Once we arrived to NOLA, we had to go and take our money order to the Police Department for our police escort and the permit itself. Police Escort was around $300 as well as a $25 administrative fee. The permit was $25/$30 (I forgot!). Anyway, backing up.....once you send your permit in, they'll tell you it's approved and around a week/few days before your date, the officer will send you an email with invoice (and address where to pay at 715 S. Broad St.) and a map of your parade route. You'll need cashier's check/money order for the two different payments and that will be on your invoice. So just head to the address on the invoice and head in to take your payment. They'll give you a receipt and you're set to go. The officers will arrive a few minutes before your second line and be waiting for you.
As far as the band, we hired KINFOLK. And wow! They were a blast!!!! I originally was dealing with Richard who was fairly lax in responding to me, but I was confident they'd be great! A woman (Stefanie?) showed up to collect the check from us, so we paid her directly and the band played for us.
Second line hankies were from Old Town Praline and the only vendor I found who could do them for an order under 50/min. We only needed 37. Turned out beautiful!
Our parasols were from Etsy/New Orleans Umbrella Company. Beautiful! Best part--we ordered them and they didn't need to be shipped since we could pick them up at a store in the French Quarter that the woman (Liz) keeps her products in. They were wrapped nicely so if you do ship them, they would be fine. I just found it easier to pick them up there.
What a great time we had for our second line! Our photographer told us it was the best one he's every done and seemed like he was having a blast shooting it. The people lining on the streets to watch us cheered us on, took pictures and videos. Our guests loved it and it was the highlight of the day for sure.
Plan on around $750 for the band, and even though it's a short parade (1/2 hour'ish), it feels like longer and you won't want to go any longer than that.
Have a great time and we can't recommend Kinfolk enough, they were great! I would highly recommend not skipping out on a second line! Our guests are still raving about it and it's something that won't be forgotten!