Hi Allison,

First of all it is a job. Any job you take on the first of May means you can't take any others for that same time. Don't be disappointed because you took a job and better one came along. So pick a price and charge that price whether it is 90 minutes or four hours.

If $ 350.00 is your price ( a fair price ) for local round town gigs, what is your price for an hour out of town. Remember an hour out is an hour back and there is gas. Maybe another $100.00.

My band is a trio with PA and amplification. We need an hour to set up and an hour to tear down. If we play three hours that is a five hour job. Then add travel and you have six to eight hours for one job. Since most receptions are afternoon jobs this knocks us out of an evening gig in some saloon.

We charge $500.00 for a wedding with in an hour of Syracuse. Any thing over that is an additional $125.00. $50.00 for a tank of gas and $25.00 a man for the additional work.

Weddings are hard work. Learning new songs you'd never consider because the bride likes "Color My World." Arriving two hours early to set up because the caterer has the only key and they won't be there after 2:00. And can you move off the band stand during dinner so the head table can use it for speeches.

You guys are worth what you charge so charge it. And don't forget business cards and CDs.

Don