Cost of a good band -

Brich1008

My FI and I are a signiture away from booking the Nerds for our wedding next year.  I am trying to create a case to my parents and FMIL as to why we need the Nerds - What is the average cost for a good wedding band?  I was under the impression that you really cannot find anyone decent for under 5000.Thanks!!

I <3 Seabass

You should take them to hear the nerds and then take them to a showcase for a band that cost less than $5000. They'll probably be able to hear the difference.

BrideMaidPro

my band costs well above 5 and so did my sisters.  You should also make the case that it is worth it to spend more on the band and skimp in other aspects.A great band often makes a great wedding--imported brazilian wild orchids do you not.

teamAandE

Agreed, honestly I wasn't impressed with the $4-6k range of bands I heard...

USER876

There are many decent wedding bands in the 5-6K range....and also a lot in the 10-15K range.

Brich1008

My FMIL is under the impression that I can get a good band for udser 3000!  I was pretty surprised that the Nerds were onyl 10,000.

caketime

Maybe she is thinking of a 3-piece band?

teamAandE

$3k???? even my CHEAP a$$ FIL expected to pay $4k lol we never ended up telling him what it really cost ...or what anything cost for that matter!

Brich1008

HAHAHA  - idk She said she heard that you can get a 4-5 piece band for anywhere from 1200-2800!  I almost fell off of my chair! The steel drummers for my cocktail hour want 1250! I thought the Nerds would be more than 10k - I think that they will be well worth it.  I couple weddings that I have gone to had annoying DJs that really didn't cater to everyone there.

I <3 Seabass

I don't know how you phrased it when you were talking to them but I know that regardless of my budget or how much I thought the band was worth, or how much we could afford...if I went to my parents and said...Oh the band we want is "ONLY" $10,000 I don't think that would have sat well them. Maybe say something along the lines of, I know it's more than expected but they are totally worth $10K because of x,y,z and when you think about the total cost of the wedding an extra $7k is a relatively small percentage that would make a big difference. And give them some other areas you’d be willing to cut cost on to make up for it.

caketime

You seem dead-set on them playing...maybe show your MIL some other options if they think it's took much $$ and they are paying.  Or are they not paying and just giving input?

Brich1008

Good call Sea Bass - I feel really weird talking budget with her.  I am pretty close to my future in laws, but should I leave the money talk to my FI?My parents are paying for the reception and dress.  A couple of mths ago I mentioned that to my FMIL and she said that they would "help with everything else"  I am not really sure what that means, or how I should go about speaking with them on the topic!

caketime

Then your FI needs to clarify with them what that means.  If they are willing to give you 3k toward a band then you say thank you and will need to make up the difference, whatever that might be.Or perhaps they want to pay for flowers and invites.  Clarification is definitely needed so you both can figure out how much you might need to save/spend.

anotherNJbride

We used the Fuzzpops and paid $5000 for 9 pieces, however, this was off-season pricing and we booked them in 2007. They were awesome and better than some bands we saw show cases of in the $6000-8000.

Brich1008

I've heard great things about them - maybe I will check them out too. 

tmcd13

Just saw the fuzzpops perform at a wedding and they were really good.  But they quoted us over 5 so...But I think it is worth it. 

anotherNJbride

Yea, they might be more now, but I think they are still considered to be on the "cheaper" side. Just to reiterate (because I've been called out on it before) that I paid 2007 Winter pricing - peak time now is probably a little more expensive, plus I believe they're getting a little more popular.