I am looking for a band that'll cost around $5000. Is it possible?
What should I look for in a band? All this planning and attending showcases really drain me out. I feel like just settling for a DJ
Need your help
september2004
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Re: Frustrated with choosing MUSIC
yes. what type of music do you want?
minniemouse
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Re: Frustrated with choosing MUSIC
We like live entertainment. We don't want clubbin style. More of elegance but fun and interactive. 2 female and 2 male vocalists. Probably a 7, 8, 9 piece band.
littlewilson
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Re: Frustrated with choosing MUSIC
Don't settle...I really think that you'll be able to find a good 8 or 9 piece band for that price, although you're right - it's a pain in the a$$! I would personally cut down on, or even completely eliminate going to the showcases, which usually have more of the typical 'wedding' bands. There are some exceptions, but showcases are draining, and the bands are often loud, 'clubby', bands who charge more than appropriate for their talent, just because they are LI 'wedding bands'.
Don't be afraid to talk to bands who you think are out of your price range; just give them your budget and ask what they can give you for that amount - many will be willing to work something out if they have your date open.
Do a search on this board and on The Knot's Local chat boards (look on both the Long Island and NYC boards) for bands, and you'll find lots of great recommendations. Then, you can check out the bands' websites, listen to / watch some clips, and call the ones who seem like what you're looking for. You can give them your date and budget over the phone, so you don't have to waste any futher time if they can't work with that amount.
Good luck! I really hope you find what you're looking for!
violetfairy
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Re: Frustrated with choosing MUSIC
2 male and 2 female may be tough to find at that price, but not impossible.
I can say that the Skyline Orchestras bands are all in that price range; Skyline has 2 lead females, but I forget if they have 1 or 2 lead males (you could check at their site: www.skylineorchestras.com), and Code Bleu has several lead males, but only one lead female.
(Disclaimer: my fi is in Code Bleu. But I wouldn't recommend them if they weren't wonderful... and affordable!)
groovypeg
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you should check out skyline orchestras and franklyn wayne bands. they have bands in that price range. i have heard several bands from both companies that were terrific.
melanee
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Re: Frustrated with choosing MUSIC
i saw code blue in a bridal expo and thought they were great...unfortunately, we need a band that plays portuguese music also so i am still in search for a band...but definitely try code blue of skyline orchestras...they will be playing at the milleridge bridal expo on feb 3
sun86moon
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I am using Code Bleu. They are definitely in your price range and seemed great. I can't wait to dance at my wedding!
september2004
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I am having a Jazz, Blues and Funky R&B band (6/7 pieces) - not the traditional 'wedding band'.
FM me if you want the info
Sweetie2004
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Alive n kickin is great....search them on google
minniemouse
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Thank you ALL so much for your help.
i will continue my search despite this nasty weather.
BTW How does the ceremony and cocktail music go about with bands since I am having all at one place?
The Original 2nd-time-around
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Try Ron James and Niteflight...they are both great and around your price range
1017Bride
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Violetfairy, who is your FI in Code Bleu? I saw them play at a showcase and they were good.
mrswask
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We are using Skyline and they were awesome!! We have 2 female leads and 2 male leads and they are an 8 piece band. John Marshall Band is also in that price range - we saw them at a wedding and they were great!
fairy
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Times Square Orhcestra www.timessquaremusic.com They are in your price range - have only one female singer, but a few male singers and they are awesome.
Sunshine128
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Try Stan Wiest... I was quoted $4700 for 6 piece band... 4 hours http://www.stanwiest.com/
littlewilson
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BTW How does the ceremony and cocktail music go about with bands since I am having all at one place?
Most bands will work with you to provide ceremony and cocktail music, and will offer a number of options (for different prices) for each. For example, you could get strings, classical guitar, harp, etc. for ceremony, and you could do a small jazz group (duo or trio) for coktail hour. You just need to approach the band with your *total* budget (including ceremony, cocktail, and reception) and your requirements, and see what they can do for you.
minniemouse
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Re: Frustrated with choosing MUSIC
Posted by Sunshine128
Try Stan Wiest... I was quoted $4700 for 6 piece band... 4 hours http://www.stanwiest.com/
Did you see any of stan wiest performance before booking? Coz he told me to come in and just view his video.
minniemouse
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BTW, I got a estimated cost of an average band: $5200 for 8piece band. $200 for ceremony music $200 for cocktail music
then I have to pay for their meals???
Does this sound reasonable???
Lorena
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That sounds normal based on quotes we got. I saw a wopping 11 bands (sickening). If I were you I would try to negotiate a bit and see if you can get the cocktail hour thrown in. You'd be surprised what you can do But otherwise for bands of around that size we were quoted anywhere from $4700 to $7200 !!!
