Your LGBTQ+ Wedding Community

WEDDING MUSICIANS & LIVE BANDS FOR LGBTQ WEDDINGS

Find professional LGBTQ wedding musicians and live bands near you. Choose your vendor by location, style of music and customer reviews. Find the best wedding musicians and live bands for same-sex weddings in your area.

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Advice From EVOL.LGBT

HOW TO CHOOSE AN LGBTQ WEDDING MUSICIAN OR LIVE BAND?

Start With Your Style

The date is set. It’s time to think about your wedding musicians. Ask your friends, family, other gay couples. Google “wedding music bands near me”. Find what inspires you.

Define your requirements. Does your venue have a stage and / or a dance floor? Prepare a list of things that you expect from the musical band.

You can go one step further and collect samples of video and audio files. These will serve as reference for the wedding musicians you will evaluate next. Knowing what you want from your live wedding musicians is half the task.

Understand the Options

Once you know what kind of music or a band you want, look around for local wedding bands and musicians in your area. Google things like “wedding musicians near me” or “local bands for weddings”.

Go through the band’s online profiles and website. Check work samples, price page. See if they offer packages. Compare options by user reviews, cost and repertoire.

You will end up with a clear understanding of what the prices are and what’s being offered.

Start a Conversation

Once you’ve found 2-3 (up to 5) wedding musicians whose style you love, it’s time to learn if your personality clicks. Reach out via EVOL.LGBT’s “Request Quote” feature. It walks you through the key pieces of info to share.

Tell the musician about your wedding details, your vision. Ask for things wedding musicians need from you. Your goal is not to just find live music for weddings, but find the right match for your particular special day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check answers to common questions about choosing wedding musicians and live bands for same-sex weddings. Be it a string quartet, orchestra with a horn section, jazz band, Mariachi band or wedding DJs; the answers below are a good start for your path to select music for your wedding.

How to find a musician for my wedding?

There are multiple options for finding live bands and musicians for your wedding day. Look up booking companies that specialize in providing musicians for such occasions.

Google for local musicians and bands. Browse sites like Yelp. Google itself offers a way to browse local businesses through its Maps product. Check profiles, pictures, videos, read customer reviews.

Reach out to a local orchestra. They may have members that are willing to work independently. Ask your venue for music or dance bands that perform often at the venue.

Does a musician count as wedding guest?

Generally those people count but it can depend on the venue. Generally speaking anyone a venue must prepare to host or who contributes towards the capacity of the venue is included in the guest count. That includes you and your partner too. So, whether it is a ceremony or wedding reception musicians have to be part of the wedding party.

Do you need to provide dinner to musician at wedding?

While organizing the food and drink for your wedding it is strongly advised that you take your live wedding band into account. Most live bands will be with you and your guests for around 6-8 hours.

So unless you have agreed otherwise, it is usually your responsibility to offer them food and drink. Any contract you sign with a wedding band you hire should detail whether you have to provide food and drink for them. 9 times out of 10 you will have to.

How much do you pay a musician at a wedding?

While the cost of a musical band for weddings can vary widely depending on the type of musicians you choose, style of music the bands play, their level of expertise and a number of other factors. The average wedding musicians’ cost in the U.S. comes in at about $500.

Of course this will vary based on your special event circumstances. For example, if it’s a destination wedding, then will you fly your musician or will you hire a local band?

Yes, at the end of the day, a lot is about your wedding budget. But remember that great entertainers and live bands make unforgettable events happen.

How much do you tip your wedding ceremony musician?

For ceremony musicians, a general guideline is 15% of the music fee or $15-$25 per musician. For a reception band, it is $25-$50 per musician. Wedding DJs might get 10–15% of the total bill or $50–$150.

Follow Best Practices

Finding wedding musicians for a same-sex couple’s special day follows the same general guidelines as any couple looking for wedding musicians. However, there are some additional best practices to consider to ensure a positive and inclusive experience.

Research and explore options

Start by researching different types of wedding musicians, such as bands, solo performers, DJs, or string quartets. Look for musicians who are versatile and can cater to your specific preferences and musical genres.

Seek recommendations

Ask friends, family, or other couples in the LGBTQ+ community who have had positive experiences with wedding musicians. Their recommendations can provide insights into talented professionals who are inclusive and LGBTQ+-friendly.

Use inclusive language in inquiries

When reaching out to potential wedding musicians, use inclusive language in your communication. This can help gauge their openness and ensure they are supportive of same-sex couples.

Review their portfolio and past performances

Check out the musicians’ websites, social media profiles, or YouTube channels to see their portfolio and past performances. This will give you an idea of their style, versatility, and talent.

Check for diversity in their repertoire

Ensure that the musicians are capable of playing a diverse range of music genres. Discuss your preferred musical styles and ensure they can accommodate your requests.

