For many years bands have not been charging a decent rate - (especially for weddings!) It should be a minimum of 100 per band member, and more for the caller - who has by far the hardest job - (especially at some weddings) Ain't it right Baz? -nothing like a good fight on the dance floor to make it a pretty tough evening to call!
It's obviously better to have a small band = more per head.
A good three piece, plus caller, is perfectly adequate for most weddings/celebrations,

I have on occassion pointed out that I belong to a union,(MU) and that my union has laid out what it thinks are the proper rates of pay for events. One can always ask the booker - 'Do you belong to a union?' - 'Yes', 'Has your union negociated a rate for you?'
'Yes' - 'So would you say - Oh, it's all right - I'll work for half that money!'Of couse you wouldn't!!

Do bands charge a decent rate for Festivals?

Dave