Marquee wedding set-up time
My function is in a marquee. When would be a good time for the band to set up?
When a function or wedding reception is being held in a marquee there are a number of ways to organise the band’s set-up. These will be affected by the timings of your event, the layout and size of the marquee, and whether there is outside access to the performance area (usually a removable tent flap) without having to go past the guests. Generally there are three options:
Firstly the band can set up before the guests enter the marquee. The advantage is that the band will then be available to start whenever you want, and that their PA system will probably be available for speeches and recorded background music during the afternoon/evening. The disadvantage is that the band are likely to charge more for an earlier set-up time.
Secondly the band can set up after the wedding breakfast or celebratory meal has finished. There is usually a natural break at this point in the proceedings and guests are not going to be too bothered about a band setting up in the background. The disadvantage of this might be that if things are running late, the band’s performance start will also be delayed.
The third option is for the band to set up in an adjoining music tent or behind a curtain in the main marquee. This means that the band do not need to arrive early, but will still be able to start in good time. The setting-up can be done quietly and (assuming there is external access to the performance area) the guests are unlikely to be aware of it. The disadvantage is that the space available or layout of the marquee may rule this out, or that this might increase the cost of the marquee.