The Bottom Line: How Much Does a Good Wedding Band Cost?

You may find lot of conflicting information online about the cost of a solid wedding band. It’s not hard to see why, though. Many of the individuals and companies that know the answer don’t really want to provide you with a number until they think they have a shot at your business. Some of the numbers you’ll find from a quick Google search will look a little too reasonable – $2,000 – $3,000 for a 5-piece band! And you’ll also read about that high end show band that charges over $25,000 for a performance.

So, what’s the bottom line? How do you put a price tag on the experience you want to receive? Of course, the answer isn’t as cut and dry as you’d like it to be. Why? Because you CAN book a band at virtually every price point. Let’s break it down by the dollar amounts.

Amateur Hour | Price Range: $2,000 – $10,000

Call your local university or high school – I guarantee you can find a few music students to do your wedding for $2,000 or less. Depending on your vision for the event, it could be just what you need. They should have the musicality required to play the music well. But they probably also have little to no experience working in private events, which could be the indicator of an unpolished and awkward experience for everybody. You might also find a newly branded group without much experience or reputation. They could be a diamond in the rough, but they could also just be another group trying to make a buck without any real investment on your behalf. If you choose to go this route, vet your musicians very carefully and be sure that both parties know what they’re signing up for.

The Show Band | Price Range: $25,000+

Call a top rated entertainment agency in your metropolitan area and ask for pricing information on one of their oldest, most well-known show bands. Don’t be surprised if your jaw hits the floor – these groups can be VERY expensive. Will you get what you pay for? Maybe. When dealing with older groups that formed at a time when big band was huge, you may find that they’ve acquired a lot of overhead over the years. Technical directors, salespeople, talent coordinators, accountants, so on and so forth. Don’t get me wrong: if you’re looking at a band that has updated their look and sound each year to stay at the top of the game, that $25,000+ will absolutely be money well spent. You’re getting Rolling Stones quality – but way better than the Rolling Stones could ever deliver it (and probably for a longer show than they’d ever play). However, if you’re dealing with a band that has been playing the same old songs for the past 10 years, with an outdated look and musicians that are just going through the same old corporate motions, you’re just paying for a ton of people on a stage, a company name and a vague promise that your needs will be met and requests fully attended to.

The Value Band | Price Range: $10,000 – $25,000

The space between, of course, is where many of you will find yourselves. You are budget conscious, but you understand what live music can do for your wedding – and you just want it to be good! The bands that fall into this category are ensembles that max out the value of each vocalist or instrument without doubling up on anything. The band might consist of 6 or 7 members, and they might feature just one horn player – or maybe none at all! Some bands will actually have the keyboard player cover horn parts using a synthesizer. You may not get the fancy staging, lights and costumes of the show band, but if you pick the right group, you’ll still be getting top-caliber talent and sound. Most importantly, you should be able to find a band in this category that has proven themselves again and again for their clients. (Check the public reviews, and ask for references.)

So – you’re back where you’re started. There are many options when it comes to wedding entertainment – and that’s a beautiful thing! Do your research. Spend some time sifting through bands, and don’t just look in your area. Many bands can travel less expensively than you might think. Come up with a solid list of 3 bands, and contact each of them asking for information about what they can offer you. The Knot and WeddingWire are all great resources to find top talent bands.

Ben Mallare

An Annapolis, Maryland native, Ben Mallare has provided live musical entertainment for hundreds of couples, families and companies since 2012. In 2014, Ben developed Ben Mallare Events & Entertainment into what it is today: a full-service private events entertainment agency with over 50 musicians performing 125 weddings and events each year. The company is a natural result of Ben’s aptitude for musical performance combined with a deep love of personal service. Ben currently lives in Signal Hill, California and most looks forward to the new brides and grooms he’ll get to meet in the coming year.

Looking for unique, live musical entertainment that will fit both your vision and your budget? Get a quick quote from Ben at www.benmallare.com.