Schedule interviews or consultations

Arrange meetings or consultations with the musicians to discuss your vision for the wedding day, including the type of music you prefer and any special requests. This is also an opportunity to assess their professionalism, enthusiasm, and willingness to adapt to your needs.

Inquire about their experience

During the consultation, ask the musicians if they have experience performing at same-sex weddings. Their response can indicate their familiarity with LGBTQ+ celebrations and their comfort level in supporting and celebrating your love.

Request references

Ask the musicians for references from previous same-sex weddings they have performed at. Contact these references to inquire about their experiences, professionalism, and overall satisfaction.

Clarify logistics and details

Discuss logistical aspects, such as the number of performers, their setup requirements, timing, and other relevant details. Make sure you have a clear understanding of what the musicians will provide on the wedding day.

Review and sign a contract

Once you have selected a wedding musician, review the contract carefully. Ensure it includes all the agreed-upon details, such as date, time, venue, services, fees, and cancellation policies. Sign the contract only when you are satisfied with the terms.

Find Inspiration

Before talking to prospective wedding musicians, the couple can find inspiration from various sources to help them determine their musical preferences and overall vision for their wedding.

Online platforms and wedding websites

Websites like Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding-specific platforms (e.g., The Knot, WeddingWire) provide a wealth of inspiration. Couples can browse through curated collections of wedding music ideas, playlists, and real wedding stories to find inspiration that resonates with them.

LGBTQ+ wedding blogs and publications

There are numerous wedding blogs and publications that specifically cater to LGBTQ+ couples. These platforms showcase real wedding stories, offer tips and advice, and provide inspiration for all aspects of a same-sex wedding, including music. Examples include Equally Wed, Dancing With Her, and Love Inc.

Music streaming platforms

Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music offer an extensive collection of playlists, curated lists, and genre-specific recommendations. Couples can explore different genres and playlists to discover music that aligns with their tastes and desired ambiance.

Attending weddings or live performances

Attending weddings of friends, family, or other couples can provide firsthand experiences and ideas. Couples can observe the musical choices, performances, and arrangements to gain inspiration and determine what resonates with them.

Personal music preferences

Reflecting on their personal music preferences as a couple can be an excellent source of inspiration. They can consider their favorite songs, artists, and genres and discuss how they can incorporate these elements into their wedding day.

Movies, TV shows, and musicals

Films, TV shows, and musicals often feature iconic wedding scenes with memorable music. Couples can find inspiration by watching or listening to wedding-related content and identifying musical moments that resonate with them.

Cultural and traditional influences

Couples may draw inspiration from their cultural or traditional backgrounds. They can explore music and rituals associated with their heritage and consider incorporating those elements into their wedding celebrations.

Collaborating with a wedding planner

If the couple has hired a wedding planner or coordinator, they can work closely with them to gather inspiration. Planners often have experience and knowledge of various music styles and can help curate options that align with the couple’s preferences.

Ask Wedding Musicians

When interviewing prospective wedding musicians for their special day, the same-sex couple can ask several critical questions to ensure they make an informed decision.

Availability

  • Is the musician available on their desired wedding date?
  • Will the musician be able to accommodate any specific time requirements they may have?

Experience

  • How many weddings has the musician performed at?
  • Have they performed at same-sex weddings?
  • Can they provide references or testimonials from previous same-sex wedding clients?

Repertoire and Customization

  • What genres of music do they specialize in?
  • Can they accommodate specific song requests for the ceremony, first dance, or other important moments?
  • Are they open to learning and performing new songs that hold personal significance to the couple?

Performance Style

  • What performance style do they offer (live band, solo musician, DJ, etc.)?
  • How many musicians will be performing?
  • Can they provide sample recordings or videos of their performances?

Equipment and Logistics

  • What are their technical requirements, such as space, power supply, and setup time?
  • Do they bring their instruments, sound system, and lighting equipment?
  • Are they familiar with the wedding venue or willing to do a site visit to ensure a smooth setup?

Timing and Schedule

  • How long can they perform during the reception?
  • Will they provide background music during cocktail hour or dinner if needed?
  • Will they take scheduled breaks during their performance?

Pricing and Contracts

  • What is their fee structure, and what is included in the package?
  • Are there any additional charges for travel, overtime, or specific equipment requests?
  • Can they provide a detailed contract outlining the terms and conditions of their services?

Flexibility and Adaptability

  • Will they work with the couple to create a customized music experience?
  • Can they provide suggestions or recommendations based on their experience?
  • How adaptable are they to last-minute changes or unforeseen circumstances?

Insurance and Backup Plans

  • Do they have liability insurance to cover any damages or accidents during the performance?
  • What is their backup plan in case of illness, injury, or any other unforeseen circumstances that may prevent them from performing on the wedding day?