Making Your Event Unforgettable: A Comprehensive Guide on How to Book Live Music

How Far in Advance Should You Plan?

Are you planning an event and wondering how far in advance you need to book your live music? It can be overwhelming to know when to secure the perfect band or musician, but no need to worry. It's actually pretty simple and stress free.

Wedding Entertainment

When it comes to booking live music for weddings, we recommend booking 6-12 months in advance, especially for Saturday weddings since you would be competing with numerous other parties and events also going on in the area. It's not uncommon for the most popular wedding bands to book out a year in advance, although for less busy wedding seasons (like January, February, July, and August), your favorite bands may still have availability 3 months out or less.

Here are some steps to follow when booking a live band for your wedding:

1. Determine your wedding's needs including what type of music you want to include. This will help you narrow down your options.

2. Research and contact bands or agents and make sure to ask for a demo of their music, their availability, and their rates.

3. Check their reputation and references. This will help you get an idea of their professionalism, reliability, and the quality of their performances.

4. Confirm logistics and technical requirements of the venue or gig.

5. Sign a contract to protect yourself against cancellations and payment disputes.

6. Prepare for the performance and enjoy.

By following these steps, you can book the perfect band for your wedding and create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

Corporate Events

For corporate events, we can usually secure the perfect entertainment for your event in two weeks or less, depending on the day of the week. The only exception to this rule is the holiday season, as corporate holiday parties are back in full swing, and people are booking their music 3-4 months out. We recommend getting a jump on booking all of your vendors for your upcoming holiday party ASAP to ensure you get the perfect band or musician.

Here are some steps to follow when booking a live band for a corporate event:

1. Determine your event's needs, think about size and what type of music you want to have playing for your guests.

2. Search for a band or go through a local booking agency.

3. Check the band's availability.

4. Ask for samples of previous live performances they have done.

5. Get a quote so you can budget accordingly.

6. Confirm the details such as time & date, location, song list, cost, etc..

7. Sign a contract.

8. Dance and enjoy.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you book a high-quality live band that will help make your corporate event a success.

Private Parties

If you're planning a house party or private event, you can rest assured that we can book you live music entertainment you and your guests will love with two weeks or less notice. However, if you're planning your party on a Saturday, we recommend securing your entertainment earlier than that because you'll be competing with the thousands of weddings that take place in Austin every year.

Here are some steps you can follow to book a live band for your private event:

1. Determine your party’s needs, think about size and what type of vibe you want to create for your guests.

2. Research potential bands that fit the style you're looking for.

3. Contact the band or their manager via social media or the bands website.

4. Negotiate things such as payment and other contract discrepancies.

5. Confirm the booking by signing a contract with the band.

6. Coordinate with the band so they know where to set up/unload, what time to play, what songs, etc..

By following these steps, you can successfully book a live band for your private event and ensure that your guests have a great time.

Contacting a Booking Agency

If you are having trouble finding the perfect band for your event, look no further than your local booker or booking agent. Agencies can work as a promoter for local bands and musicians, helping set them up with regular shows and gigs. In addition to this, they are also great at helping you find talent to fill your live music needs. One of the best at this in Austin is Moontower Entertainment.

At Moontower Entertainment, our motto is "Any Band. Any Budget. Any Occasion." We have a wide variety of musical talent, from large show-stopping party bands like PDA or Matchmaker to R&B duos or jazz trios, and we can help you find the perfect band or musician for whatever vibe you're going for. Plus, we pride ourselves on getting back to prospective clients within 24-48 hours with a range of available options that fit their budget.

We work with a wide range of venues, talent buyers, promoters, and venue owners in the music industry to help connect musicians and fans. We also work with independent artists, tribute bands, cover bands, and touring acts to help them secure gigs and shows. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has access to great live entertainment, whether you're a person throwing a house party, a wedding planner, or a fellow musician. Contact us today to get started!