Tipping the Band?

Im going to decide about tipping them the night of since it really depends on how well they perform.

However I will feed them. I find hungry people don't perform as well.

Cindy,

I mailed in my songs and I called and spoke to Heather after. Plus, I had Frank Wayne call the band leader and then she called me to straighten things out. I do recommend that. It set my mind at ease.
I asked the band leader what would they prefer, and she said that weddings are expensive and understands that it is really one or the other and would prefer a monetary tip over. I know my hall gives them food anyway - so I think we are going with all cash. We'll probably tip around $40 - $50 per person and there's 9 members. Or else, I thought about feeding them and then giving them around $25 - $30 per member - but it is a day wedding and I do think they will eat during the cocktail hour plus whatever the hall gives them. I'll let you know, Cindy!

Which bands are you guys using? We are using Franklin Wayne too?

How does it work? do you have to pick out all the songs or just a few?

It's really up to you - we picked our definite songs and gave them leeway for the rest. I did give them a few don'ts too! I think that if you give them a really long list, it limits them. We trust our band and really know that they will do a great job!

We picked:
Our first song
Our parent dances
Our cake song
Our last song (which we even gave them leeway there)
and one song that they have to play!!!!
plus told them they have to play Italian Waltzes for my family!!!!!!!

I'll post my reviews soon!

Thanks!

Which band are you using?

We used the 8-piece band The Times Square Orchestra. We has seen them play numerous times, and knew they would do a good job for us, so there was no doubt in our mind -- we fed them, and we tipped them $200. That's $25 per band member.

Oh, and they didn't let us down, they were awesome!!

Thanks for all the 'tips!' I was wondering all the same questions and I'm glad that I have some perspective on the subject! Cira...just curious....which band from Franklin Wayne are you using? I'm thinking of using Heart & Soul. Good Luck!

We are using Daybreak's Night!

I think it all depends on how well the band performs and your financial situation. I also totally agree with Stef. I don't want a hungry singer. People can slower and do not perform well when hungry. THe halls will not usually give them food without you paying for it. And my band will be setting up in our main room, not eating with my guests at the cocktail hour. So you might want to check on that.

My biggest problem is that every vendor now seems to except a 'tip'. I don't understand why we are all tipping people for doing their jobs. No one hands me a fifty when I leave work at 5pm. I mean, if they are not making enough $$ then either a) charge more for the services or b)do something else. I am not trying to sound mean but I cannot tip each vendor on top of already paying a lot of money for the service because they showed up for work. I am only tipping those vendors that give me extra special attention or service, above the call of duty.