The short answer
A wedding music contract needs everything a standard performance contract has, plus wedding-specific terms: exact ceremony, cocktail and reception times; what happens if the ceremony starts late; overtime; outdoor and weather plans; a meal and break space for long days; song request deadlines; and a cancellation policy that reflects how far ahead weddings book.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Wedding-specific clauses
- Timeline: arrival, ceremony, cocktail hour and reception times.
- Late starts: how long you'll wait, and how overtime is charged.
- Outdoor weather plan: shade, cover and a backup location for instruments.
- Meals and breaks: for days longer than a few hours.
- Song requests: the deadline for choices and any fee for new arrangements.
- Planning deadline: when the final timeline is due, often two months out.
- Cancellation and date changes: see cancellation policies.
Deposit and balance
Weddings are booked far ahead, so a deposit holds the date and the balance is usually due before the wedding. Some couples prefer a payment plan. See how much deposit to charge.
How BookLive helps
- Contract templates with e-signatures. Fill in each wedding's details automatically.
- Payment schedules and reminders. Deposit, installments and final balance on autopilot.
- Planning forms and timelines. Collect the couple's choices by a due date. See planning the timeline and set list.
Your musicians use BookLive for free. Only the bandleader pays.
Frequently asked questions
What should be in a wedding band contract?
Date, times, fee, deposit, balance due date, cancellation, overtime, weather plan, meals and breaks, song request deadlines and site needs.
Should a wedding contract cover overtime?
Yes. State your rate for playing past the agreed end time, and how it's approved on the day.
Send wedding contracts from BookLive
Templates, e-signatures and payment schedules for every wedding.
Your musicians never pay.