Question about paying the band

It was the same for us...cash on the night before they performed.

We have to pay the full balance by two weeks before the day can be cash or cheque, we are however planning to pay before the end of January

We had to pay our band on the actual night although I think I'd have the same concerns as you about paying them before they perform. Sorry, that's not really much help is it!

You'll probably find quite a lot of those in the trade demand payment up front (I'm a videographer and I certainly do) ... my reason is I would hate to spend a day filming and then hours and hours editing only to find a couple had blown all their budget while on honeymoon and decided they couldn't justify the cost of a DVD any more... Also, I figure if (in the extremely unlikely) event of a dispute I have insurance which would cover any settlements, but if the couple had withheld payment I'd be snookered.

Also, people in the wedding industry get loads of business through word of mouth, so it's in no-one's interests to do a runner half-way through the evening - plus, have you seen how long it takes a band to set up and pack up again? ? there's no chance of them sneaking out of a side entrance with your cash!!

I was best man at a friend's wedding recently and I was asked to pay the band. In their case they wanted to be paid on the day, shortly before they started performing. I think it depends who they are and what you feel comfortable with. If they have performed at lots of weddings, come across as professional and you have their details, addresses, etc, it's probably no big deal to pay them up front. If they are a bunch of randoms, you obviously would not do that. Also I think asking for it the night before is a bit weird. I'd want to see that they'd turned up on the day before paying them, whoever they were.

Ebee has a very valid point. All wedding services rely heavily on recommendations and referrals. As long as you have a contract with times of performance and signed by both parties.....don't worry.

I used to accept payment at the end of a performance....... until I got stung! I worked a whole evening for free...not nice....especially when its your only income. Now, I always insist on payment before performance. You''ll find it's quite common practice.

we've been told by the entertainment company at our venue that we have to pay the balance for our DJ and violinist/quartet in cash before they begin

x

Thank you everybody for your help. So it is normal, will go back and report to OH and hopefully he'll stop going on about it.....lol