16 Best Wedding Bands in Essex For 2025
In this blog post, we'll reveal the 16 most popular wedding bands for hire in Essex on FixTheMusic based on confirmed bookings for 2025 and 2026, as well as verified reviews.
Essex is home to some of the best cover bands in Europe, with musicians who regularly perform at high-end corporate events, luxury weddings and even celebrity parties.
Many of these Essex wedding bands can start with a more chilled-out set, perfect for sipping cocktails in the sun before the real party kicks off. When the evening rolls around, they’ll get your guests on their feet with high-energy sets designed for non-stop dancing.
Each of our wedding bands in Essex has public liability insurance and fully PAT-tested equipment, so you can book with confidence.
FixTheMusic is free to use – we're a secure platform for connecting with and booking outstanding musicians worldwide 🌎
The 16 best Essex wedding bands for 2025...
1. Wandering Three
2. The Tourists
3. The Young Bucks
4. The Nauticals
5. Fusion Girls
6. The Old School 90s Band
7. The Manhattans
8. ROAMEO
9. The Legends Collective
10. Scintillate
11. Big Soul Beats
12. The Masters
13. Off The Rails
14. Splendour
15. The Diamond Band
16. The Groove Generators
How we choose the best wedding bands in Essex
Every band on this list has been picked because they’re getting the most bookings on our platform. At FixTheMusic, we invite only outstanding musicians to join, so when we say these Essex wedding bands are the best of the best, we mean it.
All of our wedding bands for hire in Essex go through a vigorous vetting process. We look at their musicianship, verified reviews from real couples, high-quality videos and how well they go above and beyond to make weddings extra special. This list gets updated regularly as new talent makes a name for itself and our existing bands raise the bar.
Head over to our Instagram 📸 for videos and photos of our best bands performing at real weddings.
We really hope you enjoy using FixTheMusic. If you have any feedback for us, please get in touch. Otherwise, read more about FixTheMusic, browse our FAQs or read our blog to find helpful articles, research, insights, definitive guides and much more!
So let's take a closer look at this year's most booked Essex wedding bands...
1. Wandering Three
Average booking price: From £1,500 (as of November 2025)
Location: Essex
★ 38 verified reviews
Booked 169 times on FixTheMusic ⚡
View more videos and read verified reviews of Wandering Three ➡️
Meet Wandering Three, a lively acoustic roaming band that knows how to get the party going.
With no need for a PA system, they can start playing instantly and bring the music right to your guests, taking requests and keeping the energy flowing wherever they go.
Or, if you’d rather have them on stage, just point them in the right direction - they’ll have the place bouncing in no time!
Here are just some of the Essex venues where the band has been booked by clients on FixTheMusic for weddings...
- Lifehouse Spa & Hotel, Essex
- The Bell Inn, Essex
- The Pier at Harwich, Essex
- The Cricketers, Clavering, Essex
- Down Hall Hotel, Essex
- Milsoms Hotel, Essex
- The Alma Inn, Harwich, Essex
- The Blue Boar, Essex
- The Pheasant, Gestingthorpe, Essex
2. The Tourists
Average booking price: From £1,500 (as of November 2025)
Location: Essex
★ 24 verified reviews
Booked 79 times on FixTheMusic ⚡
View more videos and read verified reviews of The Tourists ➡️
Meet The Tourists: a glittering collective of elite session musicians who cut their teeth on London’s live-music circuit and now light up weddings all over Essex. After two decades of performing alongside household names (think Ronnie Wood, Nile Rodgers, Pixie Lott and Fatboy Slim) this band knows exactly how to turn any party into a festival-style experience.
Why they're perfect for your Essex wedding
- Flexible line-ups: Book them as a punchy trio, a dance-floor-filling four-piece or a full five-piece for maximum impact.
- Killer repertoire: Indie anthems, sing-along pop and rock classics delivered with turbo-charged energy.
- Bespoke sets: The band fine-tunes every performance to match your timeline, vibe and guest list.
