Etiquette for Band Playing at Our House for Wedding

I think it's a great idea to stop by ahead and give them prior notice. There is a couple in my parent's neighborhood that just had a wedding/reception at their house and put a flyer in the neighbor's paperboxes (my parents included) that let them know what they were doing, when, and how they could be contacted (cell #s, ect..) if any problems arose.

I would do just like you said... let them know when/what's going on, tell them they're more than welcome to come by, and let them know that you're going to be as respectful as possible about the noise, and ask that if for whatever reason there IS an issue, to please address it with YOU before calling the police ;)

I think your plan sounds perfect, and just be sure to shut down at whatever time your town requires for noise laws.

I think that's a great way to handle it. If the families have issues or need the music to die down at a certain time, I'm sure they'll tell you- or you'll ask them. Kuddos on being so courteous!

I think that if you're not inviting them to the wedding (which would imply 'bring a gift' which you probably don't want to do) I wouldn't extend a left handed invitation to "come and hang out and eat & listen to the band either. Just my opinion. Most likely they will realize on their own that this is a celebration...not an every day occurrence and be OK with O. night of the band & the music. Congratulations & have fun!

That's what I would do, but I would get them an invitation of sorts, does not have to be the same formal one sent out to "regular guests" if you will but something on paper with the info that makes them FEEL welcome not just word of mouth invite. I would also TIP the band, I understand they are doing this for free but as a former band wife the tip is WELCOMED. I would figure 250 seeing that a show could start at 500 for just a 40-60 min set depending. I hope it all goes well and that you have a wonderful event and that the "I do's" are as special as you want them to be. Again ... TIP the band it will be GREATLY appreciated by all.

the only thing i can think of is to check with your HOA or local gov to see if you need any special permit or if there are noise limits, times, etc.

Otherwise, enjoy!!

As long as my neighbors gave me a heads up and didn't go past midnight I wouldn't have a problem with it at all. It is not like you do it every night, ya know? That would get old. :)

I think your plan sounds lovely. You are having a special occasion, and you are being gracious to your neighbors. As long as the band doesn't play past 10pm, you should be fine.

See if your city has sound level ordinances. Usually you have to say below a certain decibel level (referred to as "Db"s),and you have to have a curfew for when the band stops. I think the most important part is letting your neighbors know when the band will stop playing and to stick to that time.

Ps, you measure the Dbs with a meter, it is not something you can really guess and I dont think you can judge it by the bands sound mixing console, even if they tell you they can. But you could probably rent a meter to measure decibel level.

i think what you said sounds perfect, let them know invite, its a special occasion its not like you do it all the time or livein a retirement commununity....party all night!

Sounds fantastic. Your idea is great and the common curteousy of letting them know will go a long way. Yep have the music and noise wrapped up according to the city ordinance. :) Congrats and enjoy!

Sounds great! If you invite them, there will be no complaints! If they can't come, drop off a "thank you for understanding" note attached to some cookies or a bottle of wine.

Most likely, they will be joinin gyou. I know that our neighbors were at our rehearsal dinner (party at our house) until well after I left to go to sleep!

Sounds perfect. When my BIL graduated from dental school he hired a mariachi band to celebrate. They were supposed to play until 11 p.m. He knocked on the neighbor's doors and told them what was happening and invited everyone over. He also mentioned to them to let him know if it was bothering them as he gave them his cell number. No one took him up on the invite, but no one called the police either.

I would be okay with that as a neighbor so long as it wasn't crazy or too obnoxiously loud or too late. The band should be able to set their sound system for outdoors so it's not too crazy loud, which both the legal time frame and noise level can be checked with your city. Geeze, I'm getting old!.

I think it's totally appropriate to let your neighbors know what you have planned in advance. You can offer for them to join the festivities and be part of the celebration. If they're not into it, at least they have fair warning.
I have neighbors that throw a huge bash every 4th of July and every New Year's Eve. They have done it for years. They let every neighbor know what they are doing well in advance. They've lived here so long, they even let the local police know what they are doing and clear it with them. The neighbors are all welcome to take part. They are also welcome to not be home if they don't want to.
My kids and I always took part because they are super nice and it was fun. They weren't crazy....it was like a block party. We stayed, ate and enjoyed and then went home because we aren't into being out super late, but we didn't mind. It only happened a couple times a year and they were very nice about letting everyone know.
No one ever complained or tried to shut them down.
I think your best bet is just letting them know up front, inviting them to be part of the fun and going from there.
I live in the country and LOTS of people get married and have shindigs on their acreage.
Just give everyone a polite heads up.

Have a wonderful time!

Oh...I was going to mention also that in my town, we have public concerts all the time and everyone in town can hear the music. Even if they are blocks away. They just get permits for it and there's never been any problems.

Best wishes.

On the techinical side, does your house have enough power for all their equipment? Just something to think about.

Btw, tip the band and feed them WELL! :)