For each ensemble you are interviewing, you should ask the following of their music director, music office or representative:
1. Request a CD or tape of their music.

2. Ask for printed references from former brides or accredited entertainment industry professional agencies. Also ask to see programs of or critical reviews from live concerts or a professional resume. It will help you to verify their professionalism and experience at past weddings, events or performances.

3. Inquire as to whether they may be performing somewhere where you can hear and meet them in person.

4. If it is a high quality ensemble which has captured your interest and their fee is a bit of a stretch for your budget, ask them of they are offering any current discounts or promotions. But if they are not, you may consider reserving 1 or 2 musicians less than you had planned to have originally.

Try to get a feeling or “vibe” from their representative as to how they will treat you and all of your questions and concerns.
A very important factor is your impression of someone’s willingness to work with you.
Be sure to ask if this is possible before the wedding to meet with all of your wedding vendors.

5. Try to inquire about their policy on contracts, deposits and overtime fees; find out how “locked-into” their services you will be upon a mutually signed agreement. Think about what happens if a musician has to be replaced at the last minute due to illness?
You should move on if the ensemble you are interested in hesitates when you inquire about these particular concerns. Nevertheless, if you are obtaining ceremony musicians through a band or a reputable music office, whom you already trust, then knowing exactly who will be performing your wedding ceremony music need not be an issue.