The cost of tying the knot will play a key role in your big day. Quality live performances are a must – but how much should they cost?
Blue Avenue Entertainment has years of experience in the music industry, and we seek to provide premium performances at a reasonable price. The musicians booked by our agency offer professional services, so we’re well aware of the costs involved in hiring talent.
Before you make a booking, carefully read through our guide and consider the following points to ensure you plan for a fabulous event from the very beginning.
How much is a band, and what am I paying for?
If you’re wondering ‘how much do wedding bands cost?’, live music payment varies from state to state. If you’re seeking to hire wedding bands in Melbourne or Sydney, the average cost will start at about $3,000 – $3,300 + GST for a 4-piece band, with $400 – $600 for each additional musician.
That generally includes three to four sets, an industry-standard meal and refreshment for acts longer than three hours, and all the lighting and equipment required to play the show. A small deposit is customary at the time of booking. In our case it’s 30%, with the rest to be paid at least 28 days prior to the booking date.
These musicians know exactly how to create the right atmosphere for the night, working together to produce a flawless performance. Seasoned artists, like the ones represented by our agency, play perfectly at this level, and range from three piece to five piece bands.
Be wary of calculating value for money based upon the members in the group. This is not always a good indicator of the quality you’ll receive for the cost. Instead, ask us about what each act offers to clarify what you’ll receive for the payment you make.
How much are wedding bands? Ask the right questions
Whether you wish to hear one of the Blue Avenue wedding bands in Melbourne or elsewhere, it’s important to be informed about what your package contains.
The main aspects to consider are:
- Travel time
- Start and end times
- Equipment costs
- The day and season when you’re making your booking
Travel time can add up
If the band you choose is local, it’s unlikely that they’ll require additional payment for travel. For venues that are further away, though, that may be the case.
When asking ‘how much does it cost to hire a band?’, it’s always worth asking whether this is a factor within your quoted price, and at times this can make quite a big difference.
Musical style and genre
Selecting the right musical style and genre is essential to creating the perfect atmosphere for your wedding. Whether you envision a classical, jazz, rock, pop, or eclectic musical ambiance, it’s crucial to choose a band that specialises in or can adapt to your preferred genre.
Consider your personal musical preferences and those of your guests when making this decision. A band that can cater to a diverse range of tastes may be ideal if your guest list includes individuals with varying musical interests.
Finding a band that aligns with your chosen style ensures that the music complements the overall theme and ambiance of your wedding, making it a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Logistics
Clear communication about logistics is crucial when hiring a band for your wedding. Discuss important details such as setup and soundcheck times, equipment requirements, and any specific space needs with both the band and your chosen venue.
Knowing when the band will arrive for setup ensures that they have ample time to prepare and perform soundchecks to guarantee the best audio quality. Additionally, understanding their equipment requirements helps you coordinate with the venue to provide the necessary resources.
By addressing logistics thoroughly, you can ensure a seamless and well-organised performance that enhances the overall experience for you and your guests.
Be mindful of hours
Our performers are dedicated to providing the best entertainment on the night, and will stay within a reasonable timeframe. Other bands, however, may have strict start and finish times. Usually, this is from 6:00-11:00 or so, and may incur additional fees if they’re asked to stay longer.
Ask about maintenance fees
The equipment brought by our musicians to your venue is their own, and is of the best quality. In order to maintain that quality, fees are often factored into their overall pricing.
You’re more than welcome to ask if this is the case with an act that appeals to you, and we’ll let you know if so.
Plan for the season ahead
Summer months and the holiday season are always busy, and as a result, functions booked at that time of the year incur a premium fee.
If your budget is less accommodating, consider planning your special occasion mid-week or in the off-season, and you may be able to secure a discounted deal.
Check reviews and references
Before booking a band for your wedding, take the time to read reviews for the band. You can also view some of their performances on their individual profile pages at our website. This can provide valuable insights into the band’s overall performance quality.
Checking references allows you to directly connect with couples who have hired the band in the past. You can ask about their experiences, whether the band met their expectations, and if they encountered any issues. This research will help you gauge whether the band is a good fit for your wedding and whether they align with your musical preferences.
Backup plan
When planning your wedding, it’s essential to have contingencies in place, including a backup plan for unforeseen circumstances that may affect your band’s performance. Discuss this with the band to understand how they handle situations such as illness or equipment failure.
Ask if the band has backup musicians or equipment readily available to ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly without disruptions. Having a backup plan in place provides peace of mind.
Beautiful memories are priceless
While cost is always a factor for weddings, finding the right musicians for the event is an invaluable investment. The memories they create are priceless, and stay with you forever.
Blue Avenue is here to connect you with the very best talent, working with you and your budget to make the perfect match. From there, all that’s left to do is contact our friendly booking managers and secure the sound to accompany you down the aisle.