There will be major variations, but $200 is definitely not too much for what you're doing. If anything, you might be low.

My fees in my current role tend to run $200-350 depending on circumstances (low Mass with organ vs. high Mass with choir, etc.). If I'm going beyond my own parish, the number can grow. Over the course of my wedding playing career (I guess I'm about 18 years deep in that... I started young!), it's ranged from $50 - $500.

Duties also vary wildly depending on the liturgical complexity. But at a bare minimum, I offer the chance to meet in person, or I send recommendations with sample audio/video via email, and guide them through the music selection process. I direct any choir rehearsals as needed. I do not attend wedding rehearsals unless specifically requested/required. Then I direct/play the wedding. Usually 15 minutes of preludes, processions, Mass parts/music, and recession. If there's a big crowd, I'll throw in an extra postlude.


With respect to financially struggling couples... if you need to address certain situations case-by-case, then do so. But setting aside that rare exception, I always keep in mind a bit of sage advice a former pastor/boss gave me when my fee was quite low: remember that on the expense sheet for a wedding, the organist's fee is one of the smallest line items. Don't be afraid to charge the price that you think reasonably reflects the effort and value you offer. If they're not willing to pay it, then they can either make other arrangements, or you can negotiate if you feel so inclined.



Edited to add: we also have a parish policy that if a visiting musician will play in place of the DoM, DoM still receives the usual fee regardless, and retains the right to audition the guest musician. This helps prevent shopping for the cheapest musicians, and ensures quality of music and understanding of the liturgy.

We do not allow outside organists, but have an approved list of 4 organists who want to play for weddings. I wont have anything to do with weddings and contract them all out to those on the list. I am over Buffy and Brad and don't remotely care about their "special day." The organists charge anywhere from $150. to $250. and set their own fees. The sound technician also sets his own fees.

One month ago, I played the organ and cantored for a E.F. wedding. A (skilled) friend sang with me. I requested $350 from the couple and they gave me $380. I gave $140 to my other singer after he and I had agreed on $125 since the couple paid us extra. The organ music was all stuff in my existing repertoire as was the chant. I met with the couple one time prior to the wedding and only had a warmup rehearsal with the other singer a couple hours before the wedding.

**EDIT**
I should clarify that we received $380 total. I kept $240 and gave $140 to my singer who chanted with me.

There are various things that one can mention which 'date' one or may be a sign of one's age. Wedding fees may be one of those things.
How many here can remember when $25 was considered generous, and when starting to ask $35 took some gumption and was considered top tier?

how much do you think they are paying for the dress?

250-500 depending on extra musicians/rehearsals

Thank you for your for your feedback. I do appreciate it.

I 100% understand they are paying through the nose for everything else. I 100% believe I deserve to get paid for my work, but it is hard for me to not think of it as "paying" for a mass. (I still feel icky with the idea of paying for mass intentions.)

It is not getting paid for the Mass, it is being paid for all you have done before arriving at Mass, all the education, practice, and preparation before the Mass has begun.

all you are saying is indeed, truth.

Going through a divorce and struggling to make ends meet certain months has grown so much more concern and compassion for the poor than I have ever had. I just met with a bride that is having a very simple wedding and works very hard at a minimum paying job. They're having family do everything from catering to reception. She hadn't asked for a break in my fee, but my heart goes out to her. I like the idea of a case by case basis- when the spirit moves.

Rambling while I'm waiting for my food to heat up. . .

I've played weddings as a member of string quartets (or trios, or duos) for roughly 30 years. When I was starting out, I earned about $100 for a wedding. Today, 30 years later, how much do I make for a wedding? About $100. Sometimes $125. I've decided that it just isn't worth it for a good chunk of time on a summer Saturday.

I charge between $150 and $225 (so far) depending on what I have to do and how much advance notice I get. I live in an area that has a very low cost of living.

Please allow me draw a parallel.....

When you hire a master electrician to work in your house, you pay for the best. A master electrician.

Or a plumber.

What would you pay for private music lessons with one of the best music teachers in your area?

A visit with a medical professional?

The best interior decorator to come design your living room?

I've been a church organist for 28 years. I hold bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in music. I've probably played close to 200 weddings and 150 funerals.

Lots of you are just like me, where you live. Masters, experienced experts at what you do.

If a doctor earns ($300?) A visit.......and a master plumber earns ($100 a service call plus $150 an hour?) Etc etc.........does a master organist deserve $300 for the consult, hunting down whatever music the bride and her mother want, practice time, wedding rehearsal, and wedding?

That's at least 3 hours of work. Probably closer to 5.
$300 is a bargain.

Respectfully
Steve

I've never heard that music for a wedding is considered non-essential; point in question is rather how much (or little) it may cost.

My fee has ranged between free to $2500 (arrangements for chamber orchestera including string quartet, trumpet (doubling on flugelhorn and coronet), organ and cantor with custom arrangements for every piece). Don't sell yourself short of your expertise and the timeless value of sacred music... the reception will be forgotten, but the wedding will be remembered into eternity.

Just to clarify-my points have nothing to do with the world health situation.

Regarding people's income-does anyone think a DJ, florist, seamstress, or anyone associated with a wedding has a floating fee schedule based on the couple's income?

"UM.....I can only pay XYZ for your reception hall."
"Then go rent a fire company social quarters. Or have it in your backyard. Bye bye now."

We are professionals, do not sell us short. If you do, you're lowering the potential paychecks of the rest of us.

@Sk1972

Regarding people's income-does anyone think a DJ, florist, seamstress, or anyone associated with a wedding has a floating fee schedule based on the couple's income?

But I can shop around for a DJ (Not that I needed one!).
The florist was the one the chapel recommended and they also suggested we split the cost of the flowers with the couple using the chapel in the afternoon, although once again it is normal to look for one you like and can afford.
Wedding clothes, are once again a competitive market with all price ranges catered for.
Wedding venues are the same, various price ranges, even if you are getting married in a church.
The problem for church musicians is it it not a competitive market, they usually come with the church. We all have our own arrangements, some places you must employ their choir and their organist, etc.. With no normal competition, we end up with our present system that fails so many musicians.

.

Indeed, Greg -