Feeding the band

jowill

We are having an afternoon cocktail reception - just hearty apps and drinks. We are thinking about hiring a big band that will play the whole time (3 hours max), and there are 16 (!) musicians...are we obligated to feed them?

Leah&Christian09

Most likely, yes, but you'll need to check the contract or talk to them about it when you hire them. Most vendors offer a reduced price meal for vendors. Ours offered a sandwich deal for less than $10/pp.

dsouldiva

I would say yes, plan to feed them something, can your caterer do a plate of mixed sandwiches for them?

mbcdefg

Ask them if they expect a meal. Some vendors write it into their contracts. (Don't forget about yoru photographer and other vendors.) Remember - even if they're only performing for three hours, you still have to factor in their travel time, the time that they need to set up and tune up before your party gets underway, then they need to break down their equipment and load it into their truck, and then they need to drive home. So that could be at least 5 or 6 hours of their time. And people usually eat their meals about that far apart - hungry and cranky vendors won't be up to giving you their best work. Ask the venue what it costs to feed vendors. Some venues offer their food for half-price, or even for free. Or see if you can bring in outside food for them band members ... maybe a few big sandwiches and chips, pizza, a hot meal from a local deli or restaurant (maybe a hot chicken sandwich or some pasta), etc.

janiceholt20

For most bands they usually expect a meal. They are playing for however long plus all their travel/set up/take down time. I personally will have to feed my band regardless, seeing that my band is my cousin & is a guest at the wedding. But luckily, he is having his band play for free, so to feed him & his band is no big deal whatsoever. (Especially seeing that he is a actual recording artist & not a wedding singer)

lady_elle

Fed and happy musicians = fed and happy guests! :-)

jowill

Thanks for the suggestions and comments, all.