Top Six Things to Watch Out for When Hiring a Wedding Band|New Orleans Wedding Band Tips & Red Flags

Troy Marks
Jul 21
3 min read

Updated: Aug 7

Experienced Louisiana wedding band, Troy Marks and No Idea with a smiling, happy bride and groom!

1. The “A Band / B Band” Trap

Some wedding bands book multiple weddings per night by offering different versions of the same band, an “A band” with their top performers and a “B band” made up of fill-in or less experienced musicians. Unfortunately, many couples aren’t told which version they’re getting until the big day, or ever. It's a shady practice that amounts to nothing more than a money grab.

Why it matters: You may have seen a polished, charismatic group online and assumed that’s who would show up. Instead, you could end up with an entirely different cast of players. It’s not only misleading, it’s often a product of greed, with bands chasing quantity over quality.

What to do: Ask directly if the band takes multiple bookings on the same date, and whether they have multiple lineups under the same name. Request the names and roles of the exact musicians who will be performing at your wedding, and get confirmation in writing.

2. Subbing Out Musicians Without Telling You

Musicians occasionally need to be replaced due to emergencies, but if a band regularly rotates members without notice, it’s a red flag.

Why it matters: Chemistry and cohesion make a big difference in live performance. A band that doesn’t have a stable core may not deliver the vibe you saw in their promo materials.

Pro tip: Ask how long the core members have been playing together and whether subs are used. If subs are a possibility, ask how often it happens and how you’ll be notified.

Not every band is adept at playing weddings! Here's an action shot of a high energy band in full swing!

3. Lack of Wedding Experience

A band might sound great in a bar, but weddings are a different world. From coordinating with planners to managing timelines and creating seamless transitions, it takes specialized experience.

What to do: Ask how many weddings they’ve played recently and whether they’re familiar with the flow of a wedding reception. Bonus points if they have testimonials from past couples.

4. Low-Quality Promotional Materials

If a band’s videos are grainy or their website looks like it hasn’t been updated since 2010, it may reflect a lack of professionalism.

Why it matters: If they don’t invest in their own image and materials, how much are they investing in your event?

Look for: High-quality live performance videos, polished branding, and up-to-date content. It shows they take their reputation and your wedding seriously.

5. No Contract or Poor Communication

A professional wedding band should provide a clear, detailed contract that covers performance times, payment, setup, break policy, and cancellation terms. If communication is spotty or vague, be careful.

Your move: Read everything. Ask questions. A trustworthy band won’t hesitate to walk you through the fine print.

Make sure that your wedding band is experienced, professional and well dressed like this one!

6. No Reviews or Online Presence

If a band has no digital footprint, no client reviews, and no video footage, it can be a big gamble, especially when you’re trusting them with your once-in-a-lifetime event.

Do this: Search The Knot, WeddingWire, and Google for real reviews. Watch live videos on social media and YouTube. Consistency and transparency are key indicators of credibility.

Final Thoughts -

Your wedding deserves more than a generic performance by a mystery lineup. Watch out for bands that overbook, swap out musicians without notice, or keep you in the dark about who’s actually showing up.

When you find a band that’s honest, experienced, and passionate about creating unforgettable moments, that’s the New Orleans wedding band worth hiring!

📆 Reach out to Troy! Dates book fast—contact us today to check availability and request a custom quote! 504-914-4091 - info@noideaband.com