HOW DO YOU BOOK A LIVE BAND FOR YOUR WEDDING RECEPTION?

If you have already seen and heard a great party band at a friend’s wedding reception, then call the booking agent that represents that band. Seeing is believing! If not, then call a reputable booking agent and ask for ideas. They should send you media, information, references, and prices to help you pick the perfect dance band for your big night!

HOW MUCH DOES A LIVE WEDDING BAND COST?

Band’s prices depend on the size and popularity of the band and also the distance traveled to the event. Local Jazz bands, string trios, or cocktail bands may cost between $700 and $1600, while the most elite and popular live dance bands for wedding receptions and other high-end events may cost up to $20,000. Most exclusive live cover bands cost between $3000 and $9500.

HOW LONG DO LIVE COVER BANDS PLAY AT WEDDINGS?

A seasoned wedding reception band usually performs for up to a 4 hour span of time. The most common time table is to include 2 short breaks. Some of the larger dance bands are capable of extended play with only one short break. Wedding planners sometimes create unique timelines so most dance bands are flexible with breaks.

MY EVENT VENUE JUST ASKED ME FOR PROOF OF INSURANCE FOR MY BAND. DO YOUR BANDS HAVE COVERAGE?

Yes. If your venue needs proof of insurance or paperwork with the live cover band and venue as additional covered, please let us know that when you book the band. It can be provided to you at no cost.

DO ALL BANDS HAVE TO HAVE A STAGE? IF SO, HOW LARGE?

It is better for you to have a stage, but elevation is not required by most bands. Depending on the size of the dance band, stages can run from 12 x 16 to 20 x 24 unless it is a big horn band or national act in which case it would most likely need to be larger.

WILL BANDS LEADERS OR SINGERS MAKE ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR US?

Yes, Most Corporate Event Bands or Wedding Party Bands have a front person that will announce wedding parties, anniversaries, cake cuttings, bouquet toss, awards, etc.

WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY BAND? HOW FAR IN ADVANCE?

If you have a venue lined up and know which band you want, book them right away. Keep in mind that the top bands and entertainers are in big demand. A lot of the bands over a year in advance.

WILL LIVE BANDS LEARN REQUESTED SONGS FOR WEDDING RECEPTIONS?

For wedding receptions, most live bands will learn a song or two if the requested song(s) will work for the vocalist. Most Elite Wedding Party Bands are very accommodating and they understand the importance of a bride’s special dance songs.

DO BANDS PLAY IPODS ON THE BREAKS? CAN WE PLAY OUR OWN IPODS ON THE BREAKS?

Cover bands are used to playing music through their sound systems while on break. Some bands prefer for the client to provide requested songs on IPODs for the breaks. Other bands prefer to download the requested songs themselves- just depends on the band!

WHO SHOULD I CONTACT WITH THE MUSIC GARDEN?

If you already know a Music Garden representative, call or email them. We are very proud of our customer service. Relationships come first for us! Otherwise contact us at and we will have your local agent call or email you.

WHY SHOULD I USE MUSIC GARDEN TO BOOK A BAND?

Although Music Garden has a roster of exclusive live bands, we are focused on you (the client) first. Approximately 85 % of our business comes from repeat buyers or referrals. We achieve that by giving attention to every detail to make your event successful. A lot of bands come and go. We have been in business for over 25 years. We plan on being here for 25 more!

HOW DO I BOOK A BAND THROUGH MUSIC GARDEN?

Your representative (agent) will ask you some questions about your event. What type of event is it? What type of audience will be there? What is your approximate band budget? Etc.. Based on your answers, the agent will provide you with a band or several bands that should work for your event. He would then try to provide you with the information you would need to make a decision to book a band. The agent will then negotiate the lowest price possible. If you agree to that price, the agent will issue you a contract.

I AM IN A BAND AND WOULD LIKE TO BE ON THE MUSIC GARDEN ROSTER. WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR SUBMITTING MATERIAL?

The Music Garden is very selective when adding bands to the company roster. We don't take selecting our bands lightly. The first step is to submit a song list, picture, bio, references and audio or video to us. Then we will take a look at the material. If it looks like something we are interested in, we will come see the band live. If at that point we are interested, we will want to meet with the band to go over details. Note that although the band must be very good live, it is as equally important that the band is extremely professional.