I charge $150 for a wedding and $50 more if alcohol is served. JoLaine On Mar 26, 2016 5:29 PM, "Dave Casserly via Callers" < callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> I've only called weddings for good friends, and I do that for free. But > I've played a lot of weddings, and I generally would not take a wedding gig > unless it paid at least 2-3x what a normal dance would pay. > > For a single caller, assuming you're NOT bringing sound or being in charge > of the band, you'll probably have some MC duties, at least. It's been that > way at pretty much all of the weddings where I've played for a dance. As > Alan and Jeff said, it doesn't matter how much time there will be actual > dancing; you'll end up being there for quite a while in any event with > setup, etc. Keeping your time to a minimum isn't going to be a priority; > I've played weddings where the band sets up and finishes sound check > literally three hours before going on. > > I recommend getting the couple on the phone immediately so you can gauge > what they're looking for. Generally, I think about it in terms of how long > I need to be there. If it's a local gig, I'd start with something like > $150 for the first hour I'd be there, and $50/hr after that, plus travel. > But I'd ask for more if I had any duties other than playing (or calling), > such as setting up sound, providing recorded music, etc. Typically, you > won't be at a wedding for less than three or four hours, at least, so > you're looking at $250-500. I live in DC, which is not quite as expensive > as NY, so adjust accordingly. > > I am generally willing to play or call for dances for community events and > other one night stands at a much lower rate. With weddings, though, the > couple's paying LOTS of money for stuff that isn't as valuable as the > music, and I'm unlikely to move much off the initial ask, unless it's a > very close friend, in which case I'd do it for free. > > -Dave > > On Sat, Mar 26, 2016 at 4:36 PM, Alan Winston via Callers < > callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote: > >> First off, you're not charging for the number of minutes of dancing. >> You're charging for your experience, expertise, and skill, showing up on >> time and being ready to do it, waiting around as necessary, traveling if >> needed, being mellow if (when) things go over and your time is cut, etc. >> >> What are you being asked to deliver for your fee? Are they booking their >> own band and arranging their own sound? >> >> For the wedding dance I just did in Berkeley - probably a comparable >> market to NYC - they provided sound, I organized a band for them, each band >> member and I were promised $300 for playing for the dance (and then a more >> for playing in the ceremony and some incidental music). They actually paid >> me more than the agreed-upon amount, so I don't think they thought I was >> gouging., >> >> For a friend's wedding I might work free. >> >> If you want to be paid appropriately, state your price and don't waver. >> If you want to get the gig regardless, ask them their budget and quote less >> than that. >> >> When asked to arrange musicians I make it clear that I can't quote before >> I know who's available but state a range ($1000-$1500) and I also ask their >> budget and then adjust the number of musicians (two good ones is fine, >> three better) so we all get paid enough within their budget. >> >> -- Alan >> >> >> On 3/26/16 11:13 AM, Maia McCormick via Callers wrote: >> >> Hey folks, >> >> I've just been asked to call a wedding, and I don't have a good idea for >> what the going rate for these things is. What do you all charge for a >> wedding (say, 30 mins-an hour of dancing)? (And how might you adjust this >> rate for NYC?) >> >> Thanks, >> Maia >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Callers mailing >> listCallers@lists.sharedweight.nethttp://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Callers mailing list >> Callers@lists.sharedweight.net >> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net >> >> > > > -- > David Casserly > (cell) 781 258-2761 > > _______________________________________________ > Callers mailing list > Callers@lists.sharedweight.net > http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/callers-sharedweight.net > >