In Melbourne, a solo live wedding musician generally ranges from around $600 for a short ceremony set through to $5,000 or more for full-day coverage. A wedding DJ typically runs $1,000 to $3,500, and a live band $5,000 to $8,000 plus. Where you sit depends on how much of the day you want covered, whether you want live music and DJ, travel, and how experienced the act is.
I'm Elise, the musician and DJ behind Sound Honey, and I've played hundreds of weddings across Melbourne, the Yarra Valley, the Mornington Peninsula and the Great Ocean Road. So rather than a vague "it depends," here's the honest breakdown of what drives the cost, from someone who does this every weekend.
What affects the cost of a wedding musician?
The biggest factor is how much of the day you want covered. A ceremony-only set is at the lower end. Add canapés, then the reception and a dance floor, and the price climbs because it's more hours, more equipment and more energy. Other things that move the number: whether you want live music and a DJ from the same act, travel to regional venues, the size of your guest list and PA required, and simply how experienced and in-demand the musician is. A seasoned full-time wedding performer costs more than a hobbyist, and on the most important day of your life, that difference tends to matter.
How much does a solo acoustic wedding musician cost?
For a solo acoustic singer and guitarist in Melbourne, expect roughly $800 to $2,000 for a ceremony or a single set, and $1,500 to $3,500 plus for coverage across multiple parts of the day, ceremony, canapés and reception. The jump reflects hours on site, multiple set-ups in different spaces, and the skill of reading and holding a room for a whole day, not just playing a few songs.
Live musician, DJ, or both: how does that change the price?
A live musician brings warmth and emotion to your ceremony and canapés. A DJ keeps a dance floor going late. Traditionally couples booked two separate suppliers and paid for both. The more cost-effective option, and the one more couples are choosing, is a single act who does both: live acoustic through the earlier part of the day, then DJ for the party. One artist, one point of contact, one fee, and a seamless transition instead of two suppliers who've never met. It usually works out more affordable than booking a musician and a DJ separately.
Is a wedding musician worth the cost?
Music is the one wedding element your guests feel the entire day, from the walk down the aisle to the last song on the dance floor. What you're really paying for isn't just songs, it's being looked after: someone who shows up early, reads the room, handles the sound, and holds the emotional arc of your day so you don't have to think about it once. Couples rarely remember the exact cost of their music a year later. They remember how the room felt. That's what the investment buys.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need both a wedding musician and a DJ?
Not necessarily. Many couples now book one act that covers live acoustic music earlier in the day and then DJs the reception, which is seamless and usually more affordable than hiring two separate suppliers.
How far in advance should I book a wedding musician in Melbourne?
Popular dates, especially spring and autumn Saturdays, book out six to twelve months ahead, and sometimes further. If you have a date in mind, it's worth checking availability early.
Do wedding musicians travel outside Melbourne?
Yes. I regularly play weddings in the Yarra Valley, the Mornington Peninsula and along the Great Ocean Road. Regional venues may include a travel component in the quote.
Can I request specific songs for my wedding?
Absolutely. Your ceremony songs, your first dance and any special requests are part of the planning. The best music feels like you, not a generic setlist.
What does a Sound Honey wedding cost?
Because every wedding is different in hours, location and what you want covered, I put together a tailored quote rather than a fixed price list. The easiest way to get an exact figure for your day is to get in touch with your date and venue.
Get a quote for your Melbourne wedding
If you'd like a tailored quote based on your date, venue and how much of the day you want covered, get in touch. I'll let you know availability and exactly what your day would look like with live music and DJ from one act who's got you completely covered.
