Undoubtedly, understanding the cost associated with hiring a live wedding band is important for wedding budgeting. Here’s everything you need to know about how much a wedding band will cost.
The Tayvis wedding planning has officially begun! Travis Kelce revealed on his latest New Heights podcast episode that him and Taylor Swift are definitely “live music people,” and will likely have live bands vs. a DJ at their wedding, and it’s a trend we’re seeing more and more couples lean into for their own big day.
If you’re planning your wedding and want to go this route and hire a band for your wedding, you’re in the right place. We consulted experts to uncover the costs of hiring a wedding band (this is one of the vendors that tends to sticker-shock people!).
The average cost for a live wedding band is $4,475 in the U.S. That being said, experts advise that this pricing range varies significantly and that the final price of a live wedding band depends on several factors, including location, band size, music style, and performance length. Here are the top factors influencing wedding band costs.
How the Size of the Band Drives Costs
The most crucial factor in the pricing of a live wedding band is its size and number of musicians. More musicians mean a higher cost and vice versa.
“Generally speaking, the bigger the band, the higher the cost, and musicians such as percussionists and brass players are more likely to be included with nine and 12-person bands,” declares Kristy Silva, owner and lead planner of Weddings by Kristy.
While deciding how many members you want your live wedding band to have, remember that the number of musicians will have a direct impact on the versatility of their sound, which will influence the overall musical experience of your event.
“Couples can expect wedding bands to range anywhere from $5,000 for a smaller ensemble to $20,000+ for a full-scale showband, but the difference is in the experience,” adds Natalie Taylor, co-founder of Blitz Nation. “A 10-14 piece band with horns, multiple singers, and custom arrangements will always create more impact than a standard commercial group.”
Wedding-specific Experience and Speciality of the Band
While there are several talented bands, performing at a wedding requires a different kind of skill set that comes with experience. This expertise is often reflected in the band’s fee. Thus, a well-established wedding band will be pricier than newer professional bands.
Additionally, bands that have performed at celebrity events charge substantially more because of their heightened visibility. “A five-piece band that has played celebrity weddings and events will cost much more than a seven-piece band that plays around town and picks up weddings only occasionally,” mentions Liney Castle, planner at Twickenham House and Hall.
Furthermore, a smaller ensemble will fall on the lower end of the budget, while a full show band or specialty genre, such as jazz, Latin, or strings, will typically require a greater budget.
“Wedding band pricing often scales with size and specialty, adding horns or strings increases cost, and niche styles like Bridgerton or jazz are priced differently from traditional Top 40 bands,” mentions Ariana Straznicky, founder of Ariana Strings. “For strings alone, couples might see quotes ranging from $200 to $20,000—whether it’s a solo violinist for the ceremony or a bespoke, integrated string orchestra with specialty costumes, electric instruments, and a choreographed light show, more akin to a full-scale production—because couture music, like fashion, is tailored, not off-the-rack.”
Location, Location, Location
Typically, live professional wedding bands from big cities such as Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco or Chicago have more exposure than those from smaller markets, driving up their costs. However, major metropolitan areas also offer more options of professional wedding bands, particularly those who specialize in specific genres.
How Event Duration Will Affect Your Budget
The length of the performance is a crucial factor in the final cost. Most wedding bands have a base price for a set number of hours, and an overtime fee for any additional time.
“Most of the bands and agencies we work with have a base price for a three- to four-hour wedding reception, and then cocktail hour and ceremony music, ceremony microphones, and lighting are added a la carte,” adds Silva.
Standard booking packages typically range from three to four hours and often represent the most cost-effective option. If you’re budget-conscious, it’s best to stick to the standard package.
“Our signature 13-piece ensemble package priced at $20,000 includes four hours of entertainment, one musician for cocktail hour and one musician for ceremony (more can be added for additional fees),” remarks Karen J, co-owner of AFFINITINYC.
Hidden Costs: Travel and Custom Song Requests
Moreover, in addition to the performance fee, there are some hidden costs that quickly add up. These include travel expenses, meals, and accommodation.
“Travel expenses and custom song requests could be add-ons. On average, couples can expect to budget anywhere from $4,000 to $15,000 or more,” says Ali Fedrau, director of marketing at Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach. Therefore, if you’re trying to reduce costs, it’s advisable to hire a local band so that you don’t have to pay for their travel and stay.
Also, some live professional wedding bands charge an additional fee for playing specific song requests. It’s best to check what they have in their repertoire to avoid any surprises later.
“Smaller factors that influence the total price of the quote and contract are items like contracted playing time, add-ons such as prelude music and cocktail hour, specific instrument additions outside of the advertised selection, and requests for the band to learn a specific song for the event,” adds Castle.
Seasonal and Day-of-Week Pricing
Like all wedding vendors, wedding bands' costs are based on a simple supply-and-demand model. Peak wedding season, holiday weekends, and Saturdays are always in high demand. That's when the pricing will be the highest.
If you’re hoping for a discount, having your wedding on a weekday, a Sunday, or during off-season months will give you some leverage.
What About Equipment and Setup?
Lastly, a professional wedding band’s fee typically should include the cost associated with setting up their equipment, including instruments and sound systems. However, some bands or venues may charge an additional fee for equipment rental or setup. Therefore, it’s advisable to check regarding equipment and setup before signing the contract.
Cover photo courtesy of Blitz Nation
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