Top ten hints for a great night of live party music

• One: Consider everyone's taste in music Whilst it's tempting to book your favourite rock band for your party not everyone appreciates the same style of music as you. They may do, but the chances are Auntie will not want to be dancing to the latest tune from Megadeath. Choose wisely. The best bet is to go for an act that has something for everyone and is versatile enough to vary their set to suit the evening.
• Two: Is there enough space for the live band you require? The band will perform at it's best when there is enough room to set up properly. A 9 piece band will need a large stage area to set up. If you are limited for space, a duo may be a better option.
• Three: Plan enough time for the act to sound check properly. Live music acts need some time to set up, assess the room and sound check. Every venue is different and sound quality can vary from room to room. Experienced bands will know this and spend some time balancing their sound to suit the venue.
• Four: Think quality. There are lots and lots of bands around who will gladly play for you. Entertainment agents spend time assessing the quality of the bands on their books and will only deal with genuine quality entertainers.
• Five: Have a plan for the evening. It's important to plan how long you want the band to play for. Be realistic and plan breaks for the band. They will usually require a 15 to 30 minute break in between sets. Typically most bands will play 2 x 45 minute sets. Do you have a DJ to play music in between sets or when the band has finished? It is usually best to have a DJ and band working together.
• Six: Talk to the DJ / Band Talk to the DJ / Band about the kind of music you think will go down well with the audience. But don't dictate! Most experienced performers will be able to read the crowd and play the right tunes at the right time.
• Seven: Preparation Take time to advise the band of any special songs that you may want them to play. They may know them already or it could be a great chance for the band to learn a new song for their repertoire.
• Eight: Book early Bands will often be booked up for many months in advance. Although a good agency will have many bands available, to be sure of the right band for your event you will need to book well in advance.
• Nine: Changing facilities and refreshments Your band or act may require somewhere to change. It's always best to check this out before the event to avoid any last minute panics. It is also a good idea for you to provide the act with soft drinks throughout the evening. It is appreciated greatly.
• Ten: Relax and enjoy yourself!!