Asking band about vaccine status

You are definitely within your grounds to ask if the band members are vaccinated and request that the ones at your event are vaccinated. It will definitely feel awkward but I honestly believe that we are in a point in this world where people wont be offended (maybe depending on the state/area your live in).

Remember that it's a business relationship, not a personal one. I think it's fine to ask, but be prepared for them to refuse to answer and/or get angry, and decide what you will do if that happens. We live in a new world, with new rules, and we are all just feeling our way. Maybe even admit when you are asking that it feels awkward, but this issue is really important to you.

The fact is, not being vaccinated is a public health risk. Unfortunately, everything has become polarized and there is tons of bad info out there so here we are. Be polite and understanding of course but not only would I ask, if I hadn't already signed the contract, it would be a deal breaker.

I asked my vendors and one did come back saying they won't ask their staff or require it. We had to comprise on the one vendor staying masked as it's too late to find a replacement vendor but I hate conflict and have felt very stressed afterwards. The rest of the vendors seemed relieved that I brought it up and that we care about people being safe on our big day.

I am in the same boat as you with the band for our wedding. We know most of them are not vaccinated, and now I need to reach out and see if they are willing to get tested before the wedding. If not, my old MP3 will suddenly look amazing. I know it can be an awkward conversation, but this is a business transaction. I choose to vote with my wallet. No jab or test, no job.

If I take the risk of attending a large event, I would want to know that everyone is vaccinated. That's the only way I would attend.

I'm in music and honestly most musicians are VERY pro vaccine. We put ourselves at risk especially those of us who can't play or sing with a mask on (winds/brass/vocals). Our industry has basically been shut down most of the last year and a half and there are still limited opportunities (basically no indoor gigs again here, everything we've booked from August on indoors got cancelled except two which are requiring everyone to have proof of vax (negative covid test is not enough alone, one of them requires vax + neg test), and even outdoor ones too. Everyone was SUPER enthusiastic to get the vax when it came out, they shouldn't mind being asked at all- pretty normal where we are (Philly/NJ/NYC)