Suggestions Needed: Good, Affordable Reception Bands

Goofy44444

I am an OOT bride, originally from New Orleans, planning a wedding for next Memorial Day Weekend.  I have been researching bands, but most of the top recommended bands are priced $4,000+.  I am considering a DJ because it is such a huge price difference, but would really prefer a band.  Does anyone have a great band they would recommend in the NOLA area that is $2,500 or less?  We are looking for a band that could play a good mix of high-energy music that most people will know, not a lot of slow songs.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

mjlav1901

You can call the different bands you've had good reviews from and tell them your budget.  Sometimes they will come down on their prices but if they say that they can't do it, ask them if they know who is in that price range.  I know it sounds odd, but a few of my friends are in wedding bands and they all somehow know each other and are rather supportive of each other.  If they refer you to another band, make sure you tell that band, and then they can return the favor if someone wants a date that they don't have open, does this make sense?  I'm afraid you'll just have to make a whole lota phone calls because you're right, most play for more than that but I'm sure it can be done.  Good luck!!!

NO2012

Just an idea...I am having a NO band play live music (moslty traditional NO jazz) for the first hour of the reception and a DJ for the remaining 3 hours.  It's costing me less than $1500 to do that.  I am having to pay the DJ for the full 4 hours though because he has to be there and set up before the band plays. 

kbsmom1

I don't know how much they are now...but in 2007 KB used Harvey Jesus and Fire...and they were just a little higher than your budget....so maybe you can check with him....also his music would fit your vision....good luck!!!

Goofy44444

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_louisiana-new-orleans_suggestions-needed-good-affordable-reception-bands?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:84Discussion:26485bb6-0707-4a84-abef-4259023a1de5Post:8faa1a2a-6d89-48ab-a7c1-d1da6b710d92">Re: Suggestions Needed: Good, Affordable Reception Bands</a>:
[QUOTE]You can call the different bands you've had good reviews from and tell them your budget.  Sometimes they will come down on their prices but if they say that they can't do it, ask them if they know who is in that price range.  I know it sounds odd, but a few of my friends are in wedding bands and they all somehow know each other and are rather supportive of each other.  If they refer you to another band, make sure you tell that band, and then they can return the favor if someone wants a date that they don't have open, does this make sense?  I'm afraid you'll just have to make a whole lota phone calls because you're right, most play for more than that but I'm sure it can be done.  Good luck!!!
Posted by mjlav1901[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the suggestion!  Would you recommend any of your friends' bands?

mjlav1901

Karma is high, I think 4k+; Harvey Jesus is our band and I think they charge like 3800; Mixed Nuts years ago charged 3200.  Unfortunately these are all above the 2500 range but like I said, if you call them they can maybe give you some direction, or hey you can just ask if they'll play for $2500....u never know!

sfinnin

Try calling White Oak Productions. They book bands for all kinds of events and will be able to let you know who is in your price range. Their website has info on lots of the bands they book, videos, etc.