Essex venues where FixTheMusic couples have booked The Tourists
- Braxted Park Estate, Witham
- Leez Priory, Chelmsford
- Gosfield Hall, Braintree
- Crondon Park Golf & Country Club, Stock
- Hylands House, Chelmsford
- Houchins, Coggeshall
- Channels Estate, Chelmsford
- Parklands Quendon Hall, Saffron Walden
- Fennes, Bocking
The Tourists bring festival flair, flawless musicianship and the kind of crowd interaction that keeps guests buzzing for weeks. If you're hunting for one of the best wedding bands in Essex, look no further. These seasoned pros are ready to make your big day legendary.
Follow the band on Facebook and Instagram 📸
3. The Young Bucks
Average booking price: From £1,500 (as of November 2025)
Location: Colchester, Essex
★ 14 verified reviews
Booked 61 times on FixTheMusic ⚡
View more videos and read verified reviews of The Young Bucks ➡️
Imagine this: your dancefloor packed all night, your guests raving about the band for weeks and every generation - from grandparents to little cousins - having the time of their lives. That's what The Young Bucks deliver - Essex & East Anglia's most exciting wedding band.
Whether you’re tying the knot at a grand house in the Essex countryside or celebrating in a stylish city venue, this talented four-piece band knows exactly how to get the party started and keep everyone dancing all night.
With over 45 years' combined gigging experience (despite an average age of just 28), they're not your typical wedding band. While most groups stick to one genre, they masterfully blend everything from Beatles classics to Paolo Nutini, Van Morrison to Dizzee Rascal, and The Jam to Ed Sheeran. This unique musical versatility has earned them live sessions on BBC Radio 6 with Huey Morgan and support slots with major acts like Lonely the Brave and The Skints.
Key Features:
- Brilliant mix of genres – Rock, indie, hip-hop, reggae and more in one cracking performance
- Proven entertainers – Festival veterans (Latitude), BBC radio alumni and favourites at local venues like Gosfield Hall & Channels Estate
- 3 x 40-minute live sets of absolute bangers to keep the party going strong
- Complimentary DJ service available before, between and after sets (just say the word)
- Quick and professional setup – Ready to go in just an hour (including a 15-minute soundcheck)
- Standard arrival from 5pm with flexible early arrival options
- Full professional setup – Top-quality PA, lighting and all gear included
When they're not rocking weddings, The Young Bucks bring their electric energy to corporate events too. They've performed everywhere from Ipswich Town Football Club to AXA Insurance, Oxfam to All Saints
From your first dance to the final encore, The Young Bucks will ensure your wedding isn’t just another do, but the best night of your life.
Here are just some of the locations where the band has been booked by clients on FixTheMusic for weddings...
- Abbess Roding, Ongar, Essex
- Channels Estate, Chelmsford
- Blake Hall, Ongar, UK
- Gosfield Hall, Halstead, UK
- Caruso Belmond Hotel, Italy
- Gunnersbury House, London
- Dorfold Hall, Nantwich, UK
- The Barn at Botley Hill
- Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, Bristol
- Upchurch, Kent, UK
Follow the band on Facebook and Instagram 📸
4. The Nauticals
Average booking price: £2,801 (as of November 2025)
Location: Essex
★ 38 verified reviews
Booked 129 times on FixTheMusic ⚡
View more videos and read verified reviews of The Nauticals ➡️
The Nauticals are one of the UK's best 4-piece rock and pop covers bands, consisting of both male and female lead vocals, plus sax.
Their female singer also plays saxophone which means she can steal the show by ripping into some of the most famous sax solos of all time without the need for backing tracks.
With Male & Female Lead Vocalists and a repertoire that spans four generations, The Nauticals are the number one choice for couples looking to pack the dance floor on their wedding night with one of the UK's best live wedding bands with saxophone.
You can check out all of the UK's best wedding bands with sax ➡️
Having formed in 2010, the modern wedding band changed in 2014 to its strongest ever lineup! Now with a calibre of musicians and entertainers far superior to 99% of other bands, the party band travels the UK, Dubai & Europe full-time performing at weddings, awards ceremonies, and other corporate events, with their wedding band and DJ package being one of FixTheMusic's most requested options.
The band have one goal and one goal only! TO PACK THE DANCEFLOOR!
