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Negotiating a Deal with Your Band

Here's how to make sure you and your musical pros will be playing nothing but beautiful music together.

One singer expects a giant tip. Another asks for a three-course meal after he's finished his set. And worse yet, a bride books one bandleader, only to find out he's sent in his baby brother! How can you make sure that your big night, too, doesn't hit a sour note?

Contractual Rights and Wrongs

"By writing into the contract the name of the orchestra leader, the lead singer or guitar player, or whateverwhich provides the sound for all types of party events, including weddings. "If you have a ten-piece band, it's hard to guarantee the second saxophone player will be there a year from now," says Spizz—but you have a right to expect all the "key" performers.

In fact, that the trick to getting what you want is making sure that everything is put in writing—proof of liability insurance, "in case someone dances and trips over a wire," guarantees of specific dates, assurances of "star" appearances—"whatever they promise you,. "If they refuse to write it in the contract, it may be because they won't fulfill it."

Money Matters

Policies will vary, of course, from one music group to another, but organization exacts a series of three payments—25 percent of the total bill "up front"; 50 percent, eight weeks before the party; and the balance, due the night of the affair itself.

Any contract, however, that includes a lot of extras, is either negotiable or downright illegal. You may, for instance, legitimately be charged extra for time and travel if you expect your orchestra to journey more than, say, 75 miles; if you want the members to wear something other than the traditional tuxedos, "like tails," if you make them build an extra stage or bandstand; or if you ask for an acoustical grand piano instead of the standard electronic keyboard.

Any administrative fee, on the other hand, that's charged is usually negotiable, tips are totally optional, depending on your appreciation—or generosity; and "any contract that has the word 'tax' on it is breaking the law," the executive adds, because playing music is a service, not a good, and as such is nontaxable.

Nor, are you expected to wine and dine the band members. If your pros will be working for hours, you should plan on providing some food and drinks, but you should establish ahead of time what's a reasonable break—and what's a breakaway!