pricing advice

Joined: 15 Sep 2010 Posts: 972 Location: Rock Hill,SC

I've been asked to play at a wedding in Dec. & I've only done this twice before but it was family so I did it for free/as a gift. I'm playing two songs Canon in D & The March of The Bride. Yea lil pressure on the last one Laughing

so my question is have any of you guys played at a wedding & what would you charge? Would you charge per song or an overall fee? Any positive feedback will be much appreciated

Thanks,
Cam

Joined: 15 Dec 2008 Posts: 4250 Location: Derry, N Ireland

A couple of years ago, I played my 'coustic as part of a traditional band playing some lovely Irish music at a wedding. There were about 10 people in the band and we played 12-15 songs throughout the entire ceremony. I got paid £50 (about $80) for my troubles, which was an awesome surprise as the end of the day, I wasn't expecting anything.

Have fun! Razz

Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 5:49 pm

As much as you can squeeze out of them! Laughing

People getting married will pay absolutely anything to get what they want. Twisted Evil

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 14460

Metalfac3 wrote:

Would you charge per song or an overall fee?

Fee Schedule:

1. $75
2. Food, drink & cake
3. One bridesmaid (if married, change #1 to $100)

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 13396 Location: Earth

Generally guys get paid to play entire sets or for the whole night. I don't know what would be fair to ask for two songs. Free food and put out a tip jar?

Joined: 15 Sep 2010 Posts: 972 Location: Rock Hill,SC

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

Generally guys get paid to play entire sets or for the whole night. I don't know what would be fair to ask for two songs. Free food and put out a tip jar?

that's what's got me confused about it. Just 2 songs & that's it. Idk $25 seem fair? They already invited me to the reception so free food as well lol

Joined: 15 Dec 2008 Posts: 4250 Location: Derry, N Ireland

Metalfac3 wrote:

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

Generally guys get paid to play entire sets or for the whole night. I don't know what would be fair to ask for two songs. Free food and put out a tip jar?

that's what's got me confused about it. Just 2 songs & that's it. Idk $25 seem fair? They already invited me to the reception so free food as well lol

Yeah that sounds good. Normally evening guests are still meant to bring the couple a gift, usually money for paying for their meal/night's craic. So id say if you get a good time, some munch and some dollaa's then it would be fair all round Razz

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 5799

Make it your wedding gift. Eat $50 worth of food. You're welcome.

Joined: 13 Feb 2004 Posts: 5601 Location: phoenix az.

last wedding i played i played the bride march all metal and I shred over an original song my bass player and little kenny wrote.was my wedding gift and free beer.I think if u charge for 2 songs thats ridiculous.

Joined: 03 May 2008 Posts: 6625 Location: Minnesota

I've done a few weddings, but they included songs during the ceremony, my PA system for the ceremony, and I played background music during the reception.

It was a full gig, and I got $450.

For just a few songs, if they are friends of yours, do it for free. If they are clients/customers of yours, I'd say $50 for your time.

Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 8:50 pm

Lanning is Killdozer wrote:

Free food and put out a tip jar?

Alot of folks don't want to see tip jars put out at weddings (thier gusts and family are already shelling out for expensive gifts, travel, babysitters, hotels, etc....).

You'd be better off charging a fee and getting hooked up at the bar IMHO.