Planning live entertainment for your celebration should feel exciting, not overwhelming. This guide walks you through the key decisions — from timing and ensemble size to setlists and day-of coordination — so you can book with confidence.
1. Timeline & Booking
When it comes to securing top-tier live entertainment, timing is everything. Popular dates — especially Saturdays in peak wedding season — often book 9 to 12 months in advance.
We recommend reaching out as soon as you have your venue secured. Your venue dictates your date, and your date dictates our availability.
2. Choosing the Right Band Size
The Toast scales from an intimate duo to a 12-piece powerhouse. How do you choose? It comes down to three factors: guest count, venue size, and the energy you want.
- 4–6 Piece (Party Band): The perfect balance of energy and footprint for medium receptions. Covers all the hits with a tight rhythm section and dynamic vocals.
- 8–12 Piece (Full Experience): The ultimate powerhouse band with a full horn section. If you want a gala-level experience that leaves guests speechless, this is it.
"The horns took the night to a completely different level. It felt like a private concert."
3. Flow: Ceremony to Reception
Live music shouldn't start at the reception. A cohesive musical experience carries your guests from the processional to the last dance.
For ceremonies, a string trio or acoustic duo sets an elegant, emotional tone. During cocktail hour, a jazz trio keeps the energy sophisticated but conversational. When the reception doors open, the full band takes over.
4. What to Ask Before You Book
Before signing a contract with any band, make sure you ask these critical questions:
- Are you 100% live? (The Toast uses zero backing tracks.)
- Do you act as the MC? (Yes, we handle all announcements and timeline management.)
- Can you learn songs not on your list? (If you can request it, we can play it.)
- Is sound and lighting included? (Yes, professional production is included in every package.)