Music for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception - need advice :)

aimes1866 Posted: Feb 05, 2009 10:26 PM

Music for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception - need advice :)

Can anyone recommend some string quartets or pianists for the ceremony that aren't too expensive but still good? (how much actually should I expect to spend?)

Also, any advice on DJs or bands (the specific band name as well as the parent organization) also that aren't too expensive. I'm thinking about spending under 1500 for DJ and if I go with band, around 2000 to 2500 range? Is that doable or is that unrealistic?

Thanks!!

mosh424 Posted: Feb 05, 2009 10:30 PM

Re: Music for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception - need advice :)

I truthfully don't know if a band is do-able for that price range but we are using the Hank Lane Review Band (Parent Company Hank Lane Bands) for the CH and the reception and we are using the harp player Janet King for our ceremony

Good Luck

MrsJuneB2B Posted: Feb 05, 2009 10:41 PM

Re: Music for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception - need advice :)

based on what we booked for a band (we booked Hank Lane)... i think that you might be better off sticking to a DJ instead. in my search I didn't find a band in your price range. you can have an awesome time with a DJ though :o) good luck in your search!!

aimes1866 Posted: Feb 05, 2009 10:49 PM

Re: Music for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception - need advice :)

hmmm....so how much are bands? which ones?

emc282rjm Posted: Feb 05, 2009 10:59 PM

Re: Music for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception - need advice :)

I don't know about bands, but we got a great dj package from High Voltage for around $1200...FM me if you want details!

tela Posted: Feb 06, 2009 04:33 PM

Re: Music for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception - need advice :)

I am not sure if you can get a band for $2500...but a DJ for the reception should be ok for under $1500. I had the pianist from the band I used, Soul Revival , play our ceremony and then a jazz trio for the CH, also from our band, and they were great. I highly recommend them, even if it's only for the ceremony and CH!
Good luck!!

mmm117 Posted: Feb 07, 2009 09:34 AM

Re: Music for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception - need advice :)

The lease expensive bands I've come across are around $5000. Most are between $6000 and $10000 and then a few are well in excess of $20,000

mosh424 Posted: Feb 07, 2009 09:37 AM

Re: Music for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception - need advice :)

Posted by aimes1866

hmmm....so how much are bands? which ones?

For all our music we are paying around 10,000

bkbaby4life Posted: Feb 07, 2009 12:42 PM

Re: Music for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception - need advice :)

most bands average about $1000 per person in the band. a decent band needs about 6 to 8 people in it.

i wanted a band but im gonna go with a dj because they are cheeper. i'm thinking of adding a live drummer and sax guy to compliment the dj.

JillandJoe Posted: Feb 07, 2009 01:11 PM

Re: Music for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception - need advice :)

we really wanted a string quartet, but can't afford it. We made a cd of wonderful strings songs that the dj will play at the cocktail hour. We also will be having them do our ceremony music to save money...

kirstenjk Posted: Feb 07, 2009 02:05 PM

Re: Music for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception - need advice :)

If your heart is set on a string quartet, why don't you call the local Universities/Colleges with a music department. Often they 'hire out' their students to work events - the students earn some money and you get inexpensive live music.

BTW - my DJ was Big Hits Entertainment - they did a fantastic job - everyone was dancing all night!