How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Band for a Party?

Danny Everett
Sep 2
3 min read

“Crowd cheering and dancing to a live horn section at a private event.”

Not Your Average Party Band| Weddings, Corporate Events, Live Entertainment

Whether it’s a wedding, corporate gala, or milestone celebration, live music can turn an ordinary evening into an unforgettable experience. At Not Your Average Party Band, we specialize in making your event legendary—with energy, elegance, and professionalism your guests will rave about for years.

One of the first questions most hosts ask is: “How much does it cost to hire a band for my event?”

The truth is, costs vary depending on your vision, event size, and the experience you want your guests to have. In this guide, we’ll break down the basics, the price ranges, and the key factors that determine what it takes to bring the perfect live band to your party.

The Basics of Hiring a Band

There are many types of bands you can hire, but not all of them are created equal.

Cover/Party Bands – Perfect for weddings and corporate events, these bands know how to keep the dance floor packed with hit songs across every genre.
Genre-Specific Bands – Jazz, Motown, Funk, Classic Rock—these can set a very particular vibe, depending on your event.
Original Bands – Great if you want a unique listening experience, though less common for weddings and corporate celebrations.

When it comes to your event, you’ll want to consider:

Band size & instrumentation (A 5-piece is different from a 9-piece with a horn section).
Performance length (Cocktail hour vs. full evening).
Travel & production (Sound, lights, and staging).
Reputation & experience (The difference between a garage band and professionals who do this every weekend is huge).

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Band?

In the Southeast (Atlanta, Charleston, Nashville, Savannah, and beyond), live party band prices typically range from $3,500 to $20,000. Here’s what that breakdown looks like:

Smaller Private Parties / Cocktail Events Expect $3,500 – $5,000 for a professional 4–6 piece band with basic sound coverage.
Corporate Events & Weddings Most professional wedding/corporate bands fall between $5,000 – $10,000 depending on production, size, and customizations. This range ensures your guests are entertained from start to finish with polished professionalism.
Luxury Weddings & Large-Scale Events If you’re looking for a full-scale production (8–10 musicians, horn sections, advanced sound & lighting, multiple performance segments), you’ll likely invest $10,000 – $20,000.

Why the difference? You’re not just paying for music—you’re investing in an atmosphere that keeps your guests engaged, reliability, and an unforgettable experience that runs smoothly and your event stress-free.

Additional Costs to Consider

When budgeting, remember that the band’s fee may not be the only cost. You may also need to account for:

Sound & Lighting – Some venues don’t provide production, so the band may need to bring a full system.
Travel & Lodging – Out-of-town events may require overnight accommodations.
Meals – A standard courtesy, especially for wedding bands who are onsite all day.
Extra Time – if your party goes past the scheduled end time

These aren’t hidden fees—they’re part of ensuring the band has what they need to deliver the show you deserve.

Contracts & Peace of Mind

A professional band should always provide a clear proposal outlining:

Performance times & breaks
Deposit & payment schedule
Technical requirements
Cancellation/rescheduling policies

This protects both you and the band, ensuring no last-minute surprises. At Not Your Average Party Band, we pride ourselves on transparency and clarity so you can enjoy your celebration stress-free.

Tips for Booking the Right Band

Start early – top wedding dates book months in advance
Watch live videos – see how the band engages a crowd
Read reviews – past clients reveal how professional and fun the band really is
Share your vision – whether you want Motown, Top 40, Disco, or a mix, we’ll build your soundtrack