How much should I spend on music for my wedding? 

Your wedding day is a symphony of emotions, a whirlwind of love, laughter, and cherished memories. And amidst the whirlwind, music plays a pivotal role in setting the tone, creating ambiance, and ensuring your guests dance the night away.

But how much should you allocate for this crucial element of your special day?

That begs the questions then, what is the average cost of wedding music in New South Wales? 

In New South Wales, Easy Weddings annual wedding report, reported the average cost of wedding music in 2024 is around $1,966. This figure encompasses a range of factors, including the type of music, the number of musicians, and the duration of the performance.

Depending on the type of ensemble you’re looking to book for your wedding, this figure may reach into the many thousands of dollars.

This guide aims to give you the complete overview of what to know to make sure you’re getting the most value for your money. 

Read on.

What's generally included in the cost of music for my wedding?

The cost of wedding music typically covers the following:

• Performance fees: This includes payment for the musicians, their equipment, and transportation.

• Rehearsal time: Musicians often require rehearsal time to ensure a flawless performance on your wedding day.

• Preparation time: There is much administration that is required for the musicians to be perfectly in sync with the flow of your day, this admin preparation time is generally included. 

• Travel expenses: If your wedding venue is located outside of the city center, travel expenses for the musicians may be included.

• Additional services: Some musicians may offer additional services, such as MC duties or sound equipment rental.

What factors affect the cost of professional music at your wedding? 

Several factors can influence the overall cost of wedding music:

• Type of music: Live bands, solo musicians, and DJs all command different fees.

• Number of musicians: A larger ensemble will generally cost more than a solo performer.

• Experience and reputation: More experienced and highly sought-after musicians will typically charge higher fees.

• Location and travel: Weddings in remote locations may incur additional travel expenses.

• Duration of performance: Longer performances will naturally cost more.

• Song requests: Most wedding musicians will allow for some personal requests to be learnt prior to the day, but an excessive amount of requests for songs, not on their predefined setlist, may mean they charge an additional fee to be learnt. 

How can I make professional wedding music more affordable? 

While wedding music can be a significant expense, there are ways to make it more affordable:

• Book early: Early bookings often secure lower rates.

• Consider off-peak dates: Weddings on weekdays or during off-seasons may be less expensive.

• Choose a smaller ensemble: A solo musician, a smaller band or a DJ maybe more budget-friendly.

• Combo live musician & DJ: a popular combination right now is to have an acoustic duo for ceremony and canapes, followed by a DJ taking over in the evening to give you the best of both. See our dedicated blog HERE. 

• Travel: Book musicians closer to your venue to minimise travel costs. 

• Negotiate with musicians: Many musicians are open to negotiating fees, especially for off-peak dates or shorter performances.

• Consider a mix: Many booking agencies have a number of types of acts, which can be booked in tandem with a DJ. 

• Referral fees: Ask the booking company if they have an affiliate program, whereby you might get a referral fee following your wedding if one of your guests goes on to book the band for their own wedding at a later date. 

What are the hidden costs to be aware of when booking wedding music? 

Some hidden costs associated with wedding music include:

• Overtime fees: If the performance extends beyond the agreed-upon time, overtime fees may apply.

• Equipment rental: If the venue doesn't provide sound equipment, rental costs will be incurred.

• Meals: Depending on how long you have booked the band for, there is a requirement to provide them with meals, which is an additional headcount cost. 

• Time of year / public holidays: There may be a surcharge for particular dates you’re looking at, or peak seasons such as March-May, September-November, Christmas/New Year & Easter. 

• Travel & overnight stays: Every band should be fully transparent with this, but if you’re having a destination wedding consider all the potential travel related costs such as transport, bulky goods baggage for airlines, overnight accommodation etc. 

• Learning new songs: Most bands allow for 1-2 personalised song choices, but just make sure you ask the question. 

What is the difference in cost for live musicians vs. a DJ at your wedding? 

The cost of live musicians vs. a DJ varies significantly. Live musicians typically charge higher fees, ranging from $500 to $5,000 per performance, depending on the factors mentioned earlier. DJs, on the other hand, typically charge between $200 and $2,000.

Which is better; Live Music vs. DJ at your wedding? 

The choice between live music and a DJ depends on your personal preferences and the ambiance you wish to create. Live music provides a more dynamic and engaging experience, while a DJ offers flexibility in genre and song selection.

Check out our recent post which unpacks this question even further - HERE

Ask your wedding band if they have a combo?

A popular choice is an acoustic duo for ceremony and canapes, followed by a DJ for later in the evening 

Conclusion: Setting the Right Tone with Wedding Music

Wedding music plays a vital role in setting the tone for your special day. While the cost can vary depending on several factors, careful planning, negotiation, and considering alternative options can make it a more affordable and memorable part of your wedding celebration. Remember, the most important thing is to choose music that reflects your love story and creates a lasting impression on you and your guests.

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