Invariably, the set list is chosen on the fly by the band so that they can maximise the number of your guests that take to the floor and get involved with the party.
With a repertoire that's got something for everyone, you can be sure that even Grandma will find there's something for her to jive to!
In addition to the phenomenal evening entertainment that the band offer, there's also the option of having them join you on the afternoon of your big day to perform one of a variety of different options they offer ranging from an acoustic set to a solo saxophone set.
Here are just some of the locations where we have been booked by clients on FixTheMusic for weddings and events...
- Leez Priory, Chelmsford, UK
- Searcys at The Gherkin
- Cowley Manor, Cheltenham
- Evolution London, Battersea Park
- Wadhurst Castle, Wadhurst, UK
- Pynes House, Upton Pyne, UK
- De Vere Latimer Estate, Chesham
- Elmore Court, Gloucester, UK
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5. Fusion Girls
Average booking price: From £2,500 (as of November 2025)
Location: Essex
★ 60 verified reviews
Booked 201 times on FixTheMusic ⚡
View more videos and read verified reviews of Fusion Girls ➡️
Fusion Girls are a unique trio of DJ mixing, light-up sax & percussion, available for events in the UK and worldwide.
Their unique combination of funky, soulful house mixes tied with jazzy sax grooves and an uber cool feel of percussion beats have created a sound like no other, that people just can’t help but dance to!
6. The Old School 90s Band
Average booking price: £2,681 (as of November 2025)
Location: Essex
★ 19 verified reviews
Booked 49 times on FixTheMusic ⚡
View more videos and read verified reviews of The Old School 90s Band ➡️
The Old School 90s Band bring the best of 1990s pop, dance, RnB and hip hop to your party, event or wedding.
Their line up of highly experienced professional musicians have all toured internationally as well as across the UK.
They faithfully recreate the spirit of the 90s. Get your glow sticks ready!
Here are just some of the locations where we have been booked by clients on FixTheMusic for weddings and events...
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Down Hall Country House Hotel
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Wivenhoe House Hotel, Essex
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Lifehouse Spa & Hotel, Essex
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The Pier Hotel, Harwich, Essex
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Seven Hotel, Southend-on-Sea
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Greenwoods Hotel & Spa Resort
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The Bell Inn, Horndon on the Hill
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The White Hart Inn, West Mersea
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The Lion Inn, Boreham, Essex
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The Alma Inn, Harwich, Essex
7. The Manhattans
Average booking price: £2,977 (as of November 2025)
Location: Essex
★ 113 verified reviews
Booked 366 times on FixTheMusic ⚡
View more videos and read verified reviews of The Manhattans ➡️
The Manhattans are a high-energy pop & rock covers band available throughout Essex.
Having supported huge names including Bruce Springsteen at Hyde Park and headlined Trafalgar Square as part of the Closing Paralympic Celebrations, the band caught the attention of promoters in the United States.
Since then the band have been touring across the US supporting bands like Fuel and Alien Ant Farm.
8. ROAMEO
Average booking price: From £1,500 (as of November 2025)
Location: Essex
★ 71 verified reviews
Booked 301 times on FixTheMusic ⚡
View more videos and read verified reviews of ROAMEO ➡️
ROAMEO, previously known as NOMAD, is a carefully sculpted, slick and totally innovative music entertainment trio and quartet.
The outfit was formed to create something unique for the entertainment world, which brought to life a vision of a small, dapper roaming band, able to deliver a big dance floor sound, while weaving through rooms, interacting with guests.
We're regularly booked to perform for weddings and events at Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah Hotel in Egypt, Borgo Sant'Ambrogio in Italy, Sky Garden in London and La Baronía in Barcelona, Spain.
ROAMEO are one of the UK's only electric / amplified roaming wedding bands. This is made possible by the unique addition of a musically involved sound engineer, who works wizardry with wireless technology. Wow.
View our complete list of UK roaming bands ➡️
ROAMEO's band members are all seasoned entertainers from established backgrounds - sharp presentation and honed audience-sensitive charm set this outfit well apart from the rest. Their set is full of cool hits, often put together in a clever mashup.
