Wedding and function band

Couples, event planners, corporate clients and private party hosts, often via wedding venues or entertainment agents.

A package fee per event, with extras for longer sets, ceremony music or a PA and lighting. Agents may take a commission.

• Polished, versatile live performance
• Professional communication with clients
• Reading a crowd and keeping the dance floor busy

• Public liability insurance, which venues and clients often ask to see
• Use a written contract with deposit, cancellation and overtime terms
• Sound equipment, transport and set-up time, which add to your costs and hours
• Check sound limits and curfew rules at each venue
• An ABN is needed to invoice, and check when GST registration applies to you

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your sound equipment and transport. Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many bookings you take.

Check public liability insurance, which venues and clients often ask to see. Use a written contract with deposit, cancellation and overtime terms, and check sound limits and curfew rules at each venue. You need an ABN to invoice, so check GST registration.

Useful skills include polished, versatile live performance, professional communication with clients and reading a crowd. Estimates suggest at least about 8 hours a week, and sound equipment, transport and set-up time add to your hours and costs.