GigMasters.com, the online entertainment booking service, has just released interesting data compiled from their 2008-2009 bookings:  Nationwide, the average amount couples spend on wedding entertainment has dropped to $749 in 2009, compared to $816 in 2008. The range continues to be wide, from $10,000+ for a high-end, 10-piece traditional wedding band to under $500 for a solo musician. DJs continue to be a popular choice with bookings up 8% this year, costing on average $549.  (Of course, Long Island numbers are always higher than the national average!).

Other findings:  17% more couples booked variety acts such as Elvis impersonators, magicians, and belly dancers.  Also, tribute acts, like those that pay homage to Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, and Bob Marley, are up 45%.    To get the most value out of every wedding dollar spent, brides and grooms are asking their reception entertainment to break down into smaller solo and ensemble acts for the ceremony and cocktail hour. This is more cost-effective than hiring separate performers for each part of the wedding day.   Lastly, as the size of the average wedding guest list continues  shrinking, more couples are opting for smaller, more intimate music. Solo acts, like acoustic guitarists and harpists, are up 44% this year.