FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Find The Answers You're Looking For

FAQ
What are your wedding/event band prices?

We offer a variety of popular packages along with customizable options to fit your needs, recognizing that every couple and wedding is unique. Pricing depends on factors such as the number of musicians, performance duration, wedding location, and required equipment. Rest assured, we have a package to suit nearly every budget. Fill out our contact form for a free quote, and let’s start planning your perfect event!

FAQ
How do I find out if you’re available on my wedding/event day?

Please get in contact as soon as possible to avoid missing out. The fastest way to get in touch is via our contact form.

FAQ
What’s the process for booking The Blackstones?

First things first, visit our contact page to send us your details and customize your wedding/event package. Once we have all the necessary details we can provide a free quote for your wedding/event. If you’re ready to book with us, we require a signed contract and 50% deposit, which will lock-in your date. That’s when you’ll receive confirmation of booking for your wedding/event date and we can begin the entertainment planning process.

FAQ
Do you coordinate with wedding/event planners? 

Absolutely. The Blackstones collaborate closely with wedding and event planners on a regular basis to ensure a seamless experience for our clients.

FAQ
Do you perform public live shows with the band or duo? 

The Blackstones specialize in weddings and private events, but we do play a handful of public events and festivals each year. You can find updates for future shows on our instagram and facebook. We encourage anyone interested in The Blackstones to try and see a live performance, so be sure to check for updates!

FAQ
Do you ever cancel? Do You have a cancelation policy? What happens to our deposit?

In the event of illness, an act of god (car accident, fire, death), or severe weather conditions that do not allow us to travel we do have the right to cancel as stated in our contract. Deposits are non-refundable, however rest assured we will always do everything in our power to keep our commitment. If we cannot make the performance, we offer to find a replacement band who can or reschedule the performance to a date agreed upon by The Blackstones

FAQ
What kind of music do you play?

Classic Rock, Country, Pop, Alternative and party covers – we pretty much do it all. We try to keep our setlists mixed with different genres and artists that connect with audiences of all ages to make your wedding/event memorable for all your guests. 

FAQ
I have a request for the ceremony/first dance that isn’t on your list. Can you learn it?

Yes! We have a huge master list with hundreds of songs for you to choose from. If there is a special request for a song not on our list, we are able to learn 1 new song for your ceremony.

If you have additional requests and we don’t know the song we are happy to learn it for you (for an additonal cost) or we can play any requests off Spotify during breaks so you always have your favourite music being played!

Check out our
Band Master List and Duo Master List

FAQ
Do you travel for your performances? 

Definitely. We are willing to travel anywhere in the province of Ontario. Travel expenses will reflect in our pricing.

FAQ
How many musicians are in the The Blackstones?

We are a 5-piece dynamic band including 2 guitar players, a bass player, fiddle player and a drummer. All of us sing lead/harmony during our performance according to the arranged setlist. There is the option to add a steel guitarist or a keyboard player for an additional fee. 

FAQ
Why are some of the key songs at the reception played by a DJ rather than live?

We use a DJ playlist for key moments such as your wedding party entrances, first dance, cake cutting etc., as this ensures that the music isn’t too loud for the MC, who needs to make announcements during these important key moments. We find that having control over the volume via our sound system ensures that everything runs smoothly and professionally.

We do offer an option for us to play your first dance & parent dances as an acoustic duo or trio (including fiddle player).  If this interests you please let us know and we can arrange this!

FAQ
Do we need to provide food and drink for band members? 

Food and drinks are always appreciated. For reception/event bookings in excess of two hours, it’s industry-standard to provide a “crew meal” for each musician, plus access to non-alcoholic beverages. Please check with your reception venue, because crew meals are typically charged at a reduced rate.

FAQ
What are the key moments of our wedding that require song choices from us? 

Key Ceremony Songs: 1) Entrance Processional 2) Licence signing 3) Exit Recessional 

Key reception songs: 1) First dance 2) Parent Dances 3) Wedding Party entrance songs

FAQ
Are you able to setup earlier due to the scheduled events? 

