• Ceremony sound system
• Ceremony musician(s)
• Cocktails/dinner entertainment 
• DJ for reception
• Small band for reception (4 or 5 piece)
• Medium band for reception (6 or 7 piece)

• Large band for reception (9 or 10 piece)
• Sound system, lighting and technician
• Travel expenses
• Accommodations
• Other:
• Other:

Deposit amount of $            , is due        /      /      .

Assess deal-breakers:

• Quote fits our budget
• Band can learn our first dance
• Positive reviews from past weddings

• We have adequate space in our venue
• Band uses a professional contract
• Experienced wedding entertainers

To Do ASAP:

Complete a consultation with the bandleader or band's agent:

• This is where you'll hash out all the details, finalize price and draft a contract. Any pro band will have a questionnaire for you to fill out so they get all the information they need.

Sign contract and pay deposit:

Check your contract for these items:

Complete a site inspection with the bandleader:

To Do 1-2 months before:

Select songs for the set lists and first dance song:

• Request song list from band (if they haven't already sent it)
• Select songs to be played 
• Return list to band
• Communicate your desired first dance song and any other song requests

To Do One Week Before:

Prepare final payment due:

• Write a cheque or schedule an eTransfer
• If cheque, give it to your day-of coordinator with instructions to give to the band following the performance

To Do On The Day-Of:

Enjoy your party!

• Don't forget to pay the band yourself if you didn't arrange for someone else to.

To Do One Week After:

Write a review for the band.

• A review is one of the most generous things you can do for the band. If they rocked your party, say so!
• Touch on points like favourite performance moments, details of services provided, customer service, responsiveness, and what your guests thought.
• Most bands will ask for a review, but if not, you can review them yourself on Google, WeddingWire, Facebook or just send them an email.