Weddingbee Blog

I’ve talked about our decision to have live music at the reception instead of a deejay, as well as our first dance. Now I thought I would offer a couple of tips for finding the right band at the right price.

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• Craigslist. Again with the Craigslist, I know. Anyway, I placed a want ad among the pages of Craigslist. This turned out to be the route that led me to the band we ultimately hired. Be very descriptive in your ad about what you are looking for and the requirements you have for the gig. Here is what ours included:
  • Location of the Performance. Due to the distance of the wedding from our city, we were willing to pay mileage for the trip but were unwilling to pay for hotel accommodations for the performers.
  • Date & Time of the Performance. Both start time and duration—I discovered this can have a profound effect on what the band will charge.
  • Music Type. There are many local bands looking to pick up these types of gigs. Be clear about the sound you are seeking to avoid wasting your time and theirs.
  • Additional Requirements/Information. One of our requirements was that the band provide their own sound system of a high enough quality to be heard in an outdoor setting. We were also willing to provide each member of the band with a meal.
• Local Bands. Near our old apartment was a pub that hosted a band we enjoyed every Wednesday night. I approached them about playing at our wedding and found their rates much more reasonable than many of the seasoned “wedding bands” we had contacted. Another tavern near our house has rotating bluegrass bands every Thursday. Seek out local live music nearby—if you stumble upon a band you like, strike up a conversation about private performances.
• Network. Ask around to find something you like. While our venue has never hosted a wedding, they do hold an annual barn dance, and the owner put us in touch with the band they use. Try talking to the booking agent at nearby venues about local bands that perform the style of music you’re after.
• Negotiate. I will admit to a certain degree of fear on this one. While I love to haggle, I’m usually haggling over something I can live without. Once I heard the band, I needed them to play at our reception. Alright, fine, maybe need is a strong word. But I was certain that I wanted them. And their initial bid was fair, but their travel costs seemed too high. I was afraid that if I offered a lower total amount, they would be offended and refuse to play at all. That was silly. They came right back and agreed to play for what I had offered. If you decide to negotiate, just be sure that you are:
  • Respectful. Just like any of the rest of us, the band members are trying to make a living. Try to keep your offer at a reasonable amount that is respectful of their time.
  • Honest. If you try to tell the band that you are having a strictly low-budget affair, and they lower the price only to find you serving filet mignon and lobster at the reception, they may not be so inclined to put on a good show. Be honest about why you want them to lower the price—is it outside of your budget, or you just find it unreasonable?

It took a lot of effort and patience to find our band, but I’m so glad we put in the work. I am so excited to have the band perform! Are you having a deejay, live band, or playlisted iPod? How did you find your band or deejay?