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Wedding & Function Hints n' Tips Over the years we've played at hundreds of Wedding Dances and Corporate Functions in Fife, Edinburgh, Glasgow and in fact, all over Scotland. We've played at 5-star Hotels including Gleneagles, Old Course Hotel, Balmoral and hundreds of other venues to numerous to mention. There's always a few questions that are commonly asked about the band, and some advice that we feel is worth passing on.
We would like to invite you to click on any of the topics below to read our advice. It's free, so why not? How can I check your availability?Please visit our "getting in touch" page and fill out the enquiry form or if you prefer call us on 01592 644312. How do I confirm a booking?Bookings are secured via a confirmation contract sent from us. We require the contract filled in with the wedding or function details and signed to confirm the booking. We also request a small non-refundable deposit. The remainder of the fee is due at the beginning of the evening of your special event. Do we get the same band we’ve booked originally?YES! We play as the same 5 piece band for 99% of the time. Unfortunately people do get ill and if this happens then we’ll always replace them with a top quality musician, who has rehearsed or played with the band before. Other than this the 5 people you see on this website is the 5 people you will see at your function. We're realising more and more this isn't the case with a large number of other function bands. Even if you're not booking us we feel it's a piece of advice that we should pass on. Will you learn a specific first dance or special song?We offer to learn a first dance, or special request for free so long as we are given adequate time to learn the song properly. Typically we'd ask for at least a month before your special event. We also offer couples a choice of songs from our current "first dance" list but we realise many couples often have a specific song they’d like us to learn. Can you provide background music or play CD's during the break?Yes, background music is played whilst the band get changed, and again at the break. We have a wide selection of pre-recorded background music on iPod which can be played. We are happy to play "mixes" of music supplied by yourslves, so long as it is provided on an MP3 player. Please note, we do not have a CD Player in our equipment so cannot play CD's provided on the night. What sort of equipment do the band have?Big Night Out are 5-piece live band, consisting of keyboards, guitar, bass and drums with both female and male vocals. As well as the musical instruments, we have a 2KW EV PA Audio System, suitable for events of up to 600 guests. We use state of the art lighting and are completely self contained. There is no need for a DJ, or specialist AV company. How long does it take to set up?It will normally take us around an hour, to unload and set up the equipment and then get changed into our formal clothing. However, this does depend on how easy the access into the venue is and also how large the venue is, as it effects the amount of equipment and lighting required. We will always arrive an hour before we are scheduled to start playing, but we cannot be held responsible for starting later than scheduled due to circumstances beyond our control. Do I need to arrange somewhere for the band to change?Yes. The band do require a private room to get change in, and please note that this does NOT mean toilets! What do the band wear?The male members of the band dress in smart evening suits with ties. Our female singer, Cathryn dresses in cocktail style dress. How long will the band play for?Big Night Out can play LIVE for your entire evening. Typically for a wedding the band would start at 8pm taking a break around 9.45pm for approx 30 mins whilst your buffet is served (back ground music will be provided) then continuing on until Midnight. This means approx 3 1/2 hours of performance time. Compare this to some of the bands that only play 2 x 45 minute sets! For corporate events the band would tend to start at 9.30pm and finish at 1am, including an approx 30 minute break ideal for doing a raffle or auction. Importantly, this means you don’t have to also book a DJ, as Big Night Out play all styles of music and will play throughout your evening. Can we provide the band with a set-list?No, this is not advised, we’re not a DJ! We play a huge selection of material from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and latest chart hits which we’ll mix together to suit the audience on the night. If there is specifically something you don’t want played for personal reasons just let us know. Do you play ceilidh music?We play a set of popular ceilidh dances which are played throughout the evening at our discretion. Added to this we also call the dances and Cathryn, without any encouragement, also demonstrates the dances. Does the band have insurance?The band have full Public Liability Insurance with a limit of indemnity of £5 million. We are also covered for Musical Equipment risks insurance for the £30,000 worth of equipment used. Do the band play pubs?Big Night Out have never been a pub band. We specifically set out to play Wedding Dances & Corporate Functions only. We believe, this gives us the experience in knowing how to conduct ourselves in a wedding, or corporate environment paying attention to wedding etiquette and traditions. We don't believe that it's right that some bands play in pubs and then expect to increse their fee by 3 or 4 times because it's a wedding. Believe it or not some bands do! |