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Beginner October 2019

How much time to book for a band + Motown Band in Socal?

Raven, on May 11, 2019 at 10:39 AM Posted in California Planning 0 5

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Hello! We're second-guessing our initial reception music choice, and considering booking a band -- specifically a band that can do motown songs, including a couple favorites. We'd love to keep the budget low (obviously, like pretty much everyone), ideally around $1500.

I'm also a little unsure about timing. Our daytime reception will last 12 - 4pm, including a meal, cake cutting, first dance. Four hours, even with breaks, seems like long set for a band. Do people usually book a band for their entire reception, and expect lots of breaks during toasts, cake, etc?

Thanks!!

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5 Comments

Latest activity by Raven, on May 21, 2019 at 10:18 PM

Champion October 2018
Kelly · on May 11, 2019 at 12:27 PM
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I’ve always seen people book a band for the entire reception and they take quite a few breaks. I’ve never seen a band for that cheap though.
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WeddingWire Administrator January 2025
Sinéad · on May 14, 2019 at 12:01 PM
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Hey Raven! Do you have a band in mind? Perhaps you could simply ask them what length their usual set would be and how many breaks would they expect to take during a 4-hour set. This may vary for specific bands.
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Dedicated March 2021
Amelia · on May 14, 2019 at 2:27 PM
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I have been doing a lot of research on bands. 4 hours is the typical length of booking with a few 15 minute breaks. They bring mini DJ equipment to keep music going during these breaks, also this is when you would do toasts etc. We are in DC/NoVa which is expensive, I haven't found a band for less than $5k. Good luck!
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Legend March 2017
Pirate & 60s Bride · on May 21, 2019 at 5:35 PM
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Look here or on Gigsalad. But $1500 is too cheap for a good band. We paid $1000 for a good Frank Sinatra impersonator who sang to tracks + $2300 for a great 7-piece band. And we also paid $600 for an audio technician to manage the sound (you don't want speakers blowing out, mics screeching, etc).
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Beginner October 2019
Raven · on May 21, 2019 at 10:18 PM
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Thanks, all! We found a 6 piece band that sounds great singing the Motown songs we want, for $1700. Found them on Gigmasters. Super professional, will provide music during band breaks.
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