Yes. The band always arrives the morning of to setup for local events. The duo is able to arrive earlier for setup as well (this may reflect in the pricing). 

If your event is outside of the Niagara region the band/duo will have an additional fee for early set up times (i.e. more than 2 hours before scheduled performance start time).

FAQ
Do you offer ceremony, cocktail, dinner/reception music? 

Absolutely. Our packages are customizable with the option to book us for the full day (ceremony, cocktail, dinner, reception). There’s no need to waste your money booking 2 different bands and a DJ. Our full day music package includes music from the moment your guests are seated for the ceremony, to the last dance of the night. We offer the acoustic duo or trio (with fiddle) for ceremonies, cocktails, dinners, and smaller receptions. We bring the full band for receptions, and a organize a pre-arranged DJ playlist for everything in between.

FAQ
How early should I get in touch? 

The Blackstones currently book 6 - 12 months in advance. The minute you have locked in a venue and wedding/event date is the time to book us as well. If you are past the 6 months mark please still reach out as we may still have available performance dates.

FAQ
Are you upbeat and interactive? I want my guests to be able to dance and have a good time.

Absolutely! The Blackstones are upbeat and interactive, tailoring our performance to match the energy of your event. Whether you want to kick off the party with lively tunes that get your guests dancing or prefer softer background music for a relaxed atmosphere, we ensure the right vibe for every moment. We’re dedicated to creating an unforgettable experience for your guests!

FAQ
Do you require a deposit? 

To secure your wedding or event date with The Blackstones, a 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. Please note that deposits are non-refundable. In the unlikely event that we are unable to perform, we will work with you to either reschedule the performance to a mutually agreed-upon date or find a suitable replacement band.

FAQ
Do I need to organize a microphone for the ceremony and speeches? 

The Blackstones always include a wireless microphone for speeches and officiant use during ceremony, receptions, and events. The speaker must be within 100 ft of our equipment to reduce technical issues. 

FAQ
Do I need to organize a PA sound audio system for the band? 

The Blackstones acoustic duo come prepared with a sound system that is ideal for rooms that hold up to 100 people. (Additional speakers can be added and may reflect in the pricing).

The Blackstones band come prepared with a professional sound system that’s ideal for rooms that hold up to around 300 guests. If your room is larger than this, we recommend hiring a larger PA sound system, which we can help you with.

FAQ
If I am providing the PA how can I get a band rider? 

Please contact us via email and we’d be happy to forward you The Blackstones rider.

FAQ
Can I use your equipment for speeches/announcements/music during my event/wedding? 

The band equipment is only available for use by The Blackstones employees (unless otherwise agreed upon). If we are not present at your event/wedding for any period of time the equipment is not to be used. If you require audio equipment for speeches/announcements or DJ music during your wedding/event prior to our scheduled performance time we would be happy to accommodate this request for an additional fee. 

FAQ
Do you provide DJ services when the band is not performing? 

A prearranged Spotify playlist will be utilized during scheduled performance breaks at weddings and events, ensuring there’s never a quiet moment. The Blackstones have a curated list of songs to keep the atmosphere lively. If you have specific song requests for this playlist, send these no later than 30 days prior to your event and we will add them.

FAQ
Do I choose the songs you play? 

The Blackstones have a large repertoire of music for weddings and events. During the planning process, we will send you our master song checklist for you to complete prior to your wedding/event. This will help use curate the perfect soundtrack for you. We cannot promise we will play them all but we will do our best to accommodate your chosen preferences!

FAQ
Do you take song requests for the Duo/Band during the performance? Can my guests request songs during my wedding/event?

The acoustic duo always tries to accommodate requests during the performance as appropriate. The band often has a prearranged setlist for weddings/events however in the event there is a song suggested the band is familiar with we will always attempt to accommodate these requests as appropriate. The Blackstones have the final say in what music is performed for the wedding/event.

