Hi, to tail off what Donna said regarding your time investment - that's what I think is fair in such a situation.

I'm sure many of us do events where you're supporting dance community friends for a special life event in a venue you know well. These gigs are where you're lucky to break even after expenses, but it's much the same effort as for a regular series gig. For these, "no contract" likely makes sense.

Then there's the random person's "I want to have a [square | contra] dance for my wedding" gig where you need to spend much more time upfront and be clear about expectations both ways - IMO that's where a contract (or "Agreement" = both sides' responsibilities) helps. There's likely quite a bit of discussion with clients regarding their vision, what the programming would actually look like, sound requirements (with considerations and time spent outside the dancing portion, including ceremony venue speech & music, reception toast, etc.), schedule queries plus booking of musicians, what facility arrangements need to be covered (e.g.: power outlet(s) and where? performer meals?) and so forth. Putting all that in one compact agreed document can foster clarity for all.

A recent outdoor wedding gig during this period involved 3 event dates (re-)planned over 18 months, requiring coordination of all involved parties for each date. As it turned out, the final date fell squarely within our governor's determined "safe" and "open" window for our state. We had a plan for distanced music and outdoor "podded" dancing. The client still decided to cancel the gig (but NOT their wedding). All agreed it was for the best yet hours of effort were spent. The talent shouldn't be the only party shouldering the risk/cost in such a situation.

-Don