The wedding vendor market is vast, and making a choice can sometimes feel overwhelming. Music is one of the most defining elements of your big day: it provides the event's elegance and rhythm. But how can you tell from a website or an advertisement whether you will actually receive the quality promised? Here are 5 aspects to check before committing to a band or duo.
1. Look Behind the Scenes: Qualifications and Experience
Many people take up wedding music as a hobby, but a formal ceremony or a high-end dinner is not the place for experimentation. It is worth taking a close look at the musicians' professional background and repertoire, as musical education—such as a performing arts degree—means more than just technical skill. It provides the kind of routine, stylistic knowledge, and sophistication that can only be acquired through years of study. At AlmAcoustic Duo, we are proud that our degrees as Jazz Performance Artists provide the professional foundation upon which every single one of our performances is built.
2. The Basis of Authenticity: Live Videos and Social Media
Polished studio recordings are beautiful and important, but at your wedding, the instruments and vocals will sound live, without retouching. For this reason, it is worth checking the band's Instagram or Facebook page to look for unedited videos recorded on a phone. These allow you to hear the singer's true voice and the natural tone of the instruments. If a formation only displays "perfectly" mixed studio videos, it is worth asking them for a live recording. Our key goal is to ensure that what you see on social media is exactly what you get at your venue: a clean, authentic, and gimmick-free musical experience.
3. See Them Live: The "Concert Test"
A professional wedding musician often performs at public events as well. An active stage presence is not only proof of quality but also an excellent opportunity for you to hear the performers in person before making a decision. Keep an eye on the events posted on their social media pages: if they perform in clubs, festivals, or bars, visit one of these occasions to truly see their energy and style. Furthermore, seeing the prestigious venues where they have previously performed serves as a great reference point. We regularly perform with our various formations, so you can come and "test us live" anytime!
4. References and "Service Attitude"
A good music provider does not just play virtuously; they also understand the flow and protocol of a wedding or event. A sophisticated website and genuine written feedback reveal a lot about their attitude. Someone who is meticulous about their online presence and the thoughtfulness of their website will most likely be just as attentive to the sound and details of your wedding. It is important to see that the musician acts as a partner who respects the event through their appearance (attire) and handles unique requests flexibly. For a professional provider, the prestige of the wedding and the satisfaction of the couple are the top priorities.
5. Communication and Flexibility
Often, even the first email exchange or phone call reveals much about the future cooperation. A professional provider responds quickly, is helpful, and communicates clearly from the very beginning regarding prices and technical requirements. It is a good sign if the musician does not just "play through a list" but also offers advice for the schedule, showing that your unique needs are important to them. If a personal or online meeting to clarify details is not an issue, you can be sure that the cooperation will be seamless on the big day.