By Beth DeCosta
- Before you check off musicians on your long list of to-dos, confirm everything with your bandleader or DJ. Be sure your letter of agreement includes:
- Exact date of event, arrival time, and location with address.
- Equipment that you are expected to supply and equipment they are expected to supply -- such as chairs, music stands, or amplifiers. If the musicians are bringing their own equipment, record any extra charges.
- For bands, be sure you include exactly how many musicians you've booked -- that is, are you hiring a six-piece band or a 12-piece orchestra? Make sure you also note the instruments they'll be playing.
- The names of the particular musicians or DJ who will play at your party, plus the names of their substitutes should there be an emergency.
- Attire guidelines: If you have any special requirements for what the performers wear, be sure to note them.
- A list of what will be played when. Also talk to them about some B-list songs to play should they need to fill time.
- If you're serious about your do-not-play list, include that in your contract and attach the list.
- Amount of time you've booked them for.
- How many breaks are needed and when they plan to break for dinner (remember to think about what you'll do for music during these break times).
- Fees and overtime rates. Write in a clause that ensures their flexibility should you need them to play longer.
- Deposit and balance amounts and due dates.
- Cancellation refund policy.
- Your signature and the bandleader or DJ's signature.