[Dixielandjazz] Re: Weddinng planners

[Larry Walton Entertainment]

> Since many of the wedding band leaders I know advise being careful of
> wedding planners, I will approach this one with caution.

I didn't really mean to imply that all wedding planners were bad but there
are those who are trying to make a fast buck (better) or those who micro
manage everything (worse)  If a wedding planner works with you they can be
an asset in that they could work like a booking agent for you.  If you can
partner with (a) wedding planner(s) you may do well with it.  The problem
comes when they haven't worked with you and want to over plan or dictate to
the band the conditions of your performance.  This results from non
communication.  An hour spent with the planner can have some benefits.  My
advise is to put this question on your list. Do you have a wedding planner?
Then add $100 or more for the pain in the neck.

Caterers sometimes will pass your name on also.

Larry Walton


>
> Coincidentally, I just received the below e-mail today from a wedding
> planner. A first from that type business. Completely unsolicited. I would
> call this kind of interest "pull through" or word of mouth and it is
> happening more and more frequently (usually direct from bride) each month.
> Why? Because my band is visible to general audiences.
>
> "Hello Mr. Barbone"
>
> "My name is ************* and I am the owner of
> *********************** in West Chester, PA. I
> have two brides for next year who are interested
> in your services. Can you provide me with some
> general pricing? One of the brides in particular
> wants vocals and a sax (along with the bass etc.)
> for about 4-5 hours on Sunday October 8, 2006 in
> Media, PA. I look forward to hearing from you."
>
> "Thank you. ********** West Chester PA."
>
> Since many of the wedding band leaders I know advise being careful of
> wedding planners, I will approach this one with caution. And since we
don't
> care whether or not we get this gig, I will make it clear that we are not
a
> typical wedding band and will accept the gig on our terms or not at all.
> (Nice to have a full gig book every year)
>
> This is the real world of the music business. Play where the kids (under
40
> year olds) are and if they like your music, they will follow you, hire you
> and become jazz fans. Simple grass roots efforts build audiences.
Audiences
> get you gigs. Gigs then enable you to pick and choose where and for whom
you
> perform. Thus you end up playing only the music you like, for people you
> like, at rates you like, and life is good.
>
> Cheers,
> Steve