FAQs: Rates & Policies
How much do you charge?
For a customized quote, please contact me by phone or email. In general, I charge between $300-400 for wedding ceremonies, which is an all-inclusive fee. There are no "hidden" charges... the personalized quote you receive from me will be the same amount stated in the finalized contract. This quote covers the following: transportation and equipment portage, set-up, and playing before, during, and after the ceremony. Additionally, you have the option of scheduling a complimentary consultation to meet with me, hear me play in person, and select the ceremony music before signing a contract.
I charge extra for the following services:
Cocktail hour: $100-$200 depending on whether the cocktail hour is at the same location or a different location from the ceremony.
Amplification: I will provide my own equipment, which includes pick-up, amplifier, and all cables, for an additional $50 (please see the Technical Stuff page to determine whether or not you will need amplification).
Do you offer any specials or discounts? Why do you charge differently for background music than for weddings? Why don't you charge an hourly rate? Do you charge overtime?
These are all common questions that deserve thorough and thoughtful answers... so here goes! Because I make my living providing a service rather than a product, I do not offer any discounts. Unlike, for example, your florist, who can suggest cheaper options for flowers (i.e. daisies instead of roses), my "product" is really the length of time that I spend playing for your ceremony. Although I do charge an hourly rate for other events that have a clear starting and ending time, the exact length of a wedding ceremony is very difficult to predict. Just to give you two extreme examples: I once played for a grand total of 20 minutes at a small, outdoor wedding that had only 9 people in attendance. Another time, I played over 3 hours waiting for a late wedding party to arrive.
I would hate to put a time limit on a day that you've invested considerable time and effort into planning. Instead, I base my quote on the maximum length of the majority of ceremonies I've played for. This is usually about two hours once you factor in the prelude and postlude music, the seating of the guests, the actual ceremony, and starting a little later than expected (hey, it happens!). Therefore, in the contract I will usually write the ceremony start time and include with my fee the words "for approximately two hours." The ceremony may only last 30 minutes, or it may run slightly over two hours - regardless, you're covered for the full time. Please note, however, that any ceremony that extends over 2 1/2 hours will be subject to an overtime rate of $50 per additional 30 minutes. If this happens, you will receive an invoice itemizing the total amount owed after the ceremony.
How do I book your services? What are your payment requirements?
Once I have the all of the details of the ceremony (date, time, and location), I will mail two copies of the contract to you. One copy is for your records; the other must be signed and mailed back to me. I require a 50% booking deposit along with the contract. This guarantees my availability for the date and time you have specified, and is non-refundable. If I have not received the signed contract and deposit within two weeks of mailing it out, I will assume you are no longer interested in hiring me and will reopen the date. The remainder of the balance is due two weeks before the ceremony, at which time we will also finalize the music selection and review any other details. I recommend booking early if you are planning an April-October wedding, since that is usually when I receive the most requests.