Hiring a live band for your wedding is a bigger production than booking a DJ. More people, more equipment, more logistics. The tipping works differently too.
Here’s how to handle it without making things complicated.
The per-person breakdown
$25 to $50 per musician. Then add $50-100 extra for the bandleader who coordinates everything.
So for a 6-piece band, that math looks like:
- 6 musicians × $40 each = $240
- Bandleader bonus: $75
- Total: $315
For an 8-piece band at the higher end:
- 8 musicians × $50 each = $400
- Bandleader bonus: $100
- Total: $500
That’s the range most couples land in.
Why the bandleader gets extra
The bandleader isn’t just another musician. They’re the one who:
- Communicated with you during planning
- Coordinated the setlist and timing
- Handles any issues during the reception
- Makes sure the whole group hits their cues
They’re part performer, part project manager. The extra $50-100 reflects that.
How to actually hand out tips to multiple people
You’ve got options here, and the logistics matter more with bands than with other vendors.
Option A: One envelope to the bandleader. Put the total amount in one envelope labeled with the band name. Give it to the bandleader at the end of the night and trust them to distribute it. This is the most common approach and what most bands expect.
Option B: Individual envelopes. If you want to personally thank each musician, prepare separate envelopes with each person’s name. This takes more effort but can feel more personal. You’ll need to know everyone’s names in advance.
Option A is simpler and works fine. Bandleaders are used to handling tip distribution.
What if they’re independent contractors?
Many wedding bands are made up of freelance musicians who come together for gigs. In this case, the bandleader definitely handles distribution. That’s part of their job.
If you know one musician is an employee of the bandleader’s company and others are contractors, don’t worry about it. Tip the same regardless. It all shakes out.
When to tip
End of the reception, after their last set. Bands typically take breaks and pack up equipment, so catch the bandleader before they start breaking down if you can.
Have your wedding planner or a trusted person hold the envelope if you don’t want to carry it around all night.
Example scenario
You hired a 7-piece band for $5,500. The night was incredible. They learned your first dance song, the singer engaged the crowd, and your parents’ friends are still talking about the horn section a week later.
A generous tip might look like:
- 7 musicians × $45 = $315
- Bandleader bonus: $85
- Total: $400
That’s about 7% of the contract, which is solid for a band that delivered.
Don’t forget the envelope prep
With multiple people to tip, get your tip envelopes organized well before the wedding. Write the band name (or individual names) on each one. Stuff the cash. Hand them off to whoever is distributing tips that day.
Last-minute envelope stuffing at the reception is stressful. Do it a week ahead.
Calculating tips for your entire vendor team? Our free calculator handles bands, DJs, and every other wedding vendor.