top of page

Why is wedding music so expensive? A musicians perspective

Writer's picture: Jonathon GinnJonathon Ginn

It’s the age-old question: Are wedding vendors out to scam couples? Are we just inflating our prices because you have to book us anyway? Why is wedding music so much more expensive compared to a regular event? Let me explain why wedding music is costly and what to look out for to ensure you’re getting quality service for your investment.


Follow BTS of what goes into a wedding booking

Here are my top three factors that make wedding music more expensive than your average gig:


1. Time – At Least 14 Hours Per Wedding

For a typical music gig, I’ll usually show up shortly before I start playing, giving myself just enough time for a quick soundcheck. I might exchange a couple of emails with the event coordinator to understand the vibe they’re after, but most are happy for me to wing it.

A wedding, however, is a completely different story. Weddings require extensive communication to determine music choices, schedule key moments, and even provide recordings so couples can hear specific songs in advance. Even with forms for couples to fill out to streamline the process, there are always additional questions, as every wedding is unique.


Now let's consider the time needed for the wedding day itself. Yes, I may only play for the wedding ceremony & canapés, but do I dare show up 30 minutes before and risk being stuck in traffic? Absolutely not. I aim to arrive 1.5–2 hours early to allow a “buffer” for unexpected issues like traffic jams, malfunctioning sound equipment, or even a broken string. This also gives me the ability to setup and soundcheck before any guests arrive. Weddings demand this level of readiness, and the extra time does add up.


2. Experience – Why Not Just Ask My Cousin?

Why not get your cousin who plays an instrument to play you down the aisle? Well, you can—that’s how I started playing weddings. But what happens if their microphone cuts out just as the bride enters? Or their music gear fails because it can't handle the 2pm sun?

It all comes down to the quality you want. Experience matters. Over time, I’ve learned how to handle high-pressure moments like the bride’s entrance, coordinate playlists with precision, and prepare for worst-case scenarios.

If you’re on a tight budget, hiring someone new to the wedding scene could save money—but be prepared to take a small gamble on their expertise. Meanwhile, seasoned musicians bring the reliability and professionalism that come from years of practice and performance.


3. Quality – Equipment Matters

Not all music equipment is created equal. So many things can go wrong at a wedding, and you want someone who can troubleshoot on the spot. That’s why I bring backups for everything:

Here’s my wedding-day packing list:

  • 2 violins

  • 2 portable battery speakers

  • 2 speaker stands

  • 2 amplification mics (for low-wind and high-wind environments)

  • 2 music stands

  • 3 guitar leads

  • 2 phones/mp3 devices

  • Printed sheet music

  • 2 outfits (in case I spill something or match the groom too closely)

  • Music lights

You wouldn’t believe the peace of mind that comes with having a backup for every possible scenario. But accumulating this kind of equipment wasn’t cheap—it’s all professional-grade, designed to deliver exceptional sound.


What to Look For in a Wedding Vendor

To make sure your wedding vendor is worth their price, here are some key things to check:

  • Communication: They should respond to your questions promptly, whether via email, text, or phone.

  • Transparent Pricing: Make sure the quote includes taxes (e.g., GST or VAT) and clearly outlines cancellation policies for events like illness or bad weather. I know of couples who got stung an extra 10% for a wedding venue quote because GST was not included.

  • Portfolio: They should have high-quality content (on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc.) showcasing their work.


What I find frustrating about wedding vendors is how difficult it often is to find their pricing. If you browse most wedding vendor websites, chances are you won’t see any prices listed. With so many vendors involved in making a wedding day come together, I’ve made it a priority to simplify the decision-making process for couples by providing transparent pricing. I also include details about optional extras, like learning new songs, which can increase the quote.


Other Factors That Make Live Music Expensive (in general):

  • Practice Time: Especially for duos or ensembles, rehearsal time adds to the cost.

  • Marketing and Admin: Creating content and managing bookings takes time—good thing I enjoy it!

  • Public Liability Insurance: Essential for all professional musicians.


Happy hunting for your wedding vendors! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to help.

22 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Kommentare


bottom of page