Make sure that you get everything in writing. Don't be afraid to telephone the band manager or DJ a week or two weeks ahead of the event and speak to them to confirm the date and time of the band commitment. Don't deal with any manager who won't sign a contract. Walk away. It's doesn't matter how cheap or how good the band sounds, if they won't give you a contract, get up and walk away or say, 'Thank you' and hang up the phone.

Basic contract points: Date, arrival time, reception location. Equipment supplied by the group, the number and type of musicians which may include the exact names of the band members expected, wedding dress guidelines, playlist set list, performance times, amount and length of time of of band breaks, all fees, overtime policy and charges associated with overtime, deposit schedule and final payment schedule, cancellation, refund policy, recording rights, photography policy.

Do you know all the secrets to help negotiate the best wedding band contract? You'll need all the help you can find!