I've only called weddings for good friends, and I do that for free.  But I've played a lot of weddings, and I generally would not take a wedding gig unless it paid at least 2-3x what a normal dance would pay.

For a single caller, assuming you're NOT bringing sound or being in charge of the band, you'll probably have some MC duties, at least.  It's been that way at pretty much all of the weddings where I've played for a dance.  As Alan and Jeff said, it doesn't matter how much time there will be actual dancing; you'll end up being there for quite a while in any event with setup, etc.  Keeping your time to a minimum isn't going to be a priority; I've played weddings where the band sets up and finishes sound check literally three hours before going on.

I recommend getting the couple on the phone immediately so you can gauge what they're looking for.  Generally, I think about it in terms of how long I need to be there.  If it's a local gig, I'd start with something like $150 for the first hour I'd be there, and $50/hr after that, plus travel.  But I'd ask for more if I had any duties other than playing (or calling), such as setting up sound, providing recorded music, etc.  Typically, you won't be at a wedding for less than three or four hours, at least, so you're looking at $250-500.  I live in DC, which is not quite as expensive as NY, so adjust accordingly.

I am generally willing to play or call for dances for community events and other one night stands at a much lower rate.  With weddings, though, the couple's paying LOTS of money for stuff that isn't as valuable as the music, and I'm unlikely to move much off the initial ask, unless it's a very close friend, in which case I'd do it for free.

-Dave

On Sat, Mar 26, 2016 at 4:36 PM, Alan Winston via Callers <callers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

First off, you're not charging for the number of minutes of dancing.  You're charging for your experience, expertise, and skill, showing up on time and being ready to do it, waiting around as necessary, traveling if needed, being mellow if (when) things go over and your time is cut, etc.

What are you being asked to deliver for your fee?  Are they booking their own band and arranging their own sound? 

For the wedding dance I just did in Berkeley - probably a comparable market to NYC - they provided sound, I organized a band for them, each band member and I were promised $300 for playing for the dance (and then a more for playing in the ceremony and some incidental music).  They actually paid me more than the agreed-upon amount, so I don't think they thought I was gouging.,

For a friend's wedding I might work free.

If you want to be paid appropriately, state your price and don't waver.  If you want to get the gig regardless, ask them their budget and quote less than that. 

When asked to arrange musicians I make it clear that I can't quote before I know who's available but state a range ($1000-$1500) and I also ask their budget and then adjust the number of musicians (two good ones is fine, three better) so we all get paid enough within their budget.

-- Alan

On 3/26/16 11:13 AM, Maia McCormick via Callers wrote:

Hey folks,

I've just been asked to call a wedding, and I don't have a good idea for what the going rate for these things is. What do you all charge for a wedding (say, 30 mins-an hour of dancing)? (And how might you adjust this rate for NYC?)

Thanks,

Maia

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David Casserly
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