I’m interested in booking an artist. How do I get started?
If you are reading this, you are off to a great start! On this website you will find information about the fantastic artists we represent. For availability and price quotes, or to discuss which of our artists might be the best fit for you, please complete our enquiries form to provide some basic information about your plans. One of our booking managers will respond quickly (generally within 48 hours) to discuss the details of your event, offer artists recommendations and direct you to their demo materials on our site.
In addition, we can often put you in touch with client references who can answer your questions about their experiences working with our artists. Our goal is to offer you great artists recommendations, answer all of your questions, provide as much information and advice as you may want, and generally do our very best to make the artists selection process both fun and stress-free!
How much do artists cost?
We have artists for almost every budget, and we will help you find one that makes the most sense for you. Our prices start from as little as £150 for local solo artists.The actual price of artists for any specific event will depend on factors such as the size and popularity of the artists, the season and date of the event, the location of the event and travel distance for the artists, and the equipment and logistical requirements of the performance. Please contact us for specific price quotes.
Do the artists provide all their instruments and sound equipment?
Artists provide instruments and sound equipment at almost all weddings and special events. This equipment typically provides an appropriate level of sound for up to several hundred guests, and is included in the price of the artists. For larger events requiring more substantial sound reinforcement, artists can either sub-contract a larger sound production team for an additional fee or work with a sound production supplier that you provide.
Do the artists provide lighting? If so, what kind?
Most wedding and special event artists provide a basic lighting system which includes one or more light stands and generally illuminates the artists’ performance area. It is not intended as decor lighting for the whole event space, such as lighting for walls or tented areas or spotlighting on tables or dance floor areas. The artists’ light stand(s) typically include several white or coloured lights (LED or par cans). Some artists may be able to adjust the size and scope of the lighting they bring depending on the size of the event, crowd, or venue. If you plan to work with a lighting company and would prefer for them to handle all lighting decor, including the artists’ performance area, the artists can forego their lights. Please note that many smaller artists, such as acoustic or jazz groups typically do not provide lighting.
How long can I expect the artists to play?
Wedding and special events artists typically charge one fee for up to a 2-hour “block”, (2 x 45 mins) of event time, which includes the artists’ performance sets and any breaks. Most dance and party artists do not charge on a per-hour basis, the way soloists or smaller musical acts sometimes do. All wedding and special event party artists that bring their own sound equipment, can DJ a pre-set playlist on these breaks via iPod or mp3 player that either the artist or you can provide. Every artist will always try to adjust their performance set and break schedule to fit the flow of your event. Some artists also offer a three hour continuous music (no breaks) booking option, and most artists can offer overtime options for an additional fee.
What does the artists fee include?
We want our artists’ bookings to be as all-inclusive as possible. Typically, artists fee includes the following:
– 2 hours of contracted time from start to finish including performance sets and breaks.
– all instruments and sound/lighting equipment
– equipment set-up prior to event and breakdown afterward
– travel and lodging expenses
The only other artists cost that clients typically incur are for meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the event, any mandatory parking fees, and any other special requests noted in the artists’ contract rider. Most of the time, food and water or soft drinks for the artists will be the only additional cost a client is asked to cover. Each artist has a rider (included as part of the contract) that outlines specific technical, hospitality and logistical requests. Most of these can be provided by your venue, such as performance area, electrical needs, dressing room and bathroom access, etc. Contract riders are specific to each artist, so requests will vary. Unusual setup requests or performance overtime periods will also incur reasonable additional fees for musician and crew time.
How far in advance should I book artists?
We usually start hearing from clients planning for the most popular Saturday dates well over a year in advance, and the general booking season for artists in the wedding and special event industry is usually 8 to 15 months before a Saturday or holiday weekend event date. Events on days other than Saturdays typically do not book quite as far in advance. We work with many clients who plan events (even weddings) on a shorter timeline (two to six months in advance) and we usually have some great artists to recommend for any date, even last minute. As a general guideline, the most popular and in-demand artists often get booked early and fewer acts are available for events booked closer to the date. So the further in advance you can book, the more options you will have to consider. Get started early!
I’m ready to book artists. What happens now?
When you are ready to book your artists, we will request the information from you that we need to prepare a contract, and send you the contract documents by email. We ask that you sign and return the contract documents along with a deposit, generally within one week unless other arrangements are necessary. In most cases, artists’ bookings require a 50% advance deposit, but that may vary at times depending on the nature of the event and how far in advance it is booked. The artist/artists’ leader will sign the contract as well, and we will send you a completed copy for your records. Once we have received your signed contract documents and deposit, you can rest easy, knowing that you’ve officially booked your artist/artists.
Does Events 4 Fun work with DJs?
Yes, we do. The process is the same as booking artists. The standard duration is generally 4 hours but additional hours can be arranged for an extra fee.
Do you book musicians for wedding ceremonies too? Can my reception artists also play either at my ceremony or cocktail hour?
We primarily offer live music for festive occasions like wedding receptions and other parties that need fun artists to get people dancing. Some reception artists do offer ceremony and cocktail music options, and your booking manager can provide more details. If your artists do not offer this, we may be able to recommend other resources depending on your geographic area. We also suggest you ask your venue or event coordinator for local recommendations for ceremony and/or cocktail hour.
Can I get a discount for booking more than one group?
All of the artists booked by Events 4 Fun set their own fees and book independently from one another. Therefore, we are unable to offer a discount for booking multiple artists.