Q - What factors influence the cost for the band? A: Date, time and place of the event are the main factors. During the busiest wedding months of the year, we are usually less flexible with regards to our pricing. Excessive special song requests, special dress requirements, travel distance to the event location, and ease or difficulty of loading in the equipment, i.e. two flights of stairs and no elevator or ramp, are also factors that influence the cost. Q - I really want a live band, but I’m concerned about the pricing. I’ve heard it costs $2000.00 or more. What is your price? A - Pricing varies depending on many factors. Typically, our pricing varies from $1200-$2500 on average. Obviously, all pricing is based on the specific details of the individual event, such as those mentioned above. But all things are negotiable; so don’t be afraid to ask us if we’ll accept your offer. We may be available and willing to work with you on the pricing. Q – I can hire a DJ for about $800. Why are you worth more than that? A - Using the example of a $2,000 price for the band vs. a DJ, which costs $800, consider what you really get for your money: For $800, the DJ will play recorded music through a sound system and offer disco type lights. There is really no show to watch, and those guests that don’t dance will probably be bored. A good variety band will also have a quality sound and light system as well, PLUS the band has several thousands of dollars worth of musical instruments and the live musical show will keep all of your guests entertained. A DJ can interact with the audience, by talking before and during the recorded songs he is playing. A live band will interact with the crowd and involve the audience in the performance… and the song can be stretched or shortened depending on the crowd response. Involving the audience in the songs, and making the songs unique to the party is something no DJ can really do. The interaction between a DJ and the crowd is typically like what you can expect to get at a nightclub or bar. If you’re looking for that sort of thing for your event, a DJ is probably the right option for you. We involve you and your guests and make you part of the show! The pure energy and emotion live music brings is that of a live concert… and not something you can usually get from even the best DJ. Keep in mind that our SHOW is all about celebrating with you on your special day! The Coastal Breeze Party Band is comprised of seven professionally trained and passionate musicians who have logged countless performance and rehearsal hours perfecting our craft. We are all musicians who enjoy what we do and we enjoy pleasing and interacting with our audience. Your ipod and CD collection will never be able to compare to really good live music and passionate musicians. Q - I really want a live band, but I’m concerned that it will be too loud. Can you play quietly enough so that guests can still hear to talk without having to shout? A – Absolutely! If you want the music softer, just tell us. The Coastal Breeze Party Band is comprised of pro musicians who are 100% ready and able to perform at the appropriate volume level for any type of event. If you want quiet background music for dinner, we can play quietly while you enjoy your meal. If you want the party to start from the minute you arrive, we can put it in full swing from the first note! We select our equipment that is most appropriate for each venue. We work with you to determine what is best for your event. Q - I really like certain songs that are not on your song list. Would you be willing to learn songs for us? A - We would be more than happy to learn a few new songs for you. It can be for your first dance, father/daughter dance, or just a special song that you want included during the course of the reception. With our expert musicians, you’ll be thrilled with our band playing your favorite songs. Just provide us with a copy of the songs on a CD or the name of the song and the artist that performed the version you like. CD strongly preferred. Q - How do you dress for a performance? A - Typically, for a formal event such as wedding or corporate party the band will wear black tuxedos and formal attire. If requested we can also wear a simpler jacket and tie or suit. If you are hosting a theme party, the band is more than willing to accommodate the theme by dressing appropriately. We will need to know dress requirements before we can quote your event. Q - Can you hold a date open for me? A - The band's policy for bookings is that the first person to sign a contract and send a deposit gets the date. While we do not put a "hold" on specific dates without a contract and deposit, we will be more than happy to call you and advise you if there are any serious inquiries for your date. Book early! Q - Does The Coastal Breeze Party Band use a contract? A - Yes, we use a contract for all performances. This ensures that there is no miscommunication between the band and our clients. It is for the protection of all parties concerned. Q - What is the process for booking the band? A – First, we check availability for your date. If we are available, we discuss your event requirements and details such as the venue, time, themes, etc., and we provide you with pricing. If pricing and details are agreed upon, a contract will be drafted and provided to you. Upon acceptance of the signed contract and receipt of funds as the deposit, the date is officially confirmed. Your date and time is then officially reserved. Balance is due during our first break on the day of the performance. Q - Do we have to make arrangements to feed the band? A – Typically, food and drink is provided, but it is not a requirement. If the band is NOT to be offered food and drink, we must know it in advance so we may make our own arrangements. Q - Do we select the songs we want from the song list? Do we put the songs in order? A – You can leave it entirely up to us or you can get involved with the selections. Many of our customers do nothing besides hire us. They know that we are experts at making the reception a hit and we will have the music and schedule taken care of for you. However, we prefer it if you assist us by letting us know your musical tastes. We ask that you review the song list and select 10 "must play" songs, that is, those songs that you really want to dance to or feel very strongly about. We will also ask you to select another 15-20 songs that you think you, your guests, family, and friends will enjoy. Finally, we will ask you to indicate any songs you don't want us to play. When you return this list to us, we will put together a play list based on your selections. Based on the styles of music you have selected, we may also fill in some songs of a similar nature that are pretty much guaranteed crowd pleasers, (unless of course the selection is on the "don't play" list). As the reception progresses, we will be taking requests from your guests, and if we can honor those requests we will, (unless, once again, the request is on the "don't play" list). Q - What information do you need from me in advance of the reception? A – Here is some of information we look for and will discuss in detail with you after your event is booked: 1. Itinerary for the reception. 2. At what time will the guests arrive? 3. Will they be served a sit down meal? 4. At what time will the cake be cut? etc. 5. Will the entire wedding party be introduced? If so, we need the list of names in advance. 6. When is the first dance, right after introductions or after the meal? What song? 7. Will there be a Father/Daughter Dance? What song? 8. Will there be a Bouquet and Garter toss? Q - I have a musician friend who would like to sing a song. Is that OK? A – Absolutely! There is no better way to personalize a reception than to have a relative or family friend who is a musician get up and perform with the band...we enjoy performing with other musicians! Only those who you approve of will be allowed to perform. Typically, we do not allow others to play our instruments. Q - How long does it take you to set up or pack up? A - Much depends on the facility we will be performing in, but in general it takes about two hours to get everything set up and ready to go. The band generally arrives two or three hours prior to the contracted start time, to ensure that everything is ready to go before any guests arrive, and to give the band time to change for the performance. Packing up generally is done in less than one hour. Q - What else do I need to know? A – Since all events typically are one of a kind, we will work with you individually on your event. Just give us a call to get started or to answer any additional questions. |
Frequently Asked Questions
| FAQ |