Negotiating Rates with Musicians
How much is that piano-playing doggy in the window? Yes, the one with the waggling
tail! The real answer is: How much are you willing to pay?
Demand and supply is the name of the game in the wedding music business. For
example, everyone knows that – compared to a live band -- DeeJays are less expensive.
Generally, there are two reasons why. First, DeeJays don’t split their fee with anyone.
Second, there are a lot of Deejays in this world. And therefore there’s a lot of competition.
And competition means lower prices.
Let’s assume you want to hire a live band for your wedding. Here are a few assumptions
to keep in mind. The more popular a band becomes, the more likely it is to charge more.
Also, more people in a band will raise the cost to hire it. Finally, if the band works with an
agency, the band will add 5 to 20 percent onto your total cost.
Wedding bands that have been around for a while know how to negotiate with you for
services. Bands that are just starting out in the business may not have a clue. If you can
find a band that’s just starting out and you trust the band to deliver, go for it. Of course,
make sure you hear or see them play before you make a commitment.
A lot of bands will have two rate structures – one for pubic performances and another for
private affairs. Some bands will adjust their price if they believe it will lead to future
business. For example, they may be willing to lower their price if you have lots of folks at
your reception who would be interested in hiring them.
Therefore, when the leader of a band negotiates rates with you, they want to know a few
other things from you first before they quote you a price. When’s the date of the
performance? They believe in charging a little more for weekends and holidays. They
also want to know how much travel is involved and whether there are any complexities in
setting up.
Musicians may also ask you what you have paid for a live band in the past, but that may
not be a relevant question so avoid answering it.
Musicians also decide on a rate based on how much they need the work, so visit their
website and see if their calendar is typically filled. If not, you may get a break on cost.
You may also bring down the price by offering the possibility of publicity for the band.
Obviously, you’ll have to be creative with weddings and receptions but you never know.
Another factor the band may consider in lowering its price is whether the location is
some really cool place to play. Is it on the beach? Or is it in a very fancy hotel?
Don’t be afraid to negotiate a price. Simply start by saying you have a budget for the
music. Bands always have a range of rates – a low and a high end – and they’ll usually
have some flexibility to give a little.
They may provide you with a price quote and tell you it’s based on a similar gig they did
in the past. Don’t flinch, however. If it’s too high, just say so. They may ask you again
what you normally pay, but don’t say anything. Let them provide you with a quote you can
live with. You can always tell them you’ll think about it and wait for an e-mail message
from them that suggests a lower rate.
In the end, they may come down to your proposed rate or even something close. But they
may want you to pay for expenses, such as mileage and meals. It’s up to you.
Remember, it’s all about supply and demand. Most musicians are not making a full-time
living out of playing. There are plenty of bands that just enjoy playing at any rate. And
while it’s important to avoid breaking your bank when hiring a musician for your wedding
or reception, it’s also importance to remember than great music can make a significant
difference on one of the most important days of your life.
If you can afford that piano-playing doggy in the window and it makes you happy, then you
know what to do.
Happy Tails!
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