Tips for hiring wedding musicians
I have been running a function band for several years, and here are a couple of little tips which may make some difference to your budgeting...
Firstly, try to book the band directly - if you go through an agency, they will usually add in the region of £400 to the bill. Believe me - I do take gigs through agents, but I do sometimes cringe a bit, as I know that the happy couple are paying SO much more than I would charge them - however, it's not very ethical to then try and bypass the agency once the contact has been made.
If you see a band at an event, and they give you a card which is an agency card (which is technically what they should do, but very very unlikely!), then Google the band name before you contact the agency. If you don't know any bands, try asking people - always try to find a band directly, by word of mouth or recommendation. However, make sure that they are well-organised and know what they are talking about.
Secondly, some bands (including us) will offer a DJ service after the band finish. That may save you a fair sum, rather than booking a separate DJ. We work with some DJs, but will throw in an option where we play recorded music (DJ without all the annoying chat!) until your curfew, for an extra £150 - most DJs are £350 plus...
Thirdly, some bands (again, including us), may offer a discount service for referrals. For example, if you book us for your wedding, and then one of your friends books us for their wedding or party before your wedding day, we will knock £100 off the bill.
I hope this is of some help to you. Good luck with your wedding planning.
Richard Swan
www.cornucopiamusic.co.uk
