Beware of the entertainer who invites you to "crash" a private event.

It implies that the band would rather focus on winning the next gig than on providing the best possible performance for you and your guests.

One of the most important components of our job when it comes to planning the music for a wedding or event is to ensure that each event is special and memorable.

From start to finish, everything should be perfect. The last thing you want is for your live band to suggest that you “audition” them by crashing another one of their events. When a band suggests that you crash another event, it sends the wrong message. It implies that the band would rather focus on winning the next gig than on providing the best possible performance for you and your guests. Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event for close friends and family and it should not be used as a promotional opportunity for other clients.

A better approach is for the band to provide a demonstration of their musical talent and skills. This can be done via a live performance at a public showcase event, or by providing videos, photos, and public reviews. This will give you a better sense of the band’s capabilities and will allow you to make an informed decision.

It is also important to keep in mind that if your band invites you to crash other live events, you may expect the same courtesy. This could lead to an awkward situation as random, uninvited people arrive at your wedding expecting to watch the show.  This would be surprising to discover and it could lead to more than awkward situations, depending on how the strangers are discovered and greeted!

When it comes to hiring a live band for your wedding, a great way to ensure that they are focused on providing the best possible performance for you and your guests is to see if you get invited to crash a private event where they are performing. Be aware that receiving any suggestion to crash other events in order to “audition” them is an invitation for uninvited wedding crashers at your event.

Instead, ask for a live demonstration of their musical talent and skills at a public showcase event, through a current and up-to-date video catalogue, and through recent public reviews in order to make an informed decision.

Happy planning!

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-Andrew

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‍ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andrew St. Royal is a former professional musician and the founder and creative director of St. Royal. Andrew has taken part in over 1500 events - as a musician, music designer and producer.

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ABOUT ST. ROYAL

St. Royal creates music experiences for events and celebrations. Their musicians, live bands, DJs, strings, jazz and specialty ensembles perform hundreds of events across Canada. 

Past clients include: Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Marriott, Soho House, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Special Olympics, Canadian Tire, Tiffany's, Royal Ontario Museum, Mercedes, TIFF, Royal Winter Fair, the Taste of Little Italy, and more.

St. Royal was founded by a professional musician and is led by a team of passionate event and music-industry professionals. To date, St. Royal has created performance opportunities which have put more than $4.6 million into the pockets of local music artists, the St. Royal Collective.

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