How to Save Money Hiring Wedding Musicians
When you find wedding costs escalating, there are ways to cut expenses when selecting music and musicians without sacrificing quality. All it takes is some time to research online and make a few phone calls and you can get the music you want without breaking the bank.
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Instructions
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How to Save Money Hiring Wedding Musicians
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Decide if you want a live band, a DJ, a small ensemble or soloist. A live band will cost the most because of the number of musicians and the equipment they need to bring. The style of music you want will determine the type of musicians you hire.
If you want classical music, a woodwind quintet, string trio or soloist will do fine. If you want jazz, you probably want a quartet. If you want rock, a live band or DJ is your best bet. -
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Call local music schools and conservatories if you decided on a classical or jazz ensemble or soloist. Ask if their musicians play at outside functions. The school may put you in touch directly with students or may facilitate the request for you. When negotiating fees, be aware that musicians usually charge a standard "first hour" rate per musician and then reduce that hourly rate for subsequent hours.
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Make a list of the songs you want played. You can find wedding music by looking online or asking the musicians you plan to hire. Have a clear plan of when you want music played, such as before the ceremony, the processional, the recessional and during the reception.
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Interview DJ's and ask to attend an event they're working to get a sense of their personalities. Since you're paying the DJ, you should be able to look through his/her song selection and make a list of songs you want played. He or she shouldn't dictate what songs to play unless you ask them to select for you.
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Hear a live band play at a function so you have an idea of quality. Some bands have little or no experience playing at weddings, so try to pick a band that has experience. Ask to see a copy of their playlist and select songs appropriate for the reception.
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Tips & Warnings
If you want classical music before and during the ceremony and a live band during the reception, be prepared to shell out more money. It may be more cost effective to hire musicians to only play the processional and recessional, that way you're only paying for an hour. Then hire a DJ for the reception over a live band.
If you want a vocalist to sing, you'll most likely have to hire a pianist too. Perhaps the church organist can play and more often than not, vocalists know many accompanists who can play. Be sure the church has a piano. Renting a piano is costly.
No matter how great your neighbor tells you his nephew is at being a DJ, don't hire someone based on their relationship to someone you know unless you hear and see them at an event and can decide on your own. Believe it or not, but there's an "art" to being a fun, lively and good DJ.
