Phat Hat Reviews
Reviews
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Awards
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![Brendan]()
Brendan Sent on 04/27/2026Perfect for a New Orleans Destination Wedding -- Seamless Planning, Incredible Playing!
Phat Hat was the highlight of our New Orleans destination wedding reception! A month later, our friends and family are still buzzing about the band. We cannot recommend them highly enough.
I am from New Orleans, but we planned our wedding from out-of-state. It was really important to us to find a band with an authentic New Orleans sound who could handle destination wedding logistics. We reached out to ~10 bands, and Phat Hat stood out in particular for their extensive demo videos, exciting song list, and competitive pricing. Importantly, unlike many local New Orleans bands that rotate musicians each gig, Phat Hat is a fixed 8-piece group (male + female vocalists, guitar, bass, drums, and a three-horn section). That meant the sound we loved online is exactly what we got on our wedding day, which was crucial when planning remotely. We couldn't believe our luck in finding a band that sounded this good!
Rick (their guitarist) was our main point-of-contact and was an absolute pleasure, making the entire out-of-state planning process seamless. He coordinated directly with our venue, helped us understand every step of booking a live band, and directly managed the ceremony music. Rick even sourced a pianist from outside the city when local options were booked, finding us the perfect musician to play the songs we wanted for the ceremony. Phat Hat was also very flexible to work with the equipment available at the venue, handling sound, lighting, stage setup, and timing across both ceremony and reception (which were at the same location) without us needing to worry about anything. They were just eager to play a show!
And they absolutely crushed that show.
They began captivating our guests before the night even started. While we were taking pre-wedding photos, their saxophonist started soundcheck by warming up with the first few notes of “Careless Whisper,” and the entire room went quiet. Someone in our wedding party broke the silence, saying “Whoa, he’s incredible.” That moment set the tone for the music that night.
Every musician is outstanding. Wendell’s vocals are unreal (his smooth, powerful baritone on “What You Won’t Do for Love” stopped me in my tracks when I was supposed to go cut the wedding cake!). Guests are still sending me videos of Rick’s “Purple Rain” solo. And I think the memory of looking down at our reception from upstairs during Phat Hat's rendition of Norah Jones' jazzy, wistful "Don't Know Why" will stick with me forever. I could go on and on about these musicians.
Their setlist was the perfect mix of soul/funk and modern hits -- classy, cool, yet high-energy and infectious. It felt exactly like the New Orleans vibe I grew up loving. They also emceed the evening, interacted with the crowd, and kept the event flowing smoothly. They DJ'd recorded music for our first dance song as well as a short playlist of our selections for their break. Most importantly, they kept our dance floor packed all night. Everything felt effortless and fun. I can't wait to catch another one of their shows when we visit New Orleans next.
If you’re planning a destination wedding in New Orleans, Phat Hat is exactly the band you want: world-class musicians who will make your night unforgettable. Book them -- you will be glad you did!Phat Hat's reply:
You and Shannon were a joy to play for! Thanks for choosing Phat Hat for your birthday wedding band. We wish you nothing but happiness for the future! -
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![Elizabeth]()
Elizabeth Sent on 06/23/202510/10 recommend for Wedding or any event!!!!
Phat Hat was absolutely INCREDIBLE for my wedding! Everyone was on the dance floor for the entirety of the night! They truly made our big night as fun and memorable as it could be. Thank you Phat Hat!!!!! -
![Michaelyn]()
Michaelyn Sent on 06/14/2025Great band! Would use them again 100%! All ages enjoyed!!
Awesome Band! Rick was esy to communicate with and very accommodating. Play list is great! Our receptions was at the Old State Capital and we had a blast with the help of Phat Hat! I highly recommend them. Everyone dance and sang along all night. Perfect Energy!
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Samantha Sent on 04/22/2024
Best wedding band!
Phat Hat was the perfect wedding band in every way! Extremely communicative and talented, offering a range of song options, and being very engaging to our guests for the entire night. We received nothing but compliments from our guests about Phat Hat, many wanting to know the band’s name and how we found them! The dance floor was full most of the night — we couldn’t have asked for more! -
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![Mendy]()
Mendy Sent on 03/30/2024The band was excellent and our experience was great!
The band did a great job really listening to us and making sure that they played the music we love. They were easy to work with and were very accommodating. Their talent was so apparent and they were so much fun. Our wedding guests went on and on about how much fun the band was and what great musical talent was on display. They played a variety such that all age groups were on the dance floor all night!! Thanks Rick, Wendell and the band! -
![Gunnar]()
Gunnar Sent on 01/24/2024Absolutely amazing!
