Photo Credit: Luster Studios

How to Decide What Style of Music to Have for your Reception:

General Information Regarding Bands:

Want Something A Little Different? How about Thriller Dancers?

Learn How We Make It Easier For You To Hire The Entertainment Of Your Choice

General Information on Dance Bands.

• If you chose to hire multiple musicians/ bands or DJ for your ceremony, rehearsal & reception, TEA will offer very special packages on pricing.
• Bands & DJs typically perform for four hours. However, some ethnic and Northern Receptions will run as long as 6 hours. A music coordinator will help you determine if you will need the performers for more time. 
• The performers will wear appropriate attire that you have chosen. Tuxedo, Coat & Tie or Stage clothing.
• We require that the band- leader call and talk with you directly to hand-tailor their songlist to you and your guests. We want you and the band to build a rapport before your special day. 
• The songlist is very important. Pay close attention to the diversity (remembering who will be attending your event) and the ambiance that you wish to create (is the music primary or secondary?)
• These groups are extremely professional and they have proven track records! (You won't have to worry about anything!) They won't smoke or drink alcoholic beverages during their performance- (unless you offer!), they will be on time, they provide pre- recorded music while they take their breaks so you have continuous music, never silence. Together, we will do everything possible to make sure that your Wedding Day is a huge success!

The average cost of a "Professional High Energy Dance Band" or otherwise referred to as a "Top 40 Variety Dance Band"  for a Wedding Reception will typically fall between $1,500.00 - $3,500.00, (excluding New Years Eve). This includes TEA  fees- the musicians pay TEA to coordinate your event for them. The price can be altered with some bands by reducing the size of the band. For instance, if you choose a six piece band that features a horn player, the saxophone player can be left out to make the band a five piece group and will save you about $200.00. My job is to work with you and the bands. The bands set their prices - not TEA. As your music coordinator, I'll negotiate for you and still be able to offer a fair price to the band while maintaining your budget. Outside of Raleigh such as Pinehurst you are going to pay for travel time, which is about $200.00 more. We encourage you to stay within your budget so we also offer bands that start as low as $800.00. We also offer great jazz combos ranging from $350.00-$1,500.00 and DJ services, too!

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Our DJs are also the best in this area. All of the information above applies to them, too. The price for a "Great" DJ is $800.00 although some charge as much as $1,000.00. The prices vary according to the number of guests that you are expecting and the amount of equipment that will be needed to provide a good light & sound. Ask about our DJ Packages, this offers you the best of both worlds.  A DJ for four hours for dancing and a live jazz or pop musician, i.e. pianist or saxophonist for two hours usually during cocktail & dinner hours! 6 hours of quality-fun music for $1,200.00!  


I realize that this site has a lot of reading material, and unlike other sites, that offer a lot of flare and flash we wanted to offer you some real information about hiring bands. I want  you to have enough information that you feel comfortable with making a decision about bands and pricing.  We represent over 550 bands through out North Carolina! Because we coordinate music for several respectable clubs and restaurants in Greensboro, Winston Salem and Raleigh, depending on the band that you are interested in, we may be able to give you dates where you can see a group perform live. 

I leave you with my best wishes!  Choosing a band will be one of the most difficult decisions that you make regarding your wedding.
It's also the most fun!  You're not alone though, I'll do my very best to help you. 

Please feel free to call should you have any questions and ask for me, Michelle King.

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