Hudson Valley Wedding Band

Frequently Asked Questions

“Having personally performed at over one thousand catered affairs over the past two decades, as both a side-man and bandleader, you can be sure that Bills Toupee will make you comfortable and confident that you've hired the best!”
— Mike Mindel, Bandleader
How many breaks does the band usually take during a four-hour reception?
The timing of how and when the caterer wants to serve courses will ultimately determine when the band breaks. We try to only break around the two natural breaks during a 4 hour reception- when the hot entree is served and after you've cut your cake when dessert and coffee is served. A remark we've heard more than once from caterers and photographers is: "You guys finish your first set when most bands are taking their second break." We try to play continuously until your hot entree is served. This can be up to an hour and forty-five minutes into the reception.

Will the band provide continuous music?
Yes. During the dinner break we will provide background music. We'd be happy to personalize our mixes to accommodate your tastes or play your Spotify Playlist. During the dessert and coffee break we will provide anything from quiet background music to professional DJ dance mixes, depending on what is best at the moment. The band will not perform continuously nor do we think it's a good idea. All receptions have an ebb and flow and it's the sensibilities of the band to determine what's best for the moment. Sometimes it's to play, sometimes it's to press play. And some songs are best left to the recording.

Can music be provided for our ceremony and cocktail hour?
Yes, below is the list of available choices. In addition, we have a battery powered sound system available for rental at sites where electric power is not available. Choices include:
Instrumental keyboard (piano)
Instrumental guitar
Keyboard/guitar with vocals
Duo / trio with or without vocals
If other instrumentation is desired,we can provide that as well. This includes string groups, harpist, flaminco guitar, or bagpipes.

Can you provide DJ'ing services or live music for an after-party?
Yes. We can provide a seperate sound system for this and either play recorded music, have an acoustic guitar/vocalist, or any combination of the band.

Who does the emceeing and coordination between the caterer, band, photographer, and videographer?
We do. You've no doubt spent a lot of time planning and organizing your reception over the last year. Your only job that day should be to relax and be in the moment. Leave all the logistics to us and feel assured that everything will run smoothly, as planned.

What does the band wear?
Unless otherwise requested, for all formal affairs the band typically wears black suits with various colored shirts. The female vocalist wears formal attire. For more casual private parties, we typically wear solid black attire.

When does the band setup?
The band's set-up personnel arrive two hours prior to our start time. Other arrangements can be made if necessary. It typically takes about an hour and fifteen minutes to pack up at the end of the engagement.

How much space does the band need?
Different configurations of your room set-up may warrant otherwise, but we'll present best with an area approximately 23' across by 12' deep. We will be happy to coordinate with the caterer to determine what is best for your reception. We have played in much smaller areas too.

How are payments made?
The contract is emailed to you to return along with the initial deposit, which secures your date.  Balance of payment is due prior to your event date. Gratuities are payable directly to the bandleader. Over-time rates, if applicable, will be at predetermined pricing in your contract. Other payment schedules may be arranged, upon request. Payments are made by personal check, cash, or PayPal.

Are the musicians that appear on your `BAND' page the ones who will perform at my party?
Yes. Unlike many bands, we do not use substitute musicians. The players you see on our site are the ones that play at your event. Our vocals and musical arrangements would not sound the same with anyone else. This is big distinction between Bill's Toupee and many other bands.

What are option for lighing? 
We provide LED stage lighting at no additional cost. Add ons include dance floor laser lighting and uplighting. Call for details.

What if we want to add horns?
Although we do the vast majority of our shows as a six-piece band, we do maintain a database of top session players. Saxophone is the most common choice for an additional player.

Should the size of my party determine the size of the band?
With the exception of a small combo for small parties (under 30 people), the size of the band should not be related to the size of the party. What is important is that the band plays the right music at the right volume for the room.
What's New?
August 16, 2023

Yay! We won both TheKnot,  Weddingwire, & Best of The Bash 2022 awards!

Here's a link to our favorite  5 star review so far this year. The brides dad is a professional musician so it means a lot to us.

Testimonials

Bill's Toupee is hands down the best choice we made for our wedding. They were incredible in every aspect of the event. They took so much care with all of my requests and made the day so special. Everyone was talking about them and was on the dance floor (literally to the last minute). Worth every penny and so many more! Can't wait to hire them for my next event!!”
Emilie, January 2023
Bill's Toupee is hands down the best choice we made for our wedding. They were incredible in every aspect of the event. They took so much care with all of my requests and made the day so special. Everyone was talking about them and was on the dance floor (literally to the last minute). Worth every penny and so many more! Can't wait to hire them for my next event!!”
Emilie, January 2023
Bill's Toupee brought the party!!
Bill's Toupee totally blew us away at our reception. We can't say enough about all the talented musicians in the band - their skill, groove, versatility, and stage presence. We are still hearing compliments about the band. You will not be disappointed by Bill's Toupee!”
Katrina, May 2022
Amazing all the way around
Bill's Toupee band is nothing short of awesome!!! So easy to work with, professional yet fun, and just generally lovely people. I've never seen so many of my friends & family boogying down so hard and my husband and I had the best time at our wedding thanks to them. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!! 15/10 stars.”
Lindsey S. 09/04/21
Brought the party!! And great to work with.
We are SO glad we went with Bill's Toupee for our wedding. All of our guests raved about how much energy they brought to the dance floor. Mike and everyone was also great to work with. The band was super flexible about when we postponed our wedding due to COVID, and they were really responsive.”
Ian S. 08/21/21
“There is a reason this band was voted #1 in the Hudson valley. They were absolutely incredible!! The music was incredible, they really know how to work a crowed. All of our guests kept commenting on their performance. We all really enjoyed ourselves! Aside from their performance, the members were so personable and kind throughout the night. Would not change a single thing and would recommend them to everyone I know!.”
from The Knot 08/30/21
“This band is absolutely AMAZING!!!!! Seriously, stop what you're doing and look no further if you are looking for a wedding band (or just a band for any reason, really) - they are PHENOMENAL!!!! Every single member so is incredibly talented. The band members were so engaging and fun with the crowd- even coming out and dancing with the guests. It really got the crowd going and was an absolute hit!!!! Best wedding band ever!!!”
from The Knot 09/01/21
“It's been a month since our wedding and we are still getting messages from family and friends about how much fun they had on the dance floor! Mike was super easy to work with right from the beginning. The whole band played so well together, giving the whole night an amazing energy and vibe. They played a great mix of songs that got every single table up and dancing.”
Roksana & Jesse 10/19/19
“I couldn't have asked for a better band. Their sound is amazing and have a great set list. Our guests were up on the dance floor all night and I've gotten tons of compliments from our guests for the band. Beyond their awesome music, Mike was a pleasure to work with. He is a complete professional and was willing to do whatever it took to make our day great.”
Angie & Veeshal 6/16/18
See more Testimonials
Got a Question?
845-485-4226