Previous clients include Facebook, Google, Manchester United Football Club, Ted Baker, Coca Cola and Hampton Court Palace, amongst many other prestigious organisations and venues.
The band is highly experienced at performing outside the UK. They have recently travelled to and have upcoming events in Malta, France, Italy, Spain, Egypt, Greece and Portugal. The band also recently performed at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Their performance at a destination wedding in Barcelona was recently featured as a real wedding in Whimsical Wonderland Weddings.
Here are just some of the locations where we have been booked by clients on FixTheMusic for weddings and events...
- Nobu Hotel, Portman Square
- The Waldorf Hilton, Aldwych
- DRIFT Beach Club, Dubai
- Domaine de Canaille, Cassis
- Forte Dei Marmi, Italy
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah Hotel
- Borgo Sant'Ambrogio, Pienza
- Finca Es Cabàs, Mallorca
- La Garriga de Castelladral, Spain
- Son Mir, Palma, Mallorca, Spain
- SON DOBLONS, Mallorca, Spain
- Fira de Barcelona, Montjuïc
- Xalet del Nin, Vilanova i la Geltrú
- Hostal de La Gavina, Girona
- Venta de Aires, Toledo
Duo Option
If you like the look of ROAMEO, but 4 musicians stretches the budget, we have just released a condensed duo version: Players Lite. Led by a singer or singer/guitarist and supported by the drummer who has all the other instruments stored in his live drum machine, triggered on the fly. All the sound, sass, mobility and interaction of the full complement - just smaller. Sax or an extra singer can be added.
We are forever gauging dance floors around the world and keeping an ear to the ground for the freshest party tunes. The sample set list provided here shows examples of places we like to go.
Please note that ROAMEO operates as a family of no-compromise musicians, who are the best in London for this show and at the very top of their game. This means that the band may not have all members from promotional footage. The set list is indicative only and will vary according to the singer.
9. The Legends Collective
Average booking price: From £5,000 (as of November 2025)
Location: Essex
★ 17 verified reviews
Booked 68 times on FixTheMusic ⚡
View more videos and read verified reviews of The Legends Collective ➡️
This stunning 5-15 piece band provides a world-class spectacle that will absolutely floor your guests from start to finish.
Week in week out they perform a hit-filled repertoire that flows with the fluidity of a DJ set, but with the punch of Beyoncé’s live band.
Their impressive set list includes 200+ bangers ranging from R&B throwbacks, Garage classics, Ibiza anthems all the way to your favourite old school soul and Motown!
10. Scintillate
Average booking price: £5,000 - £7,500 (as of November 2025)
Location: Essex
★ 72 verified reviews
Booked 324 times on FixTheMusic ⚡
View more videos and read verified reviews of Scintillate ➡️
Scintillate are a luxury high-end function band with over 15 years of industry experience.
They perform at weddings, corporate events and private functions in the UK & across the globe.
From music selection and arrangements to performance and attire, everything about Scintillate oozes class and professionalism.
They aim to uplift your function by creating an incredible atmosphere to suit, with utmost elegance and sophistication.
11. Big Soul Beats
Average booking price: £5,000 - £10,000 (as of November 2025)
Location: Essex
★ 19 verified reviews
Booked 52 times on FixTheMusic ⚡
View more videos and read verified reviews of Big Soul Beats ➡️
Big Soul Beats are carrying the torch for the UK’s ever-evolving R&B, Garage and soul scene.
The band rose to prominence from their YouTube covers (also supported by Spotify Editorial) and has received praise from music legends such as Nile Rodgers, Teddy Riley, Boyz II Men, Louis Tomlinson & Tyrese Gibson.
In their short career, Big Soul Beats have opened up for the likes of Boyz II Men, Jeremih, Little Mix and was invited to perform at the wedding of Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner.
View our list of the UK's best soul & Motown bands ➡️
Big Soul Beats are more than happy to travel and regularly perform across the UK and beyond at weddings, private parties and corporate events.
We're regularly booked to perform for weddings and events at The London Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square, Pavilion Club in Knightsbridge and The Kennels in Goodwood, West Sussex.
As performers, Big Soul Beats is the amalgamation of all the greats who have come before them, such as Michael Jackson, Bobby Brown and Boyz II Men.
