Costs for live bands vary based on their level of experience, professionalism, and where they are based.
You will find that pricing for a 10 piece band in New York City or San Fransisco is FAR higher than a band based in Virginia. The cost of living in New York & San Fran is FAR higher so this is on point. National cost averages that may be posted on wedding websites are unfortunately not an accurate representation of the New York areas.
How does a band calculate their cost?
This is based on how many players and the level of talent and experience of those players. For a top professional band that steadily performs together, the pricing will likely be a higher than a ‘pickup band’. The latter is a band that is assembled based on availability with little or no history together. Pricing varies for each band/company.
What about travel costs?
If your event is outside of your band’s local area (anywhere from 40-60 miles is usually considered local) then you’ll pay a travel fee that reimburses each band member and sound company crew for gas, tolls and time driving. If it takes 4 hours to get to a location, players are paid more than going 30 minutes away. Each calculation will depend on the exact location of your venue.
Why can’t you just send me basic rates?
Because every event is different – each location is different – logistics of every venue are different. For example, do you need a two person sound crew because the venue lacks an elevator and the sound system has to be carried up a flight or more of stairs? This is literally impossible for one person to do alone so a two person crew is needed. This is just one example of how rates are calculated based on venue logistics.
Get in touch for a price quote! You have nothing to lose, you’ll get a free consultation, and learn A TON about booking your band!