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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