Perfectly blending and fusing 80/90’s nostalgia of all these legends is what makes Big Soul Beats the one to watch.
This exceptional group is at the intersection of where the past meets the future, and trust us when we say it sounds refreshing!
So, if you’re looking to hire one of the UK’s best luxury soul bands, look no further than Big Soul Beats and get in touch today!
Here are just some of the locations where we've been booked by clients on FixTheMusic for weddings and events...
- Hengrave Hall, Suffolk
- The London Marriott Hotel
- Pavilion Club, Knightsbridge
- The Kennels, Goodwood
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12. The Masters
Average booking price: £1,500 - £2,000 (as of November 2025)
Location: Essex, UK
★ 4 verified reviews
View more videos and read verified reviews of The Masters ➡️
The Masters are an exceptional band based in Colchester, Essex who specialise in providing you with a superb sound & stage show.
Consisting of some of the finest session musicians, The Masters have performed at over 200 weddings, corporate events and private parties in the last year alone.
These guys aren't just another 'Boring' function band, when not performing as The Masters these accomplished musicians can be found appearing in a West End theatre pit or alongside named artists including Dave Grohl, Pulp & Westlife.
The Band have a wide-ranging setlist and cover all the biggest hits from the '50s through to modern-day favourites, and will be sure to have something that pleases everyone!
13. Off The Rails
Average booking price: £1,890 (as of November 2025)
Location: Essex, UK
★ 5 verified reviews
View more videos and read verified reviews of Off The Rails ➡️
Off The Rails are an Essex-based function band that plays events all over the country and the continent.
With a specialist talent for Rock and Pop music, making them suitable for all weddings, parties and corporate events.
As four top session musicians Off The Rails have played individually at venues such as The O2, The Royal Albert Hall and The Roundhouse honing their skills to bring you a performance like no other.
14. Splendour
Average booking price: From £1,600 (as of November 2025)
Location: Essex
View more videos and read verified reviews of Splendour ➡️
Splendour are one of the best live wedding and party bands for hire in London, Essex and surrounding areas.
With over 12 years' experience, they cover absolutely everything from current chart hits to classic floor fillers.
15. The Diamond Band
Average booking price: £1,585 (as of November 2025)
Location: Essex
View more videos and read verified reviews of The Diamond Band ➡️
The Diamond Band is a luxury, high-energy three-piece party band.
This incredible group performsat weddings, private parties and corporate events all over the UK and beyond.
With over 35 years of combined experience, they know how to hit that sweet spot by fuelling the dance floor with undeniable bangers!
It is in their DNA to party the night away with all their clients, bringing buckets of energy and enthusiasm to the stage.
16. The Groove Generators
Average booking price: From £850 (as of November 2025)
Location: Colchester, Essex
★ 8 verified reviews
Booked 19 times on FixTheMusic ⚡
View more videos and read verified reviews of The Groove Generators ➡️
Meet The Groove Generators: a professional four-piece wedding and function band based in Essex.
They pride ourselves on delivering an energetic show with every performance.
The band plays 100+ shows a year, including weddings, birthday parties and corporate events throughout the country.
FAQs about Essex wedding bands
At FixTheMusic, we supply bands for hundreds of weddings and events in Essex each year. From our experience and having spoken to our wedding couples and bands, we've put together a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) about hiring a wedding band in Essex.
Can I choose the music they play in between and after their live sets?
Yes, you can send the band a list of requests before the wedding and the band will download them onto their laptop or device, ready to play on the night. Alternatively, you can compile a playlist and bring your own device to plug into the band’s PA system.
What songs do wedding bands play?
Most bands have a repertoire of songs that they perform regularly at weddings. This will be a tried-and-tested playlist that they know works well at weddings: it appeals to guests of all ages and keeps people on the dance floor.
Will the band learn my first dance song?
Most bands will be delighted to learn your first dance song and perform it live for you on your wedding night. If it doesn’t fit the band’s style (e.g. if your first dance song is a jazz song, but you’ve booked an indie-rock band), then they might suggest you use the recorded version of the song and the band will play this out of their PA system. Some bands might charge a bit extra (often around £150) to learn a new song to cover rehearsal time.
