"Imagine That"

Here are some questions we frequently receive from our clients. Choose from the list below to go directly to each question or simply scroll down.

• How do you set your prices? How do your prices compare with other agencies?

• Why do you give a price range instead of a quote online?

• What goes into setting a price for a performing group?

• Do the musicians hired require food, beverages, a gratuity, or special sales taxes?

• Can I pay for services using a credit card?

• How far in advance must I select the event music?

• Can we make special requests?

• May I talk to the performers or band leader prior to the event?

• Are the audio samples the same sound as the band that shows up on the event date?

• Do you work with wedding coordinators/event planners? Can you work with mine?

Q: How do you set your prices? How do your prices compare with other agencies?

A: We have done extensive market research both locally and spanning the whole country to find out how to price our groups. Our goal is to offer competitive prices that fall in line with other agencies and groups in the area. What sets us apart is our attention to service and detail. We go out of our way to create the perfect experience for your event and your budget. We also work with your event coordinator or wedding planner to integrate our performers seamlessly into your event.

Q: Why do you list a price range instead of an actual price?

A: Most agencies don't post any prices or price ranges at all. However, we feel that in order to save you time and simplify your planning process, we should at least give you an idea of what to reasonably expect when it comes to booking entertainment for an event. That said, due to the unique nature of each event, it is impossible to give exact numbers online. Exact prices will be disclosed in your custom quote and will fall within the ranges given on the site. Best of all, we include all necessary fees and charges in your final quote so you won't be presented with a bill that is more than you had expected. 

Q: What goes into setting a price for a performing group?

A: Many factors affect the pricing of a performing group. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Equipment - instruments, amplification, PA systems, microphones, lighting, and other equipment can be a monumental  investment for musicians, often equivalent to a car or house. Maintenance for this equipment is also costly.

2. Travel Time and Expenses - To perform a four hour show, bands are usually estimating about an hour of load in/load out time and travel time to the venue. Additionally, bands are often required to be set up an hour before the performance begins. When adding another hour for packing up and driving home, a four hour performance can easily last as many as seven or more hours in effect. Most destinations in the greater Houston area will have no additional travel costs, but some outlying areas may incur a small charge to help defer travel expenses.

3. Rehearsal - As individual musicians and performers, we put in countless hours of practice and study to hone our skills. Years are spent learning before we are able to begin rehearsing with a group for professional performances. In addition to the  time spent individually, our groups spend countless hours rehearsing together to deliver a polished and professional product for your entertainment.

4. Other considerations - Some special requests such as musical arrangements or music that involves buying scores, may incur a small extra charge. Again, these costs and any other additional costs will be fully disclosed in your final custom quote.

5. What specific groups charge - Some established groups and musicians have a set price for which they will work. In order to book these groups for an event we must match their requirements.

Q: Do the musicians hired require food, beverages, a gratuity, or special sales taxes?

A: Most performers will request a beverage and light food on their fifteen minute breaks. Your caterer or site manager will often refer to this as a "staff meal" at some nominal charge to you. While gratuity is not required, tips are certainly appreciated, especially when making requests. There are no special taxes for a band. The price quoted is the final cost.

Q: Can I pay for services with a credit card

A: Yes! We now accept all major credit cards. To use this service, you must specify that you'd like to use your credit card in your correspondence with us so we can send you an electronic invoice. Our Entertainment Liaisons will guide you through the process. You can make partial or full payments using this service, including deposits.

Q: How far in advance must I select the event music?

A: For dance bands with a particular singer, you are safest at 6-8 months out. These bands are 'one-of-a-kind' and the more popular ones book frequently in prime seasons: Summer and Fall for weddings, December for corporate. For the classical ensembles  when duplicates exist, 1-2 months is acceptable. If you think there isn't enough time to get a band, try us anyway. We just might have an open spot with one of our groups.

Q: Can we make special requests?

A: Absolutely! We encourage you to request the music you want to hear. If at all possible, our musicians will do their best to accommodate your request. Advance notice is always preferred, especially in the classical setting. But during a break in the music, feel free to speak to a performer and ask if they can play your request. If they know it, they'll likely do it.
Although ceremony music selections will be determined in advance, if there is a need for last-minute changes our musicians are professional and talented and will do everything in their power to accommodate your needs.

Q: May I talk to the performers or band leader prior to the event?

A: Yes. We will make sure that direct communication is a possibility between you and the performers if it is necessary.

Q: Are the audio samples the same sound as the band that shows up on the event date?

A: We feel ethically bound to ensure that this is the case. With very minor variations in personnel what you hear is what you get. Exceptions may occur if you request specific performers that we don't have samples of or don't have the rights to upload their recorded material on our site. In these cases, we will make sure that a demo CD of material is sent to you that represents the artist you'll have performing.

Q: Do you work with wedding coordinators/event planners? Can you work with mine?

A: Absolutely. We prefer working with event planning teams and coordinators whenever possible. It certainly helps with the integration of music into your event, keeps everyone on the same page, and keeps things running smoothly.

We can work with your wedding and event coordinator in any capacity. Simply give us their contact information and pass ours along to them and we will get in sync to help take the stress out of planning your event.

Need a recommendation for an event coordinator? See our preferred vendors list on our links page. Do you have a coordinator you'd like to recommend? Let us know! We love to network with good business people!