Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions couples and event planners ask us most often. If yours is not here, write to us: we reply within 24 hours.
Costs and quotes
How much does the band cost for a wedding?
There's no fixed price, because every event is unique. The final cost depends on your specific needs: the length of the performance, the venue, the packages included and the line-up you choose (from duo to quintet). Because we're a modular line-up, we build a tailor-made quote together with you, to give you the best value for money with no surprises.
And what about a private party?
Here too we need to put together a tailor-made quote, to give you exactly what you want and find, together with you, the right package at the right price: a duo and a quintet are priced differently, and a corporate reception in Bolzano is a very different commitment for us than a short music set at a venue in Palermo. Let's work it out together: drop us a line!
Who pays the SIAE fee for the wedding?
The couple pays it, as the organizers of the event, not the band or the venue. The permit is requested online on the SIAE portal or at the SIAE office nearest to the venue; since 2023 musicians no longer fill in the borderò (the list of songs). Costs and procedure are in our guide to SIAE for weddings.
Music and repertoire
What kind of music do you play at weddings?
Our specialty is classic Italian songwriting and the great Italian singer-songwriters, but we're very versatile: we range from swing to international pop so there's something for everyone. We have a specific repertoire for every moment, from the elegance of the civil ceremony to the dance set. Visit the 'Repertoire' page to see the full list!
Can we hear you play live before booking?
Yes, you can! Drop us a line to find out when we're playing a concert near where you live. In the meantime, visit the Videos section of the site: you'll find a representative mix. We've included both music videos produced in the studio (so you can appreciate how clean the arrangements are) and live footage from weddings, which is essential for getting a feel for the real atmosphere and energy we bring to your event.
Ceremony and party
Do you also play at the ceremony, or for a civil ceremony?
We specialize in accompanying the civil ceremony (at the venue or at the town hall), with dedicated line-ups and songs to create the perfect atmosphere. We don't play in church for religious ceremonies. On our blog you'll find an article devoted to choosing music for the civil ceremony!
Do you play dance music too, or only music for listening?
We started out as a concert band for elegant entertainment, but we know very well that a wedding is also about having fun! That's why we always include a lively dance set between courses. Add a sax to the core quartet to make the music more sparkling and electrifying: there'll be a moment to let loose, for sure.
Events, travel and timing
Do you only play weddings, or other events too?
We're not just a wedding band! We also bring our music to private parties, corporate events, gala dinners and concerts in town squares. Our professionalism adapts to any setting that calls for classy live music.
Do you play weddings all over Italy or only in Sicily?
Our home base is Palermo, where we offer our most competitive rates, but we're available to play anywhere in Italy, islands included! If we travel outside Sicily, we'll add a travel surcharge. You take care of a local sound rental company, and we'll take care of getting to you and bringing our music to your event.
What if the wedding runs late?
We'll stay late with you! During the dessert table and the cake we'll still be there, accompanying the final moments of the reception with music over the sound system.
What happens if a musician falls ill or something unexpected comes up?
Sarabanda is a collective of 10 professional musicians who all prepare the same repertoire: if a musician is busy or unavailable, another member of the collective takes their place, with no compromise on the performance.