Can I give a list of songs to the band to play at my wedding?
Most bands will learn one song for your wedding that isn’t already in their setlist. Some bands will offer to learn 2 or 3 new songs, but in our experience they are rarely able to learn more than this. It can be very time consuming for the band to learn and rehearse new songs, and especially so for singers to learn all the new lyrics.
Can I indicate my song preferences to the band?
Most bands will be happy for you to indicate which songs from their set list you dislike and don’t want them to play, and songs that you like and absolutely want them to play on the night. The band will then build their setlist around these preferences.
What time do wedding bands normally arrive at the venue?
Most bands aim to arrive at around 5pm to be ready to play by 7pm. During this time they will set up their equipment and carry out a sound check, essential to making sure the volume of the band is appropriate to your venue and that any sound / noise limiters are taken into account.
Can the band turn up earlier than that?
Yes, most bands will be happy to turn up earlier than 5pm, but you should expect to pay them for the extra time. A lot of wedding couples worry about the band setting up while guests are at the venue. Bands with lots of experience of weddings should be able to set up discreetly and without making too much noise and mess. The noisiest part is when they have to carry out the sound check, but this should only last about 15 - 30 minutes. Rather than asking the entire band to turn up early, it’s often more cost-effective for one or two band members to arrive in advance to unload most of the equipment and get set up, which saves having to pay an extra fee for every band member.
What time do wedding bands normally finish?
Most bands expect to finish by midnight. This suits most weddings as the majority of UK venues require live music to stop by this time.
Can I ask the band to stay later than midnight?
Yes, but bands will normally charge a slightly higher fee to finish later than midnight.
Can I use the band’s PA system after midnight?
Yes. Though this will also attract a slightly higher fee, as it means that at least one band member has to wait until the end of the party to pack up the PA system and head home. Some band members might be a couple of hours’ drive away from your venue, so finishing at 1am means they won’t arrive home until 3am or 4am.
Do wedding bands bring their own sound equipment and instruments?
Yes. Professional wedding bands will bring their own equipment. This includes a PA system, mixing desk, some basic lighting for the dance floor and their own instruments. If you are planning a particularly large wedding with hundreds of guests, you might consider hiring in a larger PA system and more lighting.
Do wedding bands need a stage to perform on?
No. Most bands are happy to perform without a stage, though it can look special if you can offer them a stage to perform on.
If I do provide a stage for my wedding band, how much space will the band need? This will depend on the size of the band of course, but to give you a rough idea, a 4-piece band would need at least 5m x 4m. This is to provide room for not only the band members themselves, but also their instruments (keyboards and drum kits take up quite a bit of space) and other things like speakers and a mixing desk.
Can I or my guests play with the band?
If you ask the band in advance, most will be happy to allow you or one of your guests to sing or play along with them for one or two songs. We always advise checking this with your band first. Some bands’ public liability insurance doesn’t allow wedding bands to permit guests to use their instruments or equipment.
Do I need to hire a DJ as well as a wedding band?
Most bands will provide pre-recorded playlists between and after their live sets, so your entire evening will be covered. However, if you want a professional DJ who will adapt his music choices on the night and interact with guests, then it’s better to hire a DJ as well.
If I do hire a separate DJ, can the band and DJ share equipment?
Bands and DJs will often share the same PA system, as it can look cluttered to have two sets of speakers around the dance floor. However, you’ll need to discuss this with both the DJ and band before the event to check the equipment suits everyone’s requirements and that everyone is happy to share. One problem can arise when the DJ is booked to provide music into the small hours, but the band is to finish at 11pm. In this case, it would make more sense for the band to use the DJ’s equipment to save the band having to wait until the DJ had finished his set.
Do I need to provide anything for my wedding band?
Professional wedding bands will bring all their own technical equipment and instruments. However, most will expect to be provided with a hot meal each and soft drinks. The musicians will probably have left their homes around lunchtime to arrive at your venue in good time to set up and soundcheck. It can be a long day for them and they will be much more energetic on stage if they’ve had a good meal and refreshments before performing for you. The bands won’t expect to be given the same meal as you provide for your guests. Most wedding venues have an option you can purchase in advance for your suppliers or you can give the musicians access to your buffet if you’re having one.
