How much does a live wedding band cost?
How much does a live wedding band cost?
$2,000 – $8,000 average live wedding band cost
Average wedding band cost
A live wedding band costs $2,000 to $8,000 on average for the reception and $200 to $900 for the ceremony. Wedding band prices depend on the music genre, location, number of pieces, and season. Hiring a wedding band costs more than a DJ but offers a more exciting atmosphere.
| National Average Cost | $5,700 |
| Minimum Cost | $600 |
| Maximum Cost | $45,000 |
| Average Range | $2,000 to $8,000 |
Live band cost for a wedding
A live wedding band costs $1,300 to $25,000, depending on size and experience. A professional wedding band that performs regularly costs more than a small hobby band.
| Band size | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Less experienced 4-8 piece reception bands | $1,300 – $3,500 |
| More experienced 5-8 piece reception bands | $3,000 – $9,500 |
| 10-15 Piece Bands or Orchestras | $7,000 – $25,000 |
The following cost factors affect wedding band prices:
Number of pieces / persons / musicians – The more musicians in a band, the more it will cost. Additional guitars, background vocals, percussion, horns, and keyboards are popular options.
Length of performance – Most wedding bands play for 4 hours at a reception or 30 minutes to 2 hours for a ceremony. Playing both or during the cocktail hour before a reception costs extra.
Overtime fees – Most wedding bands charge overtime fees of $300 to $650 per hour if the reception goes beyond the agreed-upon set time.
Services & extras – Some bands provide MC services, an optional DJ set, special lighting, or cocktail hour music for an extra fee.
Music genre – Some bands specialize in contemporary, classical, or other genres of music. Make sure a band knows how to play the music you prefer before booking.
Learning new songs – Wedding bands may charge an additional fee if they have to learn new material.
Booked through agency vs. independent – A band agency has more options and availability but often costs more than an independent band.
Last-minute bookings vs. booking in advance – Reserving a band well before the wedding date ensures your first-choice band has your date available.
Time of the year & day of the week – Saturdays during summertime are the busiest and most expensive time to book a band. Weekdays or other seasons cost less.
Region – Entertainment costs vary by location and demand. Booking a wedding band in or near a big city typically costs more.
Travel and accommodation fees – Bands often charge travel fees if the venue is a significant distance from them or if there are multiple venues. Remember to set aside extra food for performers.
Breaks – Live bands require a short break between sets, usually once per hour. During the break, musicians will either rotate performing solo or play pre-recorded music.
Wedding ceremony music cost
Live music for a wedding ceremony costs $200 to $900, depending on the band size, number of songs, and instrument type. String quartets, for example, cost more than a solo guitarist.
Wedding ceremonies typically last 30 minutes to 2 hours. Charging by the hour is not common. Instead, most wedding bands charge a flat fee for a 4-hour set.
Ask to see a band's "rider" before booking to avoid surprise fees. The rider is an addition to the contract covering details like meals, travel, and equipment.
Wedding band cost by location
Wedding band costs vary by location. Bands in major cities like New York City and Boston often have higher than average rates, while bands in smaller cities and towns charge less. Popular bands travel throughout certain regions or countries to perform but charge travel fees.
| City, State | Average wedding band cost |
|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | $2,200 – $8,900 |
| Austin, TX | $2,300 – $9,300 |
| Boston, MA | $3,100 – $12,200 |
| Bridgeport, CT | $3,300 – $13,300 |
| Chicago, IL | $2,500 – $9,900 |
| Cleveland, OH | $2,300 – $9,300 |
| Columbus, OH | $2,300 – $9,100 |
| Dallas, TX | $2,500 – $9,800 |
| Denver, CO | $2,600 – $10,400 |
| Detroit, MI | $2,300 – $9,000 |
| Honolulu, HI | $3,000 – $12,100 |
| Houston, TX | $2,400 – $9,700 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $2,300 – $9,200 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $2,800 – $11,300 |
| Miami, FL | $2,400 – $9,600 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $2,500 – $10,100 |
| Nashville, TN | $2,000 – $8,100 |
| New Orleans, LA | $2,200 – $8,900 |
| New York, NY | $3,200 – $12,900 |
| Newark, NJ | $3,200 – $12,900 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $3,100 – $12,400 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $2,200 – $8,800 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $2,500 – $9,800 |
| Portland, OR | $2,600 – $10,400 |
| San Diego, CA | $2,800 – $11,100 |
| San Francisco, CA | $3,100 – $12,500 |
| Seattle, WA | $2,700 – $10,800 |
| Washington, DC | $3,000 – $12,000 |
Top wedding bands & prices
Many popular wedding bands cost more than average to book, while other popular bands and entertainment companies lower their prices to increase the volume of bookings.
Diamond Empire charges $2,000 to $6,000 for 3- to 10-piece bands.
Emerald Empire charges $2,000 to $7,500 for 3- to 14-piece bands.
Blue Wave Band charges $4,000 on average for a customizable 3- to 14-piece band.
The Bachelor Boys Band charges $3,000 to $10,000 for a 4- to 14-piece show.
Shades of Blue charges $3,500 for an R&B quartet.
Wilson-Stevens Productions charges $8,000 to $12,000 for a 6- to 11-piece band plus MC and DJ services. Bands include Beantown, Eye2Eye, Splash!, and more.
Cost of wedding band vs. DJ
A wedding DJ costs $800 to $1,600 on average, depending on the package, event length, and lighting add-ons. While live bands offer a more exciting experience, DJs cost less and play a wider range of music than a live band without needing to take breaks in between sets or songs.
Wedding music band FAQs
What services do wedding bands offer?
Wedding bands provide music during the reception, along with:
MC services
Song requests
Audio equipment
Lighting
Ceremony and cocktail hour music
DJ set during breaks
Most services beyond basic reception music cost extra. Verify the package details with the band before signing a contract.
How long does a band play at a wedding?
Wedding bands play for 3 to 5 hours at the wedding reception and typically charge separate fees for ceremony or cocktail hour performances. Additional overtime costs $300 to $650 per hour.
Do you tip the band at a wedding?
The standard tip for a wedding band is $25 to $50 per musician. If you enjoy the show, leave a good review and consider sharing the band’s information on social media.
Tips for finding and hiring a wedding band
How to book a band for a wedding
Decide what style of music you prefer.
Come up with an ideal budget.
Search for bands in your area several months before the wedding.
Read their reviews on Fash and Google.
Watch their promotional videos.
Contact the bands to check availability and compatibility.
Negotiate and sign a contract.
How to save money on a live wedding band
To save money on a wedding band:
Book as early as possible.
Hire a smaller band with fewer pieces.
Consider ceremony-and-reception packages.
Have the wedding during the off-season or any day besides Saturday.
Questions to ask wedding bands before hiring
What type or genre of music do you specialize in?
How many instruments and vocalists will be present at my wedding?
Can you show us your song list?
How many hours does your standard package include?
Do your rates vary by season or day of the week?
Will you learn new songs for my wedding?
Can you help me choose music for my wedding reception?
Do you have a SoundCloud, video list, music list, compilation, or any collection of your songs?
Do you have a demo or video from a performance?
What equipment do you provide?
What is your full team like, and how many will be present at my wedding?
How many breaks do you require, and how long are they?
Will you do the setup and breakdown, and does that cost extra?
What other services do you offer?