Did you hire dancers to perform at your wedding reception?

Sounds very steep for me if everyone but her is volunteering. I would check around & see what other places charge to make a comparison. Considering her eccentric nature, she'd probably be offended if you hired someone else. If her price is really that off base maybe you should just forego it

Yes, she is easily offended and would be extremely offended if we hired someone else. We would sooner forgo having a flamenco performance at our reception than hire someone else.

You're in her group, you're an unpaid volunteer and she's still charging you that much to perform at your wedding? That is lame. I'd say no thanks and just pass on the dancers.

I'd pass.

Me too. I think its rude of her to do that.

I had Irish dancers at my wedding. I used to dance with a troupe before I got married. Many of my really good friends were in this group too. I just asked the ones that I was close to if they would be interested in doing a number or two. It was free and the guests and themselves had a great time with it. Could you circumvent the teacher and go straight to the students that you are close to?

*IN GENERAL,* for two professionals (the teacher and the guitarist), that actually sounds like a pretty reasonable price. At least, that's what the band who plays with the group I'm in charges per person, per show.

However, since you're part of the group, this is out-of-the-question ridiculous. The groups I've been in have ALWAYS danced for free at members' weddings.

That is very high considering you and FH are in the group and the only professional and not volunteer is the teacher. I would say if you really want the dancers then ask a few that you are closest to about performing.

Looks like she is thinking about cost and her time. Maybe she gets $500 for her and $500 for the guitarist but she probably gets more. I know you volunteering should count for something and that she should give you a discount but looks like she's keeping it strictly business and she values her time.

I have worked many weddings in different capacities as staff, videographer and entertainer and it's hard work and I know I wouldn't want to offer my services at a discount or for free. I have a friend who's a photographer and would never dream to ask her to photo my wedding or offer a discount. It's hard work being at a wedding and you're there from before the beginning and have to stay after the end.

I know $1000 is probably a lot for 30 minutes of dance but she would be offended if you asked someone else and if you asked her to lower her price. She probably feels she worked hard and has put in many years to charge the prices she does. I would forego the dance.

We hired two professional salsa dancers (often in salsa music videos and have performed for artists like Marc Anthony) for our destination wedding in Puerto Rico. They performed two dances themselves and then led the guests in lessons. They were there for approximately one hour. We paid $500 total for the two. I think $1,000 is kind of steep but our dancers really set the mood for the rest of the reception.

Send her an email from an anonymous account, inquire about rates around the same time as your wedding. That should tell you what she charges...

Hm, this could be a regional or cultural thing, but I've never been to a wedding with professional dancers. Personally, I feel it would just detract from the bride and groom (what everyone really cares about). I could think of a lot of other things more important to spend 1,000 dollars on.

Hi "Jinjer,"

I'm a journalist researching dance troupes at weddings for the New York Times. I'd be interested in learning more about your wedding if you went ahead with dancers. If so, my e-mail is *.*******@*****.***.

I apologize for the query, and thank you for your time.