Weddingbee boards

OMG, I just heard back from the company that we HAVE to book any music for our event through and they want to charge me a 30% commission! The band we love and want to use is already pushing our budget, but this makes it's completely out I think. Music is super important to us and we really want a live band, but I just can't justify it. The commission is more then some dresses cost! I wrote them back and asked what in the world the 30% was for and they said 15% goes to the venue and the other 15% is used for administrative fees, work they do booking hotels and travel for the band, communicating with the band, etc. WTF? I've already done that, that's how I know I want to book them. Grrrrr. I don't know what I am going to do now.  :(

Well, I just wrote the band manager and mentioned that I really want them to play, so we'll see. I have no problem with the fee to the band, I understand that they have to make money, etc. It's a really large band and they already need hotel rooms for everybody. I just HATE the idea of adding 30% on top of all that just because they can. Jerks! 

That stinks!  So its the music that suggested by the venue that you have to use?  Thats really shady that they get 15% of the commission, I really dont like when venues do this. At least you know you like the band, but for other people it appears they only make you contract with people they want that they get money from and not even necessarily do a good job.  I hope everything works out for you!!!

@naangel55~ We have to use the booking agency that the venue suggests, but we can use any band we want. Well, as long as we're willing to pay any extra 30% of their price to the damn agency. They do all the insurance for the band, so I understand charging something plus a little bit for your time, but 30%??? I knew going in that our venue was going to be a pain, but it's very special to us. They basically don't want you to have your wedding there, but if you can run the gauntlet and pass the test, they'll let you. :) In the end, it'll be worth it, but it's a big pain now. I have an email in to the venue contact inquiring about the 15% that goes to them.