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 is FAR more than a band based in West Virginia. No brainer – the cost of living in New York is FAR higher. National cost averages that may be posted on ‘wedding websites’ are NOT accurate.
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 bit 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 person in the band and sound company for gas, tolls and time driving. If it takes 4 hours to get to a location, players are paid more than going 20 minutes to get to work. Each calculation will depend on the location of your venue.
Why can’t a band 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 flights 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 – will get a free consultation and learn A TON about booking a band that will help you choose yours with confidence.