When planning an event, everyone wants to create something memorable. Whether you're planning a wedding or a class reunion, any host or hostess wants the event to be positively reflected for days to come. Instead of buying the unnecessary streamers and an extra appetizer, why not invest in bands to hire? It's a guaranteed way to add to the atmosphere and get people tapping their feet. Don't even be surprised if a few cut a rug.

So how do you make this happen? First assess the event; there's nothing worse than having background music that doesn't fit the occasion. If you're planning for a wedding, talk with both the bride and groom. Get an idea of their musical tastes as well as what would be pleasing to the guests for the nature of the event. Someone might have to make a compromise, but there are so many different kinds of bands existing that there's bound to be something to please everyone. I'm sure both the guests and bride and groom will be pleased with the outcome; live music at a reception does to the atmosphere what recorded music cannot.

If the event is any type of party, reunion or otherwise, try to keep it up-tempo. Anything that has a dragging beat will surely bring the energy of the party down and won't be memorable. There will more than likely be a variety of people attending which makes it difficult to peg the type of music that would be the greatest hit; if that's the case, go with classics. A jazz combo that does standard tunes or a small band that specializes in eighties hits will ignite smiles from the attendants as they recognize song after song. You want them to sing and dance along; think karaoke but live.

Don't be afraid to stick with the music that works best with a theme. If it's a class reunion, find bands for hire that play the hits from your graduating year; music that brings on nostalgia are the biggest sensations and leave people satisfied at the end of the evening. If there isn't a theme or specific purpose for the party, try to create one revolving around the music you have in mind. Having a general idea or theme for a party makes it feel more organized to the guests and live music will tie it all together with a party-like atmosphere.

How do you find the band you're looking for? Begin the search locally. It's surprising where you'll find musicians sometimes, and they're always willing to play their music. Look bands up on the internet; some social websites are used for local talent to post their songs and be discovered. Keep your eyes open in the community; bands are always promoting themselves through posters, local venues and word of mouth. Finally, check a local agency; some bands have agents that handle the business of booking their gigs and selling what they do. You'll find all the information you need.

Be sure to plan ahead and do some sort of audition long before the event. Without taking this precaution, there's a chance that what you hear on the day of the party is not what was intended; things will be busy enough on that day without an error like this. You'll also want to see the musicians and their image as a whole; they may need to dress up for the occasion and need to be aware of what's expected. When you've finalized these details and set the date with the hired band, you're done!

There are pros to hiring professionals. While perhaps a little more expensive than the neighbor's garage band, professional musicians are seasoned and experienced. They've played for various types of venues and occasions which shows in their performance. A band that plays well together will give a solid foundation to a party or event. Since professionals have more experience, they'll also be more flexible; these are the types of bands that can play just about anything on demand, which is a plus for diverse crowds that will have favorites they want to hear.

Although it's a little more expensive to add live music to a special event, the outcome often exceeds expectations. Given you follow the steps in hiring live music, the party will have exactly the extra something it needs to lighten the mood and create an open and friendly atmosphere. It will be refreshing to hear music as it happens rather than the recordings heard all the time. You could even start a trend among your circle of friends once they see the difference live music makes and what it brings to every special occasion.