If you’re anything like me, you know a good wedding has to have amazing music. I was at a NEEP event recently and saw Black Ties and Bourbon play and I was reminded how important it is to have good music at an event. I thought it would be fun to ask them some questions about them, what it’s like to play weddings, and what couples should know.

ABOUT YOU

How would you describe the style of your band?

Our name “Black Ties and Bourbon” really represents who we are and our style as a band. The “Black Ties” represents our dedication to being professional, refined, and always looking and sounding the best. The “Bourbon” represents our more fun, lively, and charismatic side that loves to have a good time. Every performance is filled with infectious energy, captivating music, and loads of photo-worthy moments. We all come from various professional musical backgrounds, whether that is touring the United States in original bands, musical theater, or being professional musical educators, and we absolutely live for playing music and entertaining.

As anyone who has thrown a party knows, if you have “Black Ties” and “Bourbon”, you're going to have a great time!

What is your favorite part of being a band at weddings?

Our favorite part of being a wedding band is seeing everyone enjoy themselves. There is no better feeling in the world than knowing you got everyone in the room singing, dancing and just having their best night ever. Being able to help create the most memorable night of a newly married couple's life is so fulfilling. Knowing that we helped create a day filled with such love and happiness can't really be found doing anything else in life.

WHAT SHOULD COUPLES KNOW?

How far out should couples be booking a band?

As soon as you say “YES” and decide that you want live entertainment from a band! The sooner the better. I would recommend at least 6 months but a year is ideal. A lot of couples don't realize how many inquiries bands get to play weddings, private parties, or even public venues and the availability of the band’s dates throughout the year changes very quickly, especially during peak months. Also, depending on the musical taste of the couple and if they expect the band to learn songs or tailor their usual set list, the band will need time to arrange and rehearse the changes to ensure everything works and sounds great for the couple.

What would you say is the most important thing for having a fun reception?

The most memorable and fun receptions we've been a part of have been that way because all aspects of the day came together seamlessly. That being said, I do think the entertainment for the evening is really the most important and driving factor for people to start having fun and to continue having fun. A great band or DJ can read the room, engage with people, and create an atmosphere that is light, joyous, and filled with lots of laughs and love. At the end of the night when you've laughed so hard you’ve cried, you have too many selfies to count, and you've lost your voice from singing the loudest you can, that’s because of the entertainment, not those beautiful centerpieces.

Do you offer lighting or any other special effects?

We do offer a small lighting package that is used to illuminate and splash some color on the band if the couple is interested. This package works well for outdoor receptions or receptions that aren't at a traditional venue. If the couple books us to perform for their entire day (ceremony, cocktail hour, MC/DJ Services, and Reception Performance), and they want extra lighting, we can provide this as a complimentary package. We also work with a third-party lighting rental company for larger, more elaborate packages, for an additional cost, if the couple is interested.

How important is it for a band to take breaks during the reception?

Very important! Performing at your peak in a great band is much more of a mental and physical workout than most people think. You have to fill your performance with life and energy and engage with the audience in the room all the while remembering your lines/musical parts, carrying an instrument, dancing around, and making it look “easy”. A great band makes everything on stage look effortless and second nature because they have rehearsed for hundreds of hours and have perfected their craft. A break for the band allows them to re-group, re-focus, hydrate, cool down with some fresh air, and get prepped for their next set. Each reception is different and each band creates their sets differently but I would say that a 10-15 minute break for every 45 mins - 1hr of music is appropriate, and should be expected with most bands.

How do you handle guests requesting songs?

Typically we adhere to a “no-request” policy when performing. This is because the setlists have been curated by the band and the wedding couple months prior to the reception to ensure it checks all the boxes the couple wants. We obviously want to please everyone but at the end of the day, the reception is for the couple getting married and we have to perform to their standards and their personal taste requests.

Guest Post - Black Ties and Bourbon Band

How do you motivate a shy crowd to dance?

The easiest way to motivate a shy crowd to dance and have fun is…to dance and have fun! Typically everyone “wants” to get out on the dance floor and have a good time, but no one wants to be the first. Our lead singers are really great at getting out there and creating a fun and judgment-free dance floor by just having fun themselves, engaging with the audience, and genuinely enjoying what they are doing. Having fun is infectious so when people see that, you'll get at least one or two outgoing individuals on the dance floor. After that, a wave will spread through the room and before you know it the whole place is singing and dancing.

Have you seen an impact on wedding song popularity from TikTok and IG Reels?

I wouldn't say I've seen a huge uptick of requested songs from TikTok or IG Reels. I think this is due to how quickly trends and trending songs come and go. A song that is popular when you are planning your wedding very likely won't even be on anyone's radar by the time your wedding reception actually comes along. Another point to consider with trending songs is that the clip of audio you hear on social media is typically 15-30 seconds of the “Best Part” of the song. Typically those songs are not engaging enough in their entirety and would get boring on the dance floor. There have been several cases where a really popular song has transcended from social media into being requested at wedding ceremonies and requested by couples, but typically the song choices tend to remain popular songs that have been popular for longer periods of time.

Do you recommend couples sign a contract with their band?

100% YES. Speaking with your band and working out the exact details and expectations of the day is critical. Having a written document that outlines what is expected for the performance, the terms of service, and even payment policies is just another way to get everything in black and white and keep things organized when planning. The last thing a couple getting married wants is to be surprised on the day of their reception because they “thought this was discussed” with the band but there isn't any written documentation to fall back on and now something they had hoped for is not getting done to their liking. I feel that if a band doesn't offer you a contract to sign that outlines everything clearly, they are not professional and do not want to be held accountable for their performance or actions. Bands like this should be avoided.

SOME FUN QUESTIONS

What do you think will be the top 10 First Dance Songs for 2024?

The top “first dance” wedding songs that we most often hear have been the top first dance wedding songs for YEARS. The reasons why so many people use the same songs for their first dance are because the songs are iconic, memorable, and capture that special moment just perfectly. With the way music is today, with songs being popular for a month and then disappearing, it's really hard to forecast if any “new” song will make the list for top first dance songs of 2024. I would love to see some more curveballs and couples trying something different in 2024, but here is what I think we will see in 2024, in no particular order:

“At Last” - Etta James

“Can't Take My Eyes Off of You” - Frankie Vallie

“Can't Help Falling in Love” - Elvis Presley

“I won't Give Up” - Jason Mraz

“All of Me” - John Legend

“Perfect” - Ed Sheeran

“You are the Best Thing” - Ray LaMontagne

“Enchanted” - Taylor Swift

“Wonderful Tonight” - Eric Clapton

“Adore” - Harry Styles
What questions are couples not asking their band but they should be?

I think couples should be asking what the band’s musical influences and professional backgrounds are. Granted most professional wedding bands cover a wide variety of genres and artists and do it very well, but knowing where a band really hits their “stride” could help determine the songs that make the final cut for the reception performance. Think of a classically trained French chef and a BBQ pitmaster being asked to make you a hamburger. They will both deliver you an absolutely delicious meal but there will be subtle differences to both which you may or not prefer.

I don’t know about you but that interview made me love them even more! It’s so important to have a band who is fun but also professional and Black Ties and Bourbon is just that band. If you’re interested in learning more about them and booking them for your wedding, head on over to their website: https://www.blacktiesandbourbon.com/ and check out their music!