Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is your price and how do we book your band?

Answer: The Classix are cheaper than many other wedding or special event bands since we are our own booking agents and do not take a commission. However, we do occasionally book larger events through local talent agencies. If you'd like an exact quote for your event, please email the answers to the following questions to our "Contact" link (jim@theclassixband.com).

1. What is the specific date of the event?
2. What is the address of the wedding or event and approximately how many miles is it from New York, NY?
3. Would you like us to provide sound equipment? How many are expected at the venue?
4. Would you like us to provide stage lighting?
5. What are the hours of your event and what is the duration. (How long would you like us to play?)
6. Will we be required to MC the reception or event and would you like us to provide CD/I-Pod music during the breaks?
7. Do you want band members in formal dress or party attire?
8. How many people are you expecting and will the event be inside or outside?
9. Please give a brief description of your event (for example: "wedding reception for Bill and Carol" Our quotes range from $1,800.00 - $6,000+ depending on if you'd like us to rent additional equipment, travel, learn extra songs, add extra female vocalists, sax player. We are not less expensive than a DJ because we are, in fact, a live band. We like to think we entertain and engage with the crowd by taking requests and making sure your guests are having fun!

Question 2: What should a bride-to-be look for when selecting a wedding band?

Answer: Versatility is a major consideration. Not only should a good wedding band have a large variety in their repertoire, but the band should also be flexible enough to be able to perform at different volume levels appropriate for different times during the course of a wedding reception. They should also be able to provide announcements if needed and be skilled at reading the crowd and playing the right music that is well received by the crowd. Other factors to consider are reliability and professionalism. It is important to make sure that a band being considered for a wedding reception, or a private event, has been together for a reasonable amount of time with its current personnel. Hiring a band that has changed band members frequently is a situation that should be avoided. Ask what other weddings and events the band has played. Ask for letters of recommendation. or go see the band perform at a live at a showcase.

Question 3: Why is a band preferable to a DJ?

Answer: There is no substitute for the excitement of a live performance. Ask anyone if they would rather listen to their favorite artist's CD or see their favorite artist perform live. Perhaps the reason that many people prefer DJ's over bands is the cost or the fact that some bands are not diverse enough to adequately play the variety of music necessary for a wedding reception or private event. Nowadays, most wedding bands are equipped with their own DJ equipment, which enables them to accommodate your requests for playing CD versions of certain songs during the breaks to satisfy most age groups. We will provide a detailed written contract with all the agreed terms discussed with location details, schedule and contact info.

Wedding & Event FAQs

Question 4: Can certain songs be requested to play or avoid?

Answer: It has always been our policy to encourage brides and grooms to provide us with a list of their special requests, as well as a list of songs they would like us to avoid playing. We will typically combine the bride's request list with our own expertise in determining which songs would be the most effective to use at any given time during the course of a wedding reception. We have a 200+ song list on this website both alphabetical and categorized to assist in choosing the right song selections.

Question 5: What sort of experience should a wedding band have?

Answer: An experienced wedding band is usually well versed in the flow of events at a wedding reception. It is the band's job to work with the function director and other professionals involved, in coordinating the different events that take place. For example, the band needs to make sure the photographer and videographer are informed before they begin the cake-cutting ceremony. The band will usually provide the bride and groom with a sheet to fill out indicating all of the announcements, special dance selections and other details regarding the order of events that will take place during the reception. The band will then oversee the affair to ensure a smooth transition from one event to another, allowing the bride and groom to relax and enjoy their special day.

Question 6: What size band should I hire?

Answer: It is frequently believed that a 10-piece band will produce a "larger" sound than a 6-piece band. This is not necessarily the case. Talented musicians who work well together can often create a "larger" and better sound than bands that employ a larger number of musicians. What determines whether or not a band will have a "large enough sound" to fill a specific venue is inevitably the quality and power of the band's sound system, and not the number of musicians in the band.

Question 7: What should someone ask their reception site in regards to the band and having live music at their venue?

Answer: Frequently a bride-to-be will coordinate matters separately with the reception site and the band. This can occasionally lead to logistical problems on the day of the reception. We often recommend that a bride consult with both the reception site and the band in determining matters pertaining to the setup of the band and the band's access to electricity. Where the band would optimally set up at the site is often a variable that can best be determined by consulting with both the band and venue facility. Also, the floor plan and mapping out the setup of the guests' tables is something that the band can often be helpful with. We usually recommend that tables reserved for older guests be placed in areas that are not too close to the band's speakers. Several of these details are also spelled out in the band's contract with the client.

Question 8: How many breaks does the band usually take?

Answer: During a four hour function, there are typically three sets with three 15 minute breaks in between. The first break usually occurs when the main course is being served. The band then would play background CD or I-Pod music during the main course. The second break typically occurs between the two dance sets, during which the band would play dance music on CD's to keep the party momentum going.