You can get references from the venue manager, caterer or the pastor, if you'd like a christian or religious related band.

Go to hotel lounges and top-40 bars. Get business cards of bands you like.

In this case, it's also okay to check with local wedding magazines and guides. These are bands who are used to weddings and they might be better prepared for the types of songs that will be requested of them.

Be courteous, don't hire more than one band and then cancel the one when you feel comfortable with the other one. Bad actions come back to you and your marriage is the worst place to stick bad karma.

Sometimes simple is nice. Consider a harp or flute player for the ceremony (especially outdoors this is nice - no electricity needed).

Consider some form of entertainment while the band takes breaks. Balloon artists, magicians, traditional dance performers, the list is endless, depending on your budget.

Remember, a reception is YOUR gift to your guests. It should be fun and entertaining. A time they'll remember. In my opinion, great music and MC hosting are more important than choices of flowers, color cordination or other details which may be meant more to impress.

Band Checklist

When interviewing a band be ready to discuss the following. Most of this should also be outlined in a contract.

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1) How many breaks do they take and how long?

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2) Song list. Already know any particular songs you definitely want them to play. Make sure they know these songs and will perform them

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3) Ascertain the band leaders willingness and ability to handle announcements and act as a director of ceremony - like announcing the bride/father dance, etc.

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4) Determine what type of attire they will be wearing and if you will want any changes to it

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5) What kind of equipment to they bring... is there any equipment you will have to provide?

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6) Terms of payment

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7) If you particularly like their singer (or drummer, whatever), you might want a guarantee that that singer will be in the band when they show up, or that you are at least notified if he/she departs the band.

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8) Do they have any special effects (like lasers, etc) that they can add to the equation?

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9) Specify date, time and place they are to show up. Ask for 3 month notification if there is any cancellation on their part