Big Band Alumni Orchestra Review
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When you think of Hollywood, you think of glitz, glamour, and show-stopping moments. Big Band Alumni Orchestra brings exactly that kind of magic to the celebration.
This isn’t your standard wedding band. This is a full 17-piece orchestra made up of world-class musicians — many of whom are alumni of legendary big bands like Benny Goodman, Harry James, Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Count Basie, and the Dorsey brothers.
Through decades of performances, lineup changes, and continued dedication to their craft, they’ve earned five Grammy nominations and released numerous recordings. Their reach extends nationwide through radio appearances, live concerts, and private events.
Price
Where many couples consider a DJ or a 5–7 piece band, the Big Band Alumni Orchestra offers something truly rare: an incomparable wow factor. And here’s the best part: the cost of a standard band is often the same as hiring this full 17-piece powerhouse.
Why settle for background music when you can have the show of a lifetime?
Big Band Alumni Orchestra starts around $3,500. For couples who value guest experience, energy, and that “elevated without being over-the-top” feeling, the value is exceptional.
Setting the Tone
Big Band Alumni Orchestra specializes in classic Big Band standards with Sinatra-style vocals, original orchestrations, and a sound that instantly elevates the room.
Musicians arrive impeccably dressed in tuxedos or coats and ties, reinforcing the sense that this is a performance as much as it is entertainment.
From the moment they begin playing, the tone shifts. Guests feel it. The rhythm pulls them in. The entire evening takes on a sense of elegance and joy that a playlist can’t replicate.
The result is an experience that feels intentional and immersive. It elevates a reception from “beautiful” to unforgettable, creating the kind of atmosphere where guests linger on the dance floor, moments feel heightened, and the night unfolds with an effortless sense of celebration.
Our Experience with the Band
We had the absolute pleasure of working with Big Band Alumni for Fiona and Doug’s wedding, and to be honest, they blew us away.
Guests danced all night. The music was electric. And beyond their performance, the band was incredibly kind, collaborative, and easy to work with.
Their bandleader, Bill, was especially generous with his feedback on our planning team, which means the world to someone with decades of experience at high-calibre events. Here's what he shared after our event together:
“As the leader of a premiere Big Band in Los Angeles, we've dealt with a LOT of planners for large events over the 26 year history of our orchestra—some of whom have been good, and some, well, not as good.
Then, along comes Haylie and Heirloom Event Company to set a new standard of professionalism and expertise.
Haylie was brought in late in the game to handle a VERY complicated wedding, with WAY too many moving parts. In the sparse time prior, she brought order to the unfolding plan, and on the day of the wedding in spite of multiple challenges and last-minute changes, she calmly took charge with respect and admirable skill to Make Things Happen, and bring about an amazing result. I also commend her team for their commitment, caring, and willingness to go the extra mile—no doubt inspired by the leadership at the head of the company.
If you want the very best professional to helm your event, you will not find ANYONE better than Haylie and Heirloom Event Company”
Bill A. Jones, The Big Band Alumni Orchestra
Is This the Right Fit for Your Wedding?
If you want something timeless, unexpected, and deeply entertaining—something your guests will talk about long after the last dance—we can’t recommend Big Band Alumni enough.
It’s old Hollywood elegance meets unforgettable live performance. And in a city that’s seen it all? That’s saying something.