Rely on talent agency to make sure the music is just right

By Nancy Anne Tice

article created on: 2009-03-01T00:00:00

Music sets the tone and ambience of your wedding celebration, so it has to right.

An excellent way to save time, money and frustration is to book your wedding music with a reputable booking agency. Whether you know exactly what you want, or especially if you don’t have a clue where to start, a professional agency can provide the expertise to serve as your “search engine.” Their goal is to make finding your music easy and fun.

In addition to having an informative Web site, an agency will be able to send you complimentary press kits and demo CDs, and offer fresh ideas you may not have thought of on your own. An experienced agency has worked with dozens of artists for many years and knows which artists can be counted upon to provide thoroughly professional services.

Booking direct with a band won’t always save you money. Many bands and DJ’s offer an agency much lower prices because the agency handles multiple inquiries, promotion, contracts and bookkeeping for them. Even with the agency commission included, the price is generally very competitive.

You don’t have to book a “name” band or DJ in order to get an excellent and affordable group. An agency will be able to recommend smaller bands and ensembles that still have a big sound, but at much lower prices.

For Jewish weddings, it is important for the agency to interview the client about the size of the celebration being planned, so they can recommend the most appropriate ensemble. Whether your needs are a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony, a night of Klezmer dance music, or a relaxed blend of Klezmer and non-Jewish music, (R&B, Jazz, Rock ‘n Roll, or other style), a knowledgeable agency will be able to recommend a group that is sure to please the most discriminating guest.

By being sensitive to the needs and goals of the client, the band can truly focus on what is takes to create a truly memorable occasion. Their goal should be to keep the party flowing smoothly and the dance floor full.

Even if you are accustomed to searching the Internet for information and services, it can be a daunting and time-consuming task to find the right band. With busy lives and schedules, many people find that using the services of an agency is priceless because of all the time it saves them, and because of the peace of mind that it provides them.

Nancy Anne Tice operates Northwest Artists Management in Portland.