Rocket Entertainment

Rocket Entertainment

This question has no real answer, because it's different for every artist.
Where are they comming from? if its less than an hour away, most bands wont charge travel, beyond that, how far? do they need to drive? do they have to fly or take a ferry? how long are they spending in transit? what are the costs to them?

Even fuel is expensive in 2023, so if you're a rural drive that they have to sit in a car for 4 hours each way, expect to pay at minimum for thier fuel and vehicle costs at AT LEAST 50c/km to cover 2 way travel PER VEHICLE (and all band members + gear may take 2x or 3 vehicles)
in this scenario, that extra 8 hours driving is the LEAST enjoyable part of thier work, so, expect to pay for this time at somewhere between $25-$100/hr

flying if possible may sound more expensive, but, cuts down thier travel time, so expect to pay lower fees per members time, but, then expect to pay airfair costs, partking, vehicle hire at the other end, possibly extra luggage costs need to be considered.

If its far enough that the band is on the road and performing for more than 10hrs in total, you may need to start looking at accomodation too, or, if no planes leave after theyve finished. alot of musos will gladly sleep in a smelly car boot if they have to, but generally, a basic minimum standard somewhere near the event or airport, with access to charge devices, do some washing up, and get a feed without going to far is going to run you at least $150-$400/night depending on dates and locations.

ofcourse, others may have higher gig fees, and build this into the price and not charge you for it. some may be desperate for the work, so not charge you (though, be carefull, if theyre desperate, there may be a reason)

So, that all noted? how long is a piece of string? once you nail down some finer perameters, you should be able to establish what thier fixed costs are, what thier time is worth, and what opportunities it costs them maybe not being able to commit to events immediateley before/after yours (including the day before/after) due to travelling.

The more band members, the bigger that cost, and some bands will have members that wont travel is also another consideration

At Rocket Entertainment, I book events not only for myself, but many other artists, and can testify as to how individual this question is, so there is no fixed rule.
Me myself, I'll generally stay at a sub $100 hotel room or with friends if I fly, in my bus or van if I drive, add on costs of fuel or airfairs, and a reduced rate flat fee on my hourly charge which varies based on the level of inconvenience and or cost of not being able to commit to other events. I fly for 1-2 events per month, so have the system down pretty well and have a few "home" bases scattered about with duo/DJ colleagues around Australia to keep costs and hassles down, but for many, this can be a rather extensive and expensive undertaking, so, dont balk when you get travel quotes above what you expected, that's pretty normal for anyone working away from home lugging lots of equipment

Rocket Entertainment

the big 3 book fast. that is venue, photographer/videographer, and venue. those people can do only 1x wedding per day, so book very early. I book weddings for our clients out to 3 years ahead, so the earlier you start looking, the sooner you will get the artists you want.
At the same time, ive filled clients with newer artists the week prior. it all comes down to how pick are you with getting the best option, and how popular is your date!?

Rocket Entertainment

"DO NOT PLAY" lists are something we go through with every client. Some songs are known triggers for friends/family, some songs are innapropriate, and some you just dont like. It's perfectly ok to say "we dont want that" . I like to run through not just what specific songs couples dont like, but, what artists, and even genres or eras to avoid too...  that's how the best nights happen, by making sure the music is liked by everyone, including the bride and groom!

For guests I use a password. If the couple gives the guests the password, ill play any request. If they dont, I filter the request, and if its on the do not play list, ill tell them its comming up soon, or that i just played it ???? never will I say "no because the bride said so".... unless thats what you want!