We do get a few weddings where they've clearly bought the full package without really thinking it through - hog-roast, tick; chocolate fountain, tick; disco, tick; ceilidh, tick. However usually we're booked because they know what they want (and often the bride and groom first will come to see us play at another gig).

Yes, the logistics can be difficult at some venues (and not just for weddings) but you get quite adept at setting up and soundchecking quickly. It does help to communicate both with the bride and groom and the hotel staff in charge of the event. If there's also disco, chat to the DJ and work out how we can both set up without interfering with each other. Attitude is important, and you'll find it easier if you show you're willing to be part of a team to make the whole event go smoothly, rather than behaving as if you're the most important element - you're not.

And everyone knows that weddings never run on time. Take a book. At one gig the organiser had everything planned to the minute - fat chance of that working! Our worst example was when we were booked to play from 8-11;30 and finally got on at 11. We played through a bit later than we'd contracted to, and it was a good evening.

As Will says, it's their evening and you go with the flow. The overwhelming majority of weddings are fun to do, and the audience clearly enjoy themselves, and often say so. I feel it's something of a privilege to be able to contribute to someone's very special day. When you get the occasional bad one, well that's life, and you've still been paid.