If your guests have requests for the Spotify playlist they are more than welcome to make suggestions however, The Blackstones have the final say in what songs are played on the playlist.

FAQ
How long are your sets?

Special Event: Depending on your package deal our sets typically last between 45 min – 1 hr. The number of sets are determined by yourself and can range any wherefrom 1 – 4 sets (Pricing will reflect the length of the performance time).

Ceremony: Ceremonies consists of 15 – 20 minutes of prelude music, an entrance processional, signing, and exit recessional song along with 1 or 2 closing songs.

Cocktail Hour: A typical cocktail hour allots up to 1 hour of performance time (can be extended for an additional price)

Dinner: Depending on the package you choose- we either play acoustic background music or a Spotify playlist at conversational level. The length of time is dependent on interruptions from speeches, announcements, etc. and we will tailor this to your event.

Reception: Depending on your package deal, wedding reception sets typically last 45 minutes. We play 3 X 45 min sets, with the option of adding another 45 min. set (for an additional cost). Based on your chosen performance time we will arrange our sets accordingly.

FAQ
How long does it take you to set up? 

Our setup and tear down time is outside of the time you’ve booked us for. For example, a booking from 4.00pm – 5:00pm means we set up from 3:00pm- 4.00pm. We then pack away from 5:00pm – 5:30pm.

Special Events:  The band arrives 1 - 2 hours before performance time or the morning of the event to setup/soundcheck (depending on the agreed upon set up time outlined in the contract). The band setup is approximately 1 – 2 hours depending on the amount of equipment required. The band requires a 16 X 20 stage plot with access to 2 separate 15 amp breakers. A hard surface/stage is required for band performances. Please confirm with the venue that the space and power requirements are available prior to signing of the contract. 

The acoustic duo will set up approximately 1 hour before scheduled start time depending on the amount of equipment required. The acoustic duo requires a 10 X 12 stage plot with access to 1 X 15-amp breaker. If an earlier setup time is required, please let us know so we can make arrangements to do so (This may reflect in the pricing)

Ceremony/cocktail hours: The acoustic duo will arrive up to 1 hour before the scheduled start time to set up. If an earlier setup is required please let us know so we can make arrangements to do so (this may reflect in the pricing). 

Wedding Reception: The band arrives the morning of the reception to setup/soundcheck for weddings in the Niagara Region (no additional cost). For weddings outside the Niagara Region, please let us know if an early setup is required so that we can make arrangements to do so (this may reflect in the pricing).

The band setup is approximately 1 – 2 hours depending on the amount of equipment required. This is also outside of your booked time. The band requires a 16 X 20 stage plot with access to 2 separate 15 amp breakers. Please confirm with the venue that the space and power requirements are available prior to signing of the contract. 

The acoustic duo will set up approximately 1 hour before scheduled start time depending on the amount of equipment required. The acoustic duo requires a 10 X 12 stage plot with access to 1 X 15 amp breaker. If an earlier setup time is required please let us know so we can make arrangements to do so (This will reflect in the pricing).

FAQ
Do you perform for LGBTQ weddings?

Yes, The Blackstones promote and encourage inclusivity, performing for any and all LGBTQ weddings/events, we do not discriminate.

FAQ
Do The Blackstones have Liability Insurance?

Yes, The Blackstones have Liability insurance. Proof of insurance can be provided upon request.

FAQ
Why should you hire The Blackstones for your wedding/event?

The Blackstones are not your average wedding band. With over 100 five-star reviews and experience at over 150 weddings and events across Ontario, we bring a level of professionalism and energy that sets us apart.

Our dynamic 5-piece band, featuring a talented fiddler, delivers high-quality audio and lighting for an unforgettable experience. We perform 300+ hits, with our duo covering 500+ songs from various genres and eras, tailoring each performance to suit the crowd and atmosphere. Elevate your wedding or event with The Blackstones!