So you've decided you want a Celtic band for your wedding reception or private party, but how do you get the best rate for your budget? Here are some tips to keep in mind.
1. Avoid paying hidden fees from "one stop shop" websites, talent agent/brokers and band listing services. Don't be fooled, you're paying hidden fees for using these services. Sure, it's free to request quotes, but when you hire a band through these sites, you pay unnecessary fees. When you find a band you like, just contact them directly and cut out the middle-man.
2. Be realistic about your budget. If a dee jay costs several hundred dollars for a few hours, you should certainly expect to pay more for several live performers producing every note from their instruments and vocals. You pay more for a fresh pizza than you do for a frozen one, because it just tastes better, and it was made individually, just for you. Live music is produced just for you, too.
3. Don't pay extra for sound systems or amplification. A professional Celtic band that performs regularly for weddings and parties should have their own PA system, and shouldn't charge you extra for them to use it.
4. Don't pay extra for travel and lodging. You should be able to find a professional Celtic band in the DC area that's close enough to your event, without having to pay the band for travel and lodging. If the band asks you to pay extra for travel, keep looking.
5. Don't forget insurance. Your Celtic band shouldn't make you pay for their insurance. It should be included in the quote the band provides you -- not an additional line item. And be sure to ask the band to carry insurance for your event, or they might not get it. It's no different than having a contractor work on your home without insurance, or other drivers out on the road without insurance. If they don't have insurance, they probably have no way to cover damages in the event something goes wrong.
6. Make sure you talk directly to the band manager -- on the phone. For a number of reasons, you really need to talk to the band and not try to do everything over email. This can save you money. There's so much that goes into a quote for a live performance, it's very difficult to accurately quote a gig with few details and lots of assumptions on both sides. A quick conversation can help clarify details and get you the best rate. For example, your wedding might be a five hour affair but you might only need live Celtic music for 3 hours. But if the quote was for a five hour performance, you might be overpaying. Make sure you speak directly to the band manager.
7. Not too big, not too small -- just right. Some Celtic bands in the DC area have 5, 6, 7 or more members. Some have just one or two. The tradeoff is this: Large bands probably cost more. If they don't, then you might question how they will sound if their fee has to get divided seven ways. Solo or duo acts can charge less over all, but lack the full and diverse sound you need for a 1-3 hour set. A trio such as Capital Celtic provides the right balance between sound fullness, diversity and affordability.
Following these tips could save you a bundle when hiring a Celtic music band for your wedding or private party in Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC. To request a free quote directly from Capital Celtic -- no hidden fees -- contact us today.
1. Avoid paying hidden fees from "one stop shop" websites, talent agent/brokers and band listing services. Don't be fooled, you're paying hidden fees for using these services. Sure, it's free to request quotes, but when you hire a band through these sites, you pay unnecessary fees. When you find a band you like, just contact them directly and cut out the middle-man.
2. Be realistic about your budget. If a dee jay costs several hundred dollars for a few hours, you should certainly expect to pay more for several live performers producing every note from their instruments and vocals. You pay more for a fresh pizza than you do for a frozen one, because it just tastes better, and it was made individually, just for you. Live music is produced just for you, too.
3. Don't pay extra for sound systems or amplification. A professional Celtic band that performs regularly for weddings and parties should have their own PA system, and shouldn't charge you extra for them to use it.
4. Don't pay extra for travel and lodging. You should be able to find a professional Celtic band in the DC area that's close enough to your event, without having to pay the band for travel and lodging. If the band asks you to pay extra for travel, keep looking.
5. Don't forget insurance. Your Celtic band shouldn't make you pay for their insurance. It should be included in the quote the band provides you -- not an additional line item. And be sure to ask the band to carry insurance for your event, or they might not get it. It's no different than having a contractor work on your home without insurance, or other drivers out on the road without insurance. If they don't have insurance, they probably have no way to cover damages in the event something goes wrong.
6. Make sure you talk directly to the band manager -- on the phone. For a number of reasons, you really need to talk to the band and not try to do everything over email. This can save you money. There's so much that goes into a quote for a live performance, it's very difficult to accurately quote a gig with few details and lots of assumptions on both sides. A quick conversation can help clarify details and get you the best rate. For example, your wedding might be a five hour affair but you might only need live Celtic music for 3 hours. But if the quote was for a five hour performance, you might be overpaying. Make sure you speak directly to the band manager.
7. Not too big, not too small -- just right. Some Celtic bands in the DC area have 5, 6, 7 or more members. Some have just one or two. The tradeoff is this: Large bands probably cost more. If they don't, then you might question how they will sound if their fee has to get divided seven ways. Solo or duo acts can charge less over all, but lack the full and diverse sound you need for a 1-3 hour set. A trio such as Capital Celtic provides the right balance between sound fullness, diversity and affordability.
Following these tips could save you a bundle when hiring a Celtic music band for your wedding or private party in Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC. To request a free quote directly from Capital Celtic -- no hidden fees -- contact us today.