Wedding changed venues

[bigboy_78]

My band agreed to play our first wedding. It's for a couple who have been at s few of our gigs. They even bought their family to our last gig to show them the band. They're super excited.
Got news last night that they have changed venues. They were getting married at a local venue, but now are going to a nicer place 150km away.

How would you handle this? I'm thinking we need to charge extra for the increased travel, maybe even ask for accomodation.

 

[twinjet]

I would absolutely raise my rate.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

Is this location 150km away where they bought their family?

 

[Stumbo]

Yeah...call them asap and let them know what your new rate is to cover travel time and motel rooms.

If they refuse, wish them well. If you can find a band in that area, possibly give the couple a referral.

 

[hrodbert696]

I would charge for mileage, certainly. That's not a distance that I normally would stay overnight after a gig and, depending on this couple's finances, putting hotel charges on top might be a deal breaker. If they're rolling in dough, though, you might be able to.

 

[David Jayne]

In the US you can claim the mileage on your tax return (if you're 'on the books') but travel time you gotta demand. That's four hours round trip. You need compensation for that. When I do weddings I get an average of $60/hr including travel. Mileage and other expenses I claim on my tax return.

 

[Downunderwonder]

Weddings typically pull the pin at midnight. Teardown plus travel doesn't get you home before 2am at the earliest, more like 3am.

Charge what like ,with allowance for run on. Motel it to be safe.

 

[RustyAxe]

First off, you should have a contract. I don't know of many wedding bands that would take a job without one. In it would be specifics about location. Yes, you should renegotiate your rate if it now involves travel and lodging. Don't forget other expenses that an overnight gig would incur. While I'd not usually stay over for a 150km drive (that's just under 100 miles for the metrically impaired) a wedding gig is different, as one's working hours start well before the wedding begins, and last a good bit afterward. A four hour wedding gig is often a twelve (or more) hour work day.

 

[gjbassist]

You should absolutely charge more for traveling out of town. Either up your fee or charge seperately for milage and hotel.

 

[Milo Spleen]

Yes, downtime at weddings is substantial, and being compensated for drivetime AND downtime is totally necessary.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

Draw up a contract with a mobilization & demobilization portion, and accommodation if you're going to be playing well into the night.

When I traveled for work, you better believe I didn't even leave home until I knew the expense of travel was covered & accommodation as well, if applicable.

When flying out for short-term jobs, I'd get them to buy me a return ticket with an open return date, so when the job was up I could hang around a bit if I liked, or I could quit & sod off on the ticket they paid for (yeah, I did that once, but I still hung out for two weeks after I quit)

 

[Joe Ty]

In the US you can claim the mileage on your tax return (if you're 'on the books') but travel time you gotta demand. That's four hours round trip. You need compensation for that. When I do weddings I get an average of $60/hr including travel. Mileage and other expenses I claim on my tax return.

You should still charge for mileage regardless of whether you can deduct it.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

Oh yeah, I forgot about wear & tear on the vehicle(s).
Even in Thailand my sales staff got paid mileage & gas for their sales runs.

 

[DavC]

ye who makes changes, gets to pay for said changes ...

figure out the extra costs for the band ... gas , time , etc ... does that extra time needed interfere with anyone's work schedule ..?

you original price was based on the facts given at that time ... things have changed ( not Your fault )

 

[JRA]

charge extra for the increased travel, maybe even ask for accomodation.

yes, like the previous posts suggest.

 

[Slough Feg Bass]

ask for gas, food & lodging on top of your rate, then drink a lot and pick up one of the bridesmaids.

 

[BassFishingInAmerica]

Is this location 150km away where they bought their family?

I bet the family cost them extra.
But seriously, you should ask them to cover travel costs.

 

[BassUrges]

 

[two fingers]

Yeah that's getting up toward 100 miles. At LEAST a higher rate. Whatever works out to $100 per person more should cover it. Then each band member can decide what he/she wants to do regarding getting a room, splitting a room, driving home, etc.

 

[two fingers]

Oh, and NO NOT TAKE ANOTHER WEDDING GIG UNTIL YOU DRAW UP A CONTRACT THAT COVERS THESE KINDS OF SITUATIONS. PERIOD!!!!!