11 Questions You Should Ask Cocktail Hour Musicians

You've probably thought about hiring musicians for your wedding ceremony and reception, but don't forget to think about cocktail hour musicians as well. Having music play in the background while your guests mix and mingle not only enhances their experience, but it also adds to the ambience. When you're deciding who to hire, there are a few questions you'll want to consider asking potential musicians about equipment considerations, their set-up and break down process, venue familiarity, etc. After you read this list of questions, head to The Knot to find the perfect musicians for your cocktail hour and cross it off your to-do list.

In this article:

• Cocktail Hour Musician Questions About Availability and Pricing
• Cocktail Hour Musician Questions About Their Performance
• Cocktail Hour Musician Questions About Logistics

Cocktail Hour Musician Questions About Availability and Pricing

You'll want to get the most important questions out of the way before you dive into specifics.

1. Are you available on my wedding date?

Before you ask anything else, you want to make sure that they're available. It'll make the whole process easier going forward if you know right from the jump if they'll be able to make it. You don't want to fall in love with a cocktail hour musician that isn't free on your wedding day. If they have another event they need to get to after, make sure you factor in how much time they need to break down so they aren't in a rush.

2. What is your rate?

Before diving into more specific questions, you'll want to ensure they're in your price range. You'll want to find out if they charge by the hour or if they want a flat fee. Kari Dirksen-Smith, owner of Feathered Arrow Studio, recommends you get specific. "Be sure to be clear on their hours; meaning if they play for both your ceremony and cocktail hour, will they need a break where you'll need to source additional music?"

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Cocktail Hour Musician Questions About Their Performance

You'll want to make sure you have all the info about their experience and capabilities.

3. How much experience do you have?

Make sure this isn't their first rodeo. "You want someone who can effortlessly set the mood and create an enchanting atmosphere with their music, making your guests feel like they're in a dream," recommends Anastasia Shevchenko, owner of Sheff Production Photography & Videography. It's also totally acceptable to ask them for references. After all, you're hiring them for a job!

4. Where can I see you perform live?

Just like with your wedding band or DJ, you probably want to hear your cocktail hour musicians play before you book them. You wouldn't buy a wedding dress without trying it on first, right? The same goes for wedding cocktail hour musicians. Can't make it to a live performance? "Most musicians will have videos or audio clips from previous gigs that they can share with you if you haven't heard them in person previously," says Vijay Goel, Co-owner of 440 Elm.

5. Do you take requests?

It's your special day, so if there are certain songs you want played during cocktail hour, it's important to make sure the cocktail hour musicians are okay with that. On the other hand, you don't want to make it a free for all. "Though it's likely rooted in good intentions, the band shouldn't be such a show-stealer that people are actively asking for requests," explains Rob Perkins, Owner/CEO, On The Beat Music Agency

6. What songs do you recommend playing at my venue?

This isn't supposed to be a trick question! Hearing their suggestions and ideas will give you a better sense of who they are as musicians. "It's important to get a sense of their musical tastes and if they match with your preferred vibe. Select someone who loves the atmosphere you're trying to create," suggests Goel. Perkins suggests asking potential cocktail hour musicians for a favorite cocktail hour story. "We like to work with storytellers, and every musician should have at least one story from their time in the industry," he explains. "This shows that they're not just there to punch the clock and are looking to make a real connection with their client and the guests."

Cocktail Hour Musician Questions About Logistics

Make sure you get these nitty gritty details sorted out before the big day so you're not stressing on the day of the wedding.

7. How early do you arrive beforehand?

"Professionals know to get there early enough to set up and do a quick sound check, but not so early that they'll be standing around. If you get an answer that's longer than an hour, make sure to ask what kind of a setup they're working with," explains Perkins.

8. What equipment do you need?

You'll want to make sure you have the equipment they need or that they'll provide it. "Be sure to ask about their specific needs for setup and equipment," recommends Alexandra Denniston, owner and lead planner of Eventlightenment Planning. "Do they bring their own equipment, or do they require you to provide anything? What are their placement needs, for example, some musicians require an armless chair or stool and a covered location to be protected from the sun and elements. Make sure your musicians are comfortable for the best possible performance for your cocktail reception!"

9. Have you played at my venue before?

While it's not a dealbreaker if your cocktail hour musicians haven't played at your venue before, it's something you should consider asking during your search as it might make things a bit smoother on the day of the wedding. "Sometimes it's helpful to select musicians that are familiar with your venue (preferred or recommended lists can be helpful)," recommends Goel. "Especially if you go off-list, you'll want to make sure between venue and rentals that the elements the musician needs are present on the day they need to perform."

10. Are you able to perform outside?

If you're having an outdoor cocktail hour, you'll want to check in with your potential cocktail hour musicians to see if that's an issue. "It's important to understand limitations and trade offs for an outdoor wedding. In an urban setting like our venue's outdoor area, making the music audible without triggering noise complaints can be a balance that requires some pre-planning," says Goel.

11. What is your inclement weather clause?

If you're set on having your cocktail hour outside no matter the weather, this is an important one to ask. "The majority of musicians have a clause in their contracts that they need a specific climate in order to perform outside, so make sure you have a backup plan for them in case of inclement weather that still ensures the wedding of your dreams," says Casey Stamouli, owner and lead planner of Casey & Co. Events.