Ask an expert: We’re hunting for a band for our evening do and we’d appreciate some guidance. In terms of the setlist, how many songs can we request and is it usual for bands to bring their own equipment on the day, or will we need to hire a sound system?

In terms of a band's set list, it's always best to find a band whose signature tunes closely match your faves.

You want your band to sound at their best, and that's most easily achieved when they're performing the music they're most familiar with. If you're hiring a good quality band, you should be able to have confidence in them to know which songs will get everyone on the dancefloor and which order to play them in.

It's also good to remember that your guests' musical tastes may differ to your own, so it's usually advisable to describe the 'mood' you'd like, rather than particular songs. When it comes to requests, many bands perform several shows per week so rehearsal time can be very limited. However, most bands will be happy to learn a song for you for free or perhaps for a small charge.

Nearly all professional quality bands will provide their own PA suitable for audiences up to around 300 people. Some bands will have PAs suitable for 500 or even 1,000 guests. For larger capacity events with crowds of 1,000 or more, you may need to hire a professional sound team in to run a larger PA and lights.

For more information, visit www.miamivibe80sband.com