Deposits for private party gigs

Hope these questions aren't too silly, but booking private gigs is not something I have had to deal with before now.

What percentage of the total fee do you ask for a deposit?

Do you cash the deposit check before the gig?

Depends how far in advance - the further away (in time) the gig is, the bigger the deposit (more likely to be cancelled than a gig the next week).

Usually between 10-20%, but as high as 50% if the gig involves booking rooms in advance etc.

Yes, cash cheque before gig.

Hope that helps.

Ditto.

I've always done 50% and I'm 'pretty sure' I learned that from guys I'd worked for.
And yeah - ca$h that baby immediately (and tell the client that you're going to do that).

Right, if you've got two weeks you'll know the check is good. Less than that and I've had them come back. This was pre-internet days so that may not happen anymore. But if they they start giving you the run around (Betty needs to sign the check and she's on a cruise - sorry I thought Jimmy had given that to you - the treasurer's wife had a heart attack) all may be true but the fact is you ain't gonna be playing there. Book something else.

Thanks, guys!

Wedding dates up-front. Knowing that at any given time the wedding could be canceled. You could easily have booked another gig. The setup and teardown of a wedding usually makes for a longer day. You have to setup and soundcheck when the catering and decorations are being set and after when the dishes are being sent to the kitchen.

Always demand more money for the small things in a written contract. Wireless mics for the toasts, Break music that you download on the band ipod, the venue should provide a changing room/ dining area for the band as they usually don't have a table set to the back for musicians and photography / video . Just all the little things that I have learned over the years.

Up front

Always demand more money for the small things in a written contract. Wireless mics for the toasts, Break music that you download on the band ipod, the venue should provide a changing room/ dining area for the band as they usually don't have a table set to the back for musicians and photography / video . Just all the little things that I have learned over the years.

+1
Good call.

I always get 25%, but I've been thinking of raising it to 50%.

I try not act too keen when we get wedding enquiries, too much hanging around & they always run late in my experience.

The setup and teardown of a wedding usually makes for a longer day. You have to setup and soundcheck when the catering and decorations are being set and after when the dishes are being sent to the kitchen.

Always demand more money for the small things in a written contract. Wireless mics for the toasts, Break music that you download on the band ipod, the venue should provide a changing room/ dining area for the band as they usually don't have a table set to the back for musicians and photography / video . Just all the little things that I have learned over the years.

This sounds like great advice. I've only done three wedding gigs, but they were all logistical pains in the asses.

I would say as much as you can get! You will be surprised that most private gigs need to have the assurance that YOU are going to show up.
Some corporate gigs have paid us 100% up front and weddings must be at least 50% and certainly cash any cheques immediately.
I have kept deposit monies back from the band (I am their manager), until the gig is completed however.

I always get 50% deposit non-refundable - unless in the rare occasion I cancel.

You don't want to be in the situation of having 3 gigs offers on the same night and you end up with nothing...

I've been burned too many times on private parties to even consider doing one again without 100% payment made at least 2 weeks prior to the show. That would be for things like a party at somebody's farm or something like that... Private corporate or weddings are different.