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| | | Of all the elements involved in a wedding, music can have the biggest impact in setting the overall mood and emotion of the day. Live music is particularly compelling since it can be custom-tailored to the couple's desires. However, because it is typically more expensive than recorded music (or DJ services), many couples opt to hire musicians only for the wedding ceremony and cocktails preceding the reception. Most have a repertoire of classical (ceremony and cocktails), jazz or world music. | | |
| Typical costs: | - The cost of hiring a live musician will depend on the type of instrument, number of musicians and length of performance. Soloists naturally charge less than duos, trios or quartets. Many musicians who routinely perform at weddings will charge a higher fee for the first hour of performance, often considered a "ceremony" charge.
- Costs for a solo guitarist range from $100 - $425 for a 2-hour performance, covering the ceremony and cocktails. Solo pianists charge roughly $300 - $400 while violinists cost between $300 - $770.
- Duos, whether two guitars, pianos, violins or harps, range from $800 - $1,250.
- Trios and quartets (strings are most popular for weddings), average around $1,000.
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| What should be included: | - Price quotes from wedding musicians should include the length of the actual performance, including their own set up and break down time, as well as all necessary equipment (such as sheet music, music stands, etc.). Most live performers require a 5 to 15 minute break between sets, roughly once per hour.
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| Additional costs: | - Depending on the location of the wedding ceremony and reception, a travel fee or second-location fee may be added. Travel fees typically range from $50 - $100, or $0.50 per mile. Musicians from out of the area may also require one night's lodging.
- Some musicians also require meals, particularly for longer performances.
- A per-hour cost is usually added for wedding rehearsals or planning/consultation sessions.
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| Discounts: | - Many musicians offer discounted prices for performances on days other than Saturday, which is the busiest day of the week.
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| Shopping for live ceremony music: | - GigMasters offers a searchable database of musicians who offer wedding services. The site allows users to contact a number of musicians with just a few clicks of the mouse. Musicians will then email bids. Each musician pays a 5% fee to GigMasters for each performed booked through the website.
- The American Federation of Musicians offers an online database of its professional musicians unions. Each chapter's website provides a "hire musicians" feature, which allows you to search for a soloist, group or ensemble in your area.
- WeddingMusicUSA.com provides state-by-state lists of professional musicians who specialize in wedding music.
- Check local music schools for talented students whose rates will be cheaper than a professional. Many schools have bulletin boards where students post information about their services and skills.
- Always try to audition a musician or group in person if possible. Recordings may be enhanced and may not give you the true sound of a live performance.
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Article updated July 2007 |
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