What do I charge to play at a wedding/how do I broach the issue of compensation?

Question

Hi,

Some background on the situation:

A nice couple from my Alma Mater that I don't actually know somehow found my music through youtube and myspace and asked me to play at their wedding (I sing and play guitar). I accepted. The extent of my role in their ceremony/reception isn't really clear because the wedding is so far away (Oct 2009)... so far all that I know is that I'm helping the bride to be write/perform a song for her fiance, and that I will probably do a couple of songs. I don't think I am replacing a DJ or a live band or something like that.

While myself and the bride have started a conversation on writing a song together, we haven't yet discussed the issue of compensation. I'm not sure if she thinks that I'm doing it for free because she hasn't brought up the issue, or it hasn't occurred to her, or it has occurred to her but she's hoping I won't ask and I'll do it for free, or it's occurred to her but she's waiting until she has more details on what exactly I'll be doing. But, I also don't want to find myself planning all this stuff and then later not even having compensation for my train travel expenses to get to the wedding. So my two questions are:

1. Would now be an appropriate time to broach the topic of compensation, or should I wait?

2. If my job will be as I suspect, which is helping the bride write/perform a song and then performing a handful of songs during parts of the ceremony/reception, what is an appropriate amount to ask for from these people? I really have no idea. A part of me would just be content for the experience and having my travel expenses to and fro the ceremony covered, but I know that I'll be putting a lot of time into this so I should probably ask for compensation.

Sorry this is more of an advice question rather than a fact-based question, but I appreciate all input. Thanks!

Answer 1

Talk to her about the expenses immediately.  Tell her what you want and then if she agrees have  a contract drawn up as soon as possible and go over it with her.  Send it to her registered mail, have her sign it and return it to you before the wedding.  If you don't get it by then don't' do the wedding.

Make sure the lawyer puts in the contract you  own the copy-write of the song you are writing for her.  

Answer 2

Wedding music specialists that I have worked with (harpists, guitarists, violinists, pianists, etc) charge a minimum of $150 for two hours (at the ceremony, cocktail hour and/or reception) if they are working alone.

Since you have been asked to do much more than that then you should charge a minimum of $500.

It is very important that you put down the pricing and the details of your services IN WRIITNG, in other words, you need to pen a written agreement or contract between you and the Bride/Groom. Why?  Because if you do not put something in writing you may be taken advantage of (and yes, I have seen that happen many times).

Your contract should consist of both parties names, addresses, and date, times and location of the services provided.  The contract should also state the deposit (amount and date due) and when the final payment is due. When you have a contract both parties are aware of the price and what is expected.  Without a contract . . it's your word against theirs and somebody always loses.

Answered by:  A Certified wedding specialist / A Professional bridal consultant / A Wedding ceremony officiant

Answer 3

1. I think you should gently bring up the subject of compensation now. Ask the bride whether she plans to pay by the hour or if she'd like to negotiate a flat rate plus travel expenses.

2. I would put a flat rate like $300 above and beyond the travel expenses. Guestimate the gas mileage and cost from your place to the wedding site at today's gas prices.

Try to bring it up in a laid back and kind way and say you are looking forward to the experience, and want to get the discussion out of the way, memorialize it in writing (you should be able to find a one-page little contract template online), and get the whole money thing overwith so you can concentrate on the creative part of your work together.

All the best!

Answer 4

You should definitely bring up the matter of compensation now verses later, b/c things could get sticky. As far as how much to charge, I cannot help you with that. I have not idea. Sorry.

Answer 5

You should broach it now.

Say something like, "Now we've discussed a bit about what to do, if you're still interested in hiring me, we can work out a contract."

Then discuss exactly what she wants you to do for the wedding and prices and put this into a contract.That way you won't work with her for months, writing the song, etc. only to have her pull out at the last minute and not get paid anything.

Answer 6

Yes, you should be compensated and broach the subject next time you speak. Ask her for a rough idea of what she would like to hire you for so you can come up with a fair price.

If you're helping her write a song... that's huge. You should be making at least $50 and hour. Same for at the ceremony/reception.

Answer 7

1.  Now would be the appropriate time to bring up compensation, because you have started the work.

2. You need to determine if you want to do this for the experience or the experience and the money.  Sounds like you definately want your transportation costs covered at least.  So at least include that in your written contract.  Be sure to be specific in the contract with the number of songs you are performing and the writing.  I suggest you contact some soloists and other musicians in your area to see what they charge to perform at a wedding as a start.  Time is money.

Answer 8

Start typing up that contract asap. Agree on whatever terms you guys agree on and have it signed asap.