Thoughts to consider when hiring a band for your wedding...arguably one of the most important days of your lives
Why won't anyone quote me a price over the internet?
Well...most local bands will not walk out the door without a minimum of $150.00 per person and a written agreement with people they do not know. This is based on a 4 hour gig...that means 4 sets, 45 minutes each, with 3 20 minute breaks in between. This is based on a "nightclub gig" where sound system is provided. Included in most bar gigs are free drinks and a place for the band to sit (break room) during breaks.
So now the variables.....
Factor in an additional hour for setup and 1 hour for teardown. There will need to be time for a soundcheck...which means we must set up very early in the day because we don't want to be saying check check during your cake cutting ceremony and so forth. So factor in an additional trip to your event for all the musicians for setup.
With 250 people in attendance, that means a larger scale gig--meaning larger PA system, etc, and an extra guy to run sound. With that being involved, factor in an additional 2 hours for setup and 2 hours for teardown. And don't forget that there's always a really drunk guy screaming play one more set. We do that and extra money is produced to do an extra set. That means another $100 ($20) divided by 6 people.
Then there's a consideration that you will probably want music played during our breaks and dinner music during the meal and of course your families will want to make announcements during the event. This means someone from the band will need to be there to run the music and process song requests and turn on the microphones for announcements. That guy will want extra pay.
Add that we have to rent tuxedos or wear a suit...many bands hate this. This is the most special night of your life and you and your guests are dressed to the nines. Even if the band doesn't hate it, it is certainly factored into the cost. And believe me, if you don't specify, bands will show up in "whatever." You can count on at least one member of the band looking like it is a bar gig (chains, noserings and a wifebeater shirt) or like they're headed to Kroger in the middle of the night. Count on it unless you specify.
And of course at these types of gigs, most musicians want to eat and have a place to sit. We don't know anyone at your event. Most wedding gigs forget about us and there's nowhere for us to go on break.
Finally, we all want to be paid equitably and fairly. Musicians have been practicing and honing their skills for most of their lives. While the majority of your local bands have day jobs, our dream is to make it to the big time, even if we're starting to age. The music you specify would normally be played by more seasonsed and experienced musicians. That means people who are over 35 and have good paying day jobs. They will not work cheaply. They don't need to go out and work for next to nothing to entertain people because it isn't going to get them anywhere. The younger bands will work cheap, but again, they don't factor in all the things I've talked about and end up becoming disasters for the guests.
Many people have chosen to go with a DJ service. But guess what---DJs have to deal with most of the variables as well and have learned that they can jack their prices up as high as bands. Yes, you CAN get LIVE music for the same price as a DJ---entertainers that interact with your guests---that set a mood and tone of your event. Live music has an intensity, groove and vibe that you cannot get with recorded music. Guests will have a very memorable event if you choose the right band.
Our band has done hundreds of wedding gigs and we've accumulated this information. I hope it helps in your choice. I know it may sound a little cynical, but these are the facts as to why someone won't quote you a bottom line price over the internet. All of these variables have to be addressed.
We are all SEASONED/EXPERIENCED musicians and can assure you that your experience will be memorable.
Our music is geared toward the dance / party club-goer---danceable and memorable music favorites from the past four decades is what you can expect to hear from us. Our songlist covers everything from jukebox favorites, retro-disco, rock, chick-rock, pop, funk, alternative, new-wave, 80's, old standards, and much more. Our goal is to make your event memorable and engage your audience to ensure everyone has a fabulous time! | 