Phat Hat is an absolute must for any event!!! They are great entertainment and keep the party going!!! Rick made booking simple and easy. Phat Hat made our day very special and our guests really enjoyed themselves. They are still asking “what’s the name of that band”. Their music list was diverse and change up of songs were perfect!!! Any event I have in the future I will for sure give them a call!!! Thank you Phat Hat for everything and making our night perfect!!! -
Cheryl Sent on 06/11/2023
Highly recommended!! Awesome Band!
Phat Hat played this Friday for my daughters wedding. They were magnificent!! High energy! I highly recommend them for any event. Rick was awesome to work with. Thank you Phat Hat for keeping the dance floor packed. You are the best!! -
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![Mary]()
Mary Sent on 05/11/2023know how to get the dance floor going!
I couldn't recommend Phat Hat enough!! They know how to get the dance floor moving, are responsive and played a great mix of oldies and new music -
Trish Sent on 04/16/2023
Savoie Wedding
Highly recommend! We have booked this band for both our sons weddings! They did not disappoint! The performance, the quality of sound is outstanding! I personally love the horns! They are easy to deal with and they respond to you promptly! -
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![Hannah]()
Hannah Sent on 04/11/2023Best wedding band we could have asked for!!!
Phat Hat blew us away. Rick was so communicative, and even set up a call a couple weeks before the big day to walk us through everything. They let us personalize our ceremony and were incredibly flexible. Not to mention...they brought the party. Everyone was on the dance floor all night. Wendell is insanely talented. Every guest commented on the band, even days after the wedding. They really leveled up our whole experience. 10/10 would recommend. -
![Michelle]()
Michelle Sent on 10/31/2022Best band ever!
If I could give 10 stars out of 5 I would! There's no way words are going to be able to describe just how AMAZING the Phat Hat Band was for our wedding reception.
First of all, my now-husband is a drummer, and his dad was a drummer in a wedding band, so the standards were set very high when booking a band for the wedding. I searched for weeks online for the right fit, and when I showed hubby the Phat Hat Band, he finally said "they're it!"
Honestly though, their great communication and professionalism leading up to the event were only glimpses of how downright AMAZING this band was every second of our big day.
They know what they are doing!!! Every single guest at our wedding came up to us with jaws dropped going "Oh my god, this band is so good!"
They ROCK. They're romantic. They're charismatic. Their sense of timing is perfect. They understand the flow of a wedding reception. They're funny. They're helpful. They're generous. They're smooth, dare I say sexy. And they're so so so incredibly talented.
Special thanks to Rick and everyone in the band for learning "Dancing in the Moonlight" for me, and "Listen to the Music" for the groom!
We will be back in 5 years to throw another bash and the Phat Hat Band will be our first call to book again!!
P.S. We had some really last minute curveballs thrown our way, and the band rolled with it like heroes. Forever grateful to the Phat Hat Band.
P.P.S. They could probably charge twice what they're charging and get away with it because they're that good. But I really hope they don't because people like us want to be able to hire them again! -
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![Sierra]()
Sierra Sent on 10/11/2022Best wedding band ever.
Truly amazing and so perfect for our big day. Rick was a breeze to work with and even MC'ed the rest of our event last minute (i.e. ceremony, speeches, first dance). Nearly every guest said that the band was phenomenal. One guest in a different room was actually convinced the band wasn't actually performing at the time because it sounded exactly like the recording. I'm SO glad I booked them! Easiest contract to sign. -
![David]()
David Sent on 05/24/2022Amazing!!!
Phat Hat is as good as it gets when booking a band or event! Rick is so easy to work with and they worked with us during a busy French quarter fest to accommodate the most complicated loading/unloading for their gear. PH us the absolute best sound and rocked our wedding all night. It was and incredible evening and was made that much better because we chose to have them be a part of the reception. Don’t think twice about Phat Hat , you will not regret it! -
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![Janet]()
Janet Sent on 01/16/2022Choose Phat Hat and You Can't Go Wrong!
We loved this band! They were super easy to work with and they were extremely professional. Every one of our guests, from the youngest (10) to the oldest (86+) ended up on the dance floor. They absolutely made our reception something to treasure not just for us, but for all our friends and family. We can not recommend them highly enough - you can't go wrong with this group of amazing musicians who know how to deliver! -
![Winston]()
Winston Sent on 09/07/2021Incredible
Incredible band. Absolute professionals. From their musical abilities to their crowd interaction, they were an absolute blast to party with and sounded fantastic. -
Laura Sent on 01/07/2021
Best time with the best band!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND PHAT HAT! They were great in every way possible! They reached out beforehand to determine our expectations and followed through above and beyond. Everyone was on the dance floor having the best time! I couldn't have imagined a more fun night. I am so thankful for experience with them. -
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Mindy Sent on 10/15/2020
Just awesome!