Will the band members be the same as the ones I’ve seen in their videos?
Not always. Most professional bands will have a core group that plays at the majority of weddings they are booked for. However, they will also have a group of deputies (or “deps” as they are known in the industry) that they call upon frequently to cover for band members. This is a standard and essential practice in the music industry. Most musicians work as freelancers, meaning they might work for different function bands or tour with famous pop groups for example. Being able to draw upon a deputy musician to cover a band member who is unavailable (or ill) means the rest of the band can still work.
What do wedding bands wear?
You should get a good idea of what the band wears from their videos online. Most will opt for a smart shirt, but if you have a particular theme or any requests, let them know well in advance. For example, if you’re having an 80s style wedding, you might want to check if the band could wear appropriate clothing to match!
Will the band need parking spaces?
Most bands will arrive by car as it’s the easiest way for them to bring their equipment and instruments. Having 1 or 2 parking spaces available for them to use that are close to the venue will be appreciated by the musicians. In certain cities, you might also need to cover the costs of parking.
My venue has a sound limiter. Is that a problem?
Some wedding venues have what’s known as a sound or noise limiter installed. This is particularly the case with venues in built-up areas in cities or towns or where the owners have to be careful not to damage the building (e.g. a National Trust or English Heritage property). Most professional wedding bands are experienced at adapting their performance to the sound limit in place. You should make your band aware of this in good time before your event, as it might mean they need to bring an electric drum kit. Some bands might even refuse to play at venues with sound limiters in place. You can read more on our guide to sound limiters at wedding venues.
My wedding venue says the band needs to hold Public Liability Insurance (PLI). What is PLI?
Most wedding venues in the UK require bands performing there to hold valid Public Liability Insurance (PLI). PLI provides protection from the financial consequences of legal action and compensation claims if anyone is injured or any property is damaged during the wedding. Your wedding venue will often ask the band to provide a certificate to show they hold up-to-date public liability insurance in advance of the wedding. Membership of organisations such as the Musicians Union comes with PLI included. Read more on our guide to PLI.
Do wedding bands need PAT-certified equipment?
PAT stands for portable appliance testing. Most wedding venues will require your band to produce evidence that their equipment has been PAT-certified. This means that it has been tested to ensure it is safe to use. If your band can’t produce valid PLI and PAT certificates, you might question whether they are a professional band, as all full-time bands will have these documents ready to send to venues. Read more on our guide to Portable Appliance Testing (PAT).
Can wedding bands play outside?
If you’re getting married in the UK, it’s a good idea to make the most of the summer months and have as much of your wedding outside if possible. That said, the British weather isn’t the most reliable – so whilst many bands will be happy to play outside in principle, they will always require access to a shelter from the elements, whether that’s strong sunlight or rain. Musicians’ instruments can be worth thousands of pounds and a small amount of water damage can have a devastating impact on the instrument.
Do I need a contract with my wedding band?
The most secure way to book a band is to do so via FixTheMusic. All bookings are governed by the agreement on our website, which is based on the UK Musicians Union standard contract and amended by the particular details that you agree with your band by email (date, venue etc.). The contract provides protection to both parties.
How do I find a band for my wedding in Essex?
The best option is to submit an enquiry on FixTheMusic. The best bands will have the most limited availability, so the solution is to submit details of your event on our enquiry form to receive offers from available bands, after which you can be in direct contact with them and book your favourite band for free on our site. Furthermore, we curate our selection of bands so you will only receive quotes from top-quality UK acts and musicians.
Do wedding bands play during dinner?
If you have your heart set on the wedding band playing during dinner (often called the wedding breakfast), then by all means ask them if they can. You could opt for your wedding band to provide some lighter, instrumental background music (for example an acoustic or jazz set) during the dinner, though they will charge extra for this. Another popular option during the wedding meal is an acoustic roaming set, with the band weaving between your guests, providing something unique and a real talking point!
We hope you've enjoyed reading this list of the best wedding bands Essex has to offer in 2025.
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