Live Wedding Band Pricing - Mainstreet Soul
How much do wedding bands really cost?
There are several factors that dictate how much a band can cost to play your wedding, including but not limited to:
· Size of the band
· Experience of the band
· Do you require additional services such as ceremony & cocktail hour services?
In this installment, band leader Jim Wilpula talks about these factors along with a few more, including the average costs for wedding bands in the US.
Review the Video Transcript
If you're planning your wedding and have decided on a live band but are unsure about the costs of a good professional wedding band, let's delve into it.
Obviously, a wedding band will cost more than a DJ, but having a band at your wedding creates a more exciting, interactive, and memorable experience.
Several factors determine the cost of a live professional wedding band.
In my opinion, the number of musicians in the band, along with other supporting staff like a sound technician or setup and teardown crews, greatly influences the cost.
Additional music services, such as live music for the ceremony or cocktail hour, will have an added fee. Some bands may charge for learning new songs.
If a band is represented by a booking agency, agency fees are often added to what the band would like to make at each engagement, which can add up.
Bands typically have higher fees for playing weddings and events outside of their home area, covering the cost of time away from home, fuel, and hotel accommodations.
More experienced bands often command higher fees because they bring knowledge and expertise on how a wedding should flow, from pre-ceremony to the last note of the evening played at the reception.
Experienced bands also know to play a variety of music from different genres to ensure all guests enjoy the music throughout the evening.
Now, these are just a few key factors that dictate the cost of a band. Let's look at some real-world numbers. As of 2023, the average cost of a live wedding band in the United States ranges from $2,000 to $25,000.
Breaking these numbers down further, the national average cost for a less experienced band with four to eight members is roughly $2,000 to $3,500. More experienced bands with five to eight pieces range from $3,000 to $9,500.
Finally, bands with 10 to 15 pieces range from $7,000 to $25,000.
Before deciding on your band, ensure that all the services you're looking for are included in the final price. Some bands have hidden fees, like bringing their PA and lights or extra fees for MC services.
Make sure everything is spelled out and clear before proceeding with signing any agreements.
If you have questions concerning Mainstreet Soul pricing, please visit mainstreetsoul.com for more information, or click on 'Book a Zoom' on our website to book a personal consultation with me, Jim, the band leader of Mainstreet Soul.
In this first consultation, I can answer any questions you may have, or we can discuss the three pre-bundled packages listed on our website, or we can create a custom package that meets all of your wedding day's musical needs.
We hope to see you on the dance floor soon. Thanks for tuning in. Until next time, take care. Mainstreet Soul just funked you up.