Rick was so easy to work with and super understanding. We had to postpone five months due to Covid and he definitely made the process stress free.
Now the actual party was amazing! They are so good and sooo much fun!! I’ve had so many people tell me that they’re the best wedding band they’ve seen! 11/10 recommend!!!
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![Amanda]()
Amanda Sent on 10/15/2020The best ✨🙌🏼
We could not have asked for a better band for our wedding reception. From corresponding with Rick and the band throughout planning, all the way to the night of our wedding, Phat Hat made sure that we had the wedding of our dreams. Rick is not only extremely professional but his kind heart and sincerity are evident through the phone. These guys are so incredibly fun. Their energy was through the roof and we danced the night away! Once the band started we did not even leave the dance floor. Our guests raved over Phat Hat and had a ball, as did we. Thank you Phat Hat!!! You guys are absolutely the bomb. -
![Tori]()
Tori Sent on 03/07/2019Bride - Tori Jones
PHAT HAT BROUGHT THE PARTY!!!! I have never been to a wedding where people started dancing the second they walked into the venue and NEVER STOPPED!!! They followed our wedding schedule and kept everything on time and fun!!!! They made it so fun for everyone and I cannot recommend them enough. Every single person has raved about them!!! They are SOOOOO NICE, flexible, and willing to make it personal to you! They play really fun songs all night long!!!!! Every single wedding reception needs this band!!!!!!Phat Hat's reply:
Thanks Tori for having us! We had a blast. Thanks also for posting these great pictures! We wish you both all of the best for the future! -
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![Lauren]()
Lauren Sent on 01/01/2019Best wedding reception band
My husband and I were extremely happy with Phat Hat for our wedding! Their song list, groovy sound, and samples online are what sold us on them in the beginning. And they certainly delivered!! Our guests loved them and danced the night away. The manager Rick was very nice and helpful leading up to the wedding also. Since the ceremony and reception were both in the same room, we had to set up the band equipment and hide it during the ceremony, which they made happen without a problem. They were exactly what we were looking for and I will recommend them to everyone. Thanks Phat Hat for making our wedding so much fun!! -
![Joseph]()
Joseph Sent on 12/13/2018A Big Decision That Paid Off! Exceeded Every Expectation. Complete Professionals
The wedding music, in our experience, defines the wedding. This was a big decision we didn't take lightly & therefore we ran the gamut in exploring our music options. Many available bands presented themselves. Many were great but the vast majority did not have the sound and originality we were looking for. PhatHat stood out immediately & we never looked back. If you listen to them play - you'll understand. My Fiance was a bit apprehensive & Rick was there every step of the way accommodating the requests for songs & even adding a female vocalist. The communication throughout was wonderful. Now the experience itself. PhatHat came through in a big way. The music was incredible & the energy they brought was real. Even before the band got on stage & while we were walking down Chartres to the reception the Lead vocalist passed by us in his car & was bringing nothing but positive energy up immediately. We knew then it was going to be a great night. Complete professionals in their craft. The dance floor was filled the entire night & our friends and family got lost in the music. We could not have asked for a better band. Thanks Rick for everything. It was everything we wanted and more. Highly recommend. -
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![Maddie]()
Maddie Sent on 12/05/2018Best band ever!
Literally the BEST band ever!! Beyond exceptional talent, very interactive, professional with all aspects leading up to the event as well as at the event, and nice as can be. They definitely love their job and getting everyone up and dancing and having a great time! Lots of people were asking for their information (and still are!) so that they can use them for their future events. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! Any chance I get to see them or hire them in the future I will without a doubt. If you want a really good band that is a lot of fun look no further - Phat Hat is the BEST! -
![PhillyNOLAwedding]()
Scott Sent on 11/11/2015If you are looking for an amazing band that can give you a heavy dose of soul, funk and Motown, look no further! These guys were incredible and the guests still rave about them. Most the bands we were finding either relied too much on cheesy wedding songs or were great bands, but weren't experienced in playing weddings. Phat Hat was exactly what we were looking for! They have great range and played a variety of songs that kept the guests dancing all night!
Rick (the guitarist), is very responsive and easy to work with. The entire band was very professional and top notch players. Highly recommend booking these guys for your wedding or event! -
![User690029]()
User690029 Sent on 11/29/2011Phat Hat KILLED it at our wedding. They were the talk of the party and many of our friends are planning on flying them to events around the country because they were so good. I loved every second of them playing at our wedding. The dance floor was PACKED the whole 4 hours they played.
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