Myths Related to Booking a Cheap Band:

  1. A common myth that always exists in customers’ minds:

Firstly, customers often think that booking a band is similar to booking any other service. Let’s understand this with an example. Booking a band and buying a motorcycle from a showroom are completely different things. Let’s see how.

Imagine there is a company, Hero Honda, that has launched a motorcycle for 95,000 rupees, and different showrooms are selling it at their respective margins. Some sell it with a 3,000 rupees margin, while others sell it at a 5,000 rupees higher price, but in the end, the product you get will be from Hero Honda.

However, this is not the case with bands. This sector is quite unorganized, and you cannot compare it with the example of Hero Honda.

In the band industry, famous bands maintain their resources well. For instance, if you book a horse (ghori), its health and quality, such as its pure white color, are well taken care of. Famous bands maintain their performance standards, instruments, band members, and the decorum and ethics of light operators to ensure your procession (baraat) remains smooth and of high quality. Therefore, hiring a famous band might cost you a little more, but you get a certain level of assurance and quality.

On the other hand, cheaper bands do not care about the aspects mentioned above. They are only focused on their profits, which is why they come at a lower price.

  1. Negative Outcomes of Booking a Cheap Band:

Cheap Bands Provide the Same Quality: A common myth is that all bands offer the same quality of service, so booking a cheaper one is fine. However, in reality, there can be a significant difference in the quality of bands. Famous bands always prioritize their quality first, followed by the price. This is why they don’t compromise much on their rates. On the other hand, if you book a non-famous band, they will take your booking but may not be able to deliver the quality they promised, leading to embarrassment on your special day. If you book a cheap band, you might face issues such as:

  1. Their band members’ dresses may not be clean or of the quality that only famous bands maintain.
  2. They may not have the kind of animals, like white horses (ghori) and decorated horses, that add grandeur to your procession. Instead, they might use poorly maintained, malnourished animals that don’t look good.
  3. There could also be compromises on the quality of instruments and the overall performance.
  4. Their buggy and vintage car decorations might use previously used flowers, making the buggy look different from what is shown in photos, causing embarrassment.
  5. The lighting provided by cheaper bands may lack quality, often being broken, malfunctioning, or managed by cheap labor, such as kids in slippers, which can ruin your photography.
  6. Cheap bands often fail to coordinate essential services like the horse ride (ghurchari) and the procession (baraat) properly. For instance, if you need the horse ride at 5 PM, they might arrive at 8 PM because they hired horses from someone who had also rented them for another event, delaying your arrangements and potentially spoiling your procession.
  7. To maximize their margins, cheap bands take on multiple bookings since people often want the cheapest option. To cover their costs, these cheap bands end up overbooking compared to famous bands, straining their limited resources. This leads to delays and compromises in the service and quality provided at each event.
  8. Cheap bands are often not confident about their quality, so they pressure you to pay the full amount upfront.
  9. It’s a myth to think that expensive bands will always provide better service. The price might reflect their reputation, demand, or additional services, not just quality. Instead of equating price with quality, it’s important to research and read reviews.
  10. All band packages are the same: Many people believe that all bands offer the same packages, so booking the cheapest is the best choice. In reality, different bands may have varied packages and services, so it’s crucial to compare them carefully.

Things to Keep in Mind When Booking a Non-Famous Band:

1) Before booking a band, confirm whether they established their business before the wedding season started or if they have been in that location for several years. Many bands open fancy shops just before the wedding season and later disappear with people’s money.

2) Pay close attention to their interiors. Ensure that their setup is not just temporary and designed for a short period, as this could be a red flag.

3) Never pay the full amount in advance.

4) Keep a proper record of everything, whether it’s related to money or the services they will provide. Make sure everything is documented in writing.

Booking a band for a baraat at a lower cost can be achieved by considering a few strategies:

1) Book in Advance: Booking the band well in advance can often result in lower rates as you avoid last-minute price hikes.

2) Off-Season or Weekday Booking: Consider booking during the off-season or on weekdays when demand is lower, as this can lead to discounts.