Help - music

[zebedee]

I thought I was kindof sorted for my ceremony music - with the local school of music - went over tonight to talk through some ideas and this is the quote I got.

4 musicians - keyboard, guitar, vocalist, violin - for ceremony (civil 1/2 an hour and probably 3 but max of 4 songs) plus 1 hour for drinks reception at same venue = £650

3 musicians - keyboard, guitar & vocalist - same as above = £500

So I work that out at more than £100 per person per hour

Is this f***ing crazy???

This is more than my band and DJ put together who will be playing for about 6 hours!!!

So I need inspiration - as soon as possible!!

[Paul Smith]

You could try Siobhan

I realise you think the price you have been quoted is high however when you take into account that they will be there from about an hour before your ceremony (so about 3+ in total), add on travelling time, expenses, rehearsal prior to the event etc and suddenly the amount per hour comes down quite a lot.

From my own point of view I may be booked for 5 hours however the total time devoted to that wedding with planning etc can be up to 20 hours (one recently was 24 hours). Once I then deduct my expenses (insurance, maintenance etc) the amount left is a liveable wage but nothing more.

Don't get me wrong - I'm not complaining because I love my job but just trying to put it into perspective that if you just divide the cost by the playing hours it's not a true reflection of the service you will receive.

Anyway it's always best to shop around (although the cheapest may not always be the best deal for such an important day).

Siobhan is highly recommended but if you need any further help please give me a shout.

[Clairebear]

That seems like a fair price to me. I had muscicians at my wedding and it was £50 per person and that was a 75% discount since they consider me a friend. Its not only the time traveling and setting up and taking down but also the practising time that has to be considered. Otherwise they will be crap on the day because a band has to practise together to be good. I actualy went to one of my bands practices and it was amazing the work that was put into it.

Claire xx

[christinebt23]

Hey Paul

Just went onto Siobhan's website and was really impressed by her talents. Her costs are the norm for a piano player as I have been quoted in around that price but no one has impressed me until now. I sent her an email to see if she is free on my date. Told her you recommended her through this site.

I have been looking for pre dinner entertainment but sure about what to do. I thought a piano player would be just boring but Siobhan does a good range and she sings too (great voice). Fingers crossed she is free.

[Paul Smith]

Glad to help and I hope things work out for you

[HOT_HEAD100]

We have went with a company Octave Solutions, the company is based in Belfast to do 2 hours reception music and i think its costing £250, and its only one person but they have to travel to Cavan.

Claire

http://www.octavesolutions.co.uk/

[miss2mrs]

Hey Zeb

Well i have booked sacred services, to be honest i havent even heard them but have heard of people having them. I am having a singer/organist and that is costing 140 for the ceremony only. altho this sounds ok to me that is for one person only so it might not be that good, i couldnt tell ya. but just htought id let ya know what way mine was working out.

[zebedee]

Thanks for all the suggestions girls (AND PAUL!!)

Was so so cross last night just couldn't believe how much I was being asked for!! still feel

I love my music loads which was why I was going for 3 or 4 musicians but now am thinking I know loads of good musicians including my own family and there are plenty of professionals out there.

Am gonna look into your suggestions and hopefully come up with something a little more suitable.

Can I just say that I know how much work goes into every performance and I appreciate the time involved but I did not get to meet the musicians, travel or insurance was not mentioned, the person I was meeting with had changed my appointment and was not at all prepared when I showed up to our rearranged appointment, and I had to give her all the information again (which I had previously given twice)

I feel that for that kind of money I would want the very best and not a group of music students. (no offence I was one myself!!)

Irelands String Quartet quoted me way cheaper - but I declined

[mesymac]

Paula

this is scared services i think i am going to go with them are they providing the singer as well there is a sample of her singing on this

http://www.sacredservices.com/demos.htm

maria

[miss2mrs]

hey maria

oh yeah that wee website isnt bad.

yeah chick they are providing the singer. i think the person i am getting does both if ya know what i mean. cant see it being 2 people tho as far as i am aware they have lots of musicians.

[mesymac]

i dont know what to do either string quartet or them dont know

maria

[miss2mrs]

string quartet would be beautiful, i never thought of that and really didnt want to overspend in this area.

but if you want to keep costs down and for the sake off an hour go with sacred services.

really depends on what you would want most out of this area in your wedding, there are just to many god damn decisions, hehe.

this isnt an overly improtant thing for me. happy deciding,

[kaffinity]

Cant believe it I went to school with Loreto McAuley's sister - Loreto played at my great aunt and uncles funerals but I couldnt get speaking to her - thanks for posting the website Maria - think I will get in touch cause they do civil ceromonies too.


K

[miss2mrs]

well kaff

get any furhter with Loreto or anyone?

[kaffinity]

Yup Paula,

Got in touch and she remembered me from school so have to buzz her next week to discuss details. Phil wants an ensemble so hopefully we can agree on something.

Happy days - am well chuffed.

K