My fiance and I are getting married next June in Raleigh and are looking for a bluegrass band to play for an hour or 2 during the cocktail hour/reception. Unfortunately our budget probably won't allow a professional band, but I'm wondering if anyone knows of a student band that performs for less.

Any ideas of where to look? Thanks

8/17/2015 2:32:09 PM

i know you aren't looking for a suggestion, however i've known several people who wanted a band (or something similar) for a wedding and when they ran into budget issues they went for low cost, more amateur talent... lets just say you get what you pay for most of the time. If I were you (and i know i'm not) you could use that money to enhance other parts of the cocktail hour and just play some bluegrass in the background, and your money would work much better for you.

but there is always a chance if you find an up and coming artist for a good price they will surprise you, so I would definitely get reviews/samples/references and do your homework on whoever you end up going with.

good luck and remember that at the end of the day, regardless of what band plays, you will have a good time and be married!

8/17/2015 2:41:22 PM

Suggestions are welcome I agree completely with you. I'd rather just play bluegrass on Spotify than have a crappy band. BUT I figured it didn't hurt to check around and see My friend hired an awesome country band for her engagement party. He was actually a high school student but was dirt cheap and GOOD. So I figured just maybe I'd luck out and find an awesome college bluegrass band or something.

And absolutely agree about getting references, samples, etc!!!!

Thanks for the input!!

8/17/2015 2:44:19 PM

What's your realistic music budget?

You've got some time to do a little research. Check out local events and call some local venues to see if they can recommend someone. Some places that have bluegrass bands play: Pour House, Tir Na Nog. Start there and then check out events like Pickin' in the Plaza and IBMA street festival (first weekend in October). Along with the big names at the Red Hat event and City Plaza events there are several tents/stages set up to showcase up and coming local artists.

Also, decide what kind of bluegrass band you want. Do you want something really traditional or a band that can blur the lines between traditional 'grass and provide wedding entertainment (pop covers, sing-a-longs, etc.)?

Good luck. I'll ask around.

8/17/2015 4:02:31 PM

Hey, thanks so much for the reply.

I would say probably around $600, although I have no idea if that is realistic, even for an up and coming/student band. Feel free to tell me I'm living in dream land

My fiance is a bluegrass nerd so we will be at IBMA quite a bit (he'll be there 4 days straight!). That's a great idea to check out the bands on the smaller stages and at those venues. I hadn't thought to call around to venues!

We definitely want something very traditional. I had looked at The Grass Cats, which my fiance and I both like but they are too pricey for us. But that's kind of the style we're looking for. Our plan is to have the band during the cocktail hour and dinner and then we'll probably do a Spotify list or something for later on (once people get drunk and are ready to start dancing haha).

Thanks again!!

8/17/2015 4:23:25 PM

Get these guys before they blow up.
http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/cast/season-10/mountain-faith-band

8/17/2015 5:53:09 PM

Haha yeahhhh I think I'd be A-ok with them playing at my wedding!!!

8/17/2015 8:52:02 PM

I had the Old Habits play at my wedding. They were - hands down- the best band I've ever seen play at an outdoor reception. Money well spent- and I'd recommend shooting the money gun on your band because they're who the guests notice the most.

I can't tell you how awesome that band was. They were friendly, fun, upbeat, versatile, and had everyone enjoying the reception. Google 'em.

8/17/2015 9:55:33 PM

Oh they are good! If you don't mind me asking, how much were they?

I already went way over budget on my dress and photography haha. Wedding budgets are impossible

8/17/2015 10:16:58 PM

^yeah i have seen them a few times locally... first time they were playing at that bar that used to be across from East Village (can't remember the name off the top of my head... they turned the building into "Time Out" for a while before it was demolished). Anyway I really liked them. They had a song "Melinda" i really enjoyed. No idea if it was their song or a cover.

8/17/2015 10:19:11 PM

Coworker is in a bluegrass band that has been around for years but just a local band mainly. No idea if they play weddings. He might know some other groups that do though.

8/19/2015 7:10:09 PM

I can't remember how much they were...I think it was upwards of $2k (could it have been $5k? I can't remember!). I'm one of the cheapest people alive- and I remember hearing their price and being like "AW HELL NAW"...and then my brother convinced me it was worth the cash...and damn if he wasn't right. I go to family reunions to this day, 4 years later, and family members are still like "lauren, your wedding was the most fun wedding ever."

8/19/2015 10:02:06 PM

$5k for a wedding band and she can't spring for the $20 TWW Secret Santa present as agreed.

8/20/2015 12:42:31 AM

Check out the band New Reveille on spotify. Local to Raleigh and play a lot of various gigs. If their sound is something that might interest you send me a PM and i can forward you their contact info.

8/20/2015 1:29:37 PM

^ That's a good choice. I don't know if New Reveille normally do wedding gigs, but their string players do private events as "Petals," so I don't think it'd be a stretch for the whole band.

8/20/2015 5:52:19 PM

I completely forgot to check back here. You guys are awesome with the suggestions though

Nighthawk, would definitely be interested in any information you can find out!! (I promise to check back here more frequently)

DJ Lauren, I definitely like them but there is NO WAY we can afford that haha. I wish

Jeepin4x4, I really like New Reveille. However, I think we're looking for something a little more classic bluegrass (or for lack of a better term, "more banjo-y" haha).

Sorry to be so picky. I realize beggars shouldn't be choosers

REALLY appreciate all the suggestions guys!

8/21/2015 9:09:24 AM

I assumed so, I just happen to know NR personally. Still asking around for you, but like I said your best bet may be to check out the street fest during IBMA in October.

But I do agree with what's been posted here. The band is one of the most memorable things about a wedding. If you can find a way to increase your budget, even if it's just to $1000, it could make all the difference.

Good Luck and let us know who you hire if and when you do!

8/21/2015 9:25:54 AM

I'm sending my fiance on a hunt at IBMA. He'll be staying downtown for 4 nights so he'll be in the thick of things.

We could MAYBE do $1000 but I'd have to look at our budget. The dress and photography were already more than we hoped haha

I will certainly let y'all know if we find someone. Crossing my fingers for IBMA

8/21/2015 9:33:33 AM

So my coworker's band is GrassStreet. I have not heard them before but I think they are a little more "traditional" bluegrass. Here is their webpage:

http://www.grassstreet.net/

I think they would be in your price range too from talking to him depending on where it is, how long you need them to play, etc.

Good luck!

8/21/2015 12:17:33 PM

Just got a chance to listen to GrassStreet. Definitely the sound we're looking for. I really like them!! I sent the website to my fiance to see if he approves

8/24/2015 1:46:52 PM

If you're still looking, check out the Outliers: http://www.theoutliersband.com/Media.php

They are playing our wedding cocktail hour in October. We saw them at Tir Na Nog a few months ago & were impressed. They quoted us $1000 for 2 hours, with a 10-20 minute break.
They might be close to what you're looking for in a band. Also, they're local to Raleigh.

Note: the gentleman who plays the fiddle does not always play with them, but he's great.

8/25/2015 1:17:36 PM

Thanks Westicles! I'll check them out.

Y'all are so helpful

8/25/2015 2:32:37 PM

Oh I like the Outliers!!! Thanks again!

8/25/2015 2:58:00 PM