| Live wedding music can be expensive for couples | | | | trio or a jazz trio instead of a string quartet or |
| on a budget. However, we found secrets to help | | | | jazz quartet. It is still better than hiring a DJ and |
| keep the music flowing, costs low and without | | | | sounds beautiful. |
| DJs. | | | | If a string trio or jazz trio is still out of your |
| "Generally, the more musicians and the more | | | | budget, duos can also be a beautiful touch. |
| hours, the larger the cost," Chandler Judkins, | | | | Sometimes simple is better anyway. |
| President of Las Vegas Wedding Music, said. Las | | | | "Make sure you check with your wedding planner |
| Vegas Wedding Music is the number one musician | | | | about duos though," Judkins said. "Sometimes |
| contracting company in Las Vegas. "Many options | | | | they have contracts with string quartets that |
| are available to keep costs low if you work with a | | | | disallow them to cut players." |
| flexible musician contractor." | | | | This is one reason why Judkins encourages brides |
| 1. Ask for deals | | | | and grooms to find a musician contractor to |
| Many wedding music contractors have specials for | | | | handle their music verses a wedding planner. |
| those who can't afford the big band of their | | | | "Don't get me wrong," Judkins said. "Wedding |
| dreams or even a small string quartet. | | | | planners are great. But they have their degree in |
| For example, Las Vegas Wedding Music offers a | | | | wedding planning, whereas, we wedding musician |
| string quartet for ceremony music in Las Vegas | | | | contractors have our degree in music." |
| for around $500 if the quartet is used for the | | | | 3. Maximize Your Time |
| ceremony only. | | | | If a couple's wedding reception plans consist of six |
| String quartets usually charge by the hour and | | | | hours of cocktails, then five hours of dancing, this |
| have a two hour minimum which could easily start | | | | can pose a problem if a couple doesn't have a |
| at $800. | | | | deep wallet. |
| Sometimes wedding music contractors are also | | | | "When planning your wedding music, decide when |
| the musicians in some of their own bands, so | | | | the most people will be there and paying attention |
| they have discounts to use the bands that they | | | | to the atmosphere," Judkins said. "You may only |
| themselves play in. | | | | have a couple hours of live music, but it will make |
| Chandler Judkins of Las Vegas Wedding Music | | | | those hours the most unforgettable part of your |
| plays the trumpet in many of his wedding music | | | | wedding day ... to you and your guests." |
| groups, so a jazz quartet actually costs less than | | | | To see examples of wedding bands and possible |
| a string quartet but sounds just as beautiful. | | | | musician options, go to |
| When in doubt, as the wedding music contractor. | | | | Renae earned her journalism degree from the |
| You never know what they might offer. | | | | University of Nevada Las Vegas. She is currently |
| 2. Get a Trio | | | | a wedding consultant for Learn more about Las |
| If a string quartet, jazz quartet or any other | | | | Vegas Wedding Music by visiting earned her |
| wedding band seems just out of your reach | | | | journalism degree from the University of Nevada |
| budget wise, hire one less musician. Get a string | | | | Las Vegas. |