Looking for some booking rates for famous bands? Well … just keep in mind that, according to St. Louis Bride and Groom magazine, couples spend an average of 5.2% of their wedding budget on music. That seems about right. The Honeybee and I spent $500 for a DJ to set the party ambiance at our wedding reception in 1996. For those not counting at home, that amounted to 4.6% of our total expenses.
Needless to say, there are a lot of couples out there who have to really pinch pennies when planning their big day. But what if you’re the type who plans on having one of those big fat expensive weddings? After all, if you’re going to create a truly memorable night, then why not go all the way? Hire your favorite band!
With that in mind, I’m sure all of you big spenders out there will be happy to know that Wedding Paper Divas collected the starting booking rates for more than 100 popular bands that you can actually hire for the post-wedding soiree.
Of course, as you might expect, every band has its price. And some are much more expensive than others. Yes, musical acts such as U2, Bon Jovi, Justin Timberlake, and the Dave Matthews Band will set you back at least a cool million. But you may also be pleasantly surprised to learn that some superstars will play for much less. For example, Usher and Miranda Lambert’s reported booking rate starts at “just” $200,000. Then there are performers like Kelly Clarkson and Bruno Mars, who charge only slightly more: $225,000 and $300,000, respectively.
Then again, if that’s out of your price range, you can hire Ed Sheeran for $125,000. Or Snow Patrol for $50,000. And if that’s still too expensive, you can always hire somebody like Vanilla Ice for $25,000.
Or not.
Oh … and if you do end up hiring one of these bands to play on your wedding day, please … send me an invitation!
Photo Credit: Jax15; Infographic: Wedding Paper Divas
(Note: This is an updated version of an article that was originally published on 20 January 2015.)
Gosh, wedding singers are really expensive! When I got married, I’m glad that my hubs had a friend who is a popular band singer in our place. We only just played it for half of their regular rates.
Wow, I really should have chosen a different career!
The Roots can DJ my deck party for $75k? Hey, Len, can I borrow a few bucks?
Lots of my favorite bands missing from this list. Curious what Rush, Blue Oyster Cult, Black Sabbath and Steely Dan would run me? Just in case I hit the lottery.
Interesting list! Would love to have Coldplay on my wedding.
Awesome article! I have to admit I like Vanilla Ice. If I had a spare $25k in my pocket, I’d pay him to play my wedding!
I would rather use the $25,000 to extend my honeymoon in Hawaii for a few weeks.
I think I need to start saving for my wedding singer..
🙂
My sister will get married this year. And, I think she’s gonna hire a wedding singer. I’m gonna let you know whom she’s inviting.
I’m guessing the $300 I charge is a little below average.
LOL! Maybe you should up your rates, Jerry!