Please help with wedding musician...?

Check out www.gigmasters.com - they are are a professional agency with musicians nationwide. Just type in what you're looking for and what you want to pay and you'll get bids to your e-mail address. If the band pays the 5% fee then it's even free to you.

I own a classical music business about 100 miles north of NYC. We have played about 500 weddings - and can tell you that a small ensemble - prehaps 2 or 3 fine players - should cost you between $400 and $600. Any time thereafter gets CHEAPER by the hour - we are already there. This is for people with extensive education (Masters degresss) and many, many years of experience. I would NOT advise you to use college kids, etc. - no matter how well you think they play, they are USUALLYnot up to doing a wedding and cocktail hour. You want an established group - ask for references if you are not satisfied with their credentials.

It is equally acceptable to have a stereo of your favorite songs playing during the procession. Wedding venues will often have this set up already arranged for you to put a CD in their player. Live musicians will become pricey but is always a classy touch. Expect to pay anywhere from $400+ depending on what kind of music you choose, how many are in the ensemble what time of day and what day of the week you are choosing.

Ceremony music fees are typically dictated by the number of performers, day of the week, and time of day of your service. The going rate? Around $50-$250 per hour per performer (prices will vary per city). You also may have to pay for musicians' travel expenses and cartage for hefty instrument transport like harps. If you're looking to trum the fat, some musicians offer a price break if you hire them to play during cocktails and band breaks too. Or consider hiring an organist instead of a trio.

Afternoon,

I am actuallyl having a small wedding in 2 months, also. We have had to deal with all of the music stuff, too. We are both Scottish...Not all...but about half. Anyhow, someone suggested that we get a piper. The wedding is going to be outside. Anyhow, we "figured what the hell." It is for the ceremony and a bit after. It is running us 200 for 2 hours. This is in the Tahoe...California region. Let me know what you all decide to do. My mother in law wants us to get a violinist for the dinner. I am not sure about that one. Let me tell you, even though it is just a small wedding...The bill keeps getting bigger and bigger and bigger...

Good luck!!

Hiring live musicians, especially ensembles is usually pretty expensive. Don't be surprised if it runs you about $1,000.