Question 1

How early should I book the band?

Answer

You should aim to book your band as soon as possible. Most of our best wedding bands have bookings at least two years in advance. If your wedding is on a Saturday in May, June, July, August or September, you should really be looking to book at least a year in advance of your date. This is because most weddings fall on a Saturday during summer so our bands receive the most enquiries for these days. That said, there are more and more weddings taking place on Sundays and mid-week (especially on Thursdays and Fridays) so it’s best not to wait too long before locking down your band.

Question 2

Can I see the band perform live before I book?

Answer

Usually it’s not possible to see the band live. Most professional bands perform at private events only, such as weddings and corporate events. It’s not usually possible for the bands to allow potential clients into these venues to watch them perform. It is occasionally possible so there’s no harm in asking. And sometimes wedding bands will do the odd gig at a pub or festival that’s open to the public.

Question 3

How much does a wedding band cost UK?

Answer

A good rule of thumb is that the cost per musician in a wedding band for 2023 is roughly £400, so an acoustic duo would charge in the region of £800, a three-piece band charges approximately £1,200 and a four-piece band would cost about £1,600 to hire for the evening’s entertainment.

Question 4

How long do most wedding bands perform for?

Answer

Most bands play 2 x 45 minute or 2 x 1 hour live sets at weddings. If you'd like your wedding band to perform for longer, just ask the band. It's usually possible but they might charge a bit extra.

Question 5

What happens between and after their live sets?

Answer

Most bands provide a “laptop DJ” service. This isn’t the same as providing the service of a professional DJ who reads the room and adapts to the feel on the night. Instead, they will have a playlist (usually on something like Spotify or iTunes) that they play out of their PA system.

Question 6

Can I choose the music they play in between and after their live sets?

Answer

Yes, usually 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.

Question 7

What songs will the band play?

Answer

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.

Question 8

Will the band learn my first dance song?

Answer

Yes! 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.

Question 9

Can I give a list of songs to the band to play at my wedding?

Answer

Most bands will usually 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.

Question 10

Can I indicate my song preferences to the band?

Answer

Yes. 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 usually then build their setlist around these preferences.

Question 11

What time will the band arrive?

Answer

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.

Question 12

Can the band turn up earlier than that?

Answer

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.

Question 13

What time will the band finish?

Answer

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.

Question 14

Can the band stay later than midnight?

Answer

Usually, yes. But bands will normally charge a slightly higher fee for this later finish.

Question 15

Can I use the band’s PA system after midnight?

Answer

Usually, 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.

Question 16

Will the band bring their own equipment?

Answer

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.

Question 17

Does the band need a stage?

Answer

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.

Question 18

If I do provide a stage, how much space will the band need?

Answer

This will depend on the size of the band of course, but to give you a rough idea, a 4-piece band would usually 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.

Question 19

Can I or my guests play with the band?

Answer

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.

Question 20

Do I need to hire a DJ as well as a band?

Answer

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.

Question 21

If I do hire a separate DJ, can the band and DJ share equipment?

Answer

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.

Question 22

Do I need to provide anything for the band?

Answer

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.

Question 23

Will the band members be the same as the ones I’ve seen in their videos?

Answer

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.

Question 24

What will the band wear?

Answer

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!

Question 25

Will the band need parking spaces?

Answer

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 such as London, you might also need to cover the costs of parking.

Question 26

My venue has a sound limiter. Is that a problem?

Answer

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.

Question 27

What is Public Liability Insurance?

Answer

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 usually comes with PLI included.

Question 28

Does the band need PAT certified equipment?

Answer

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.

Question 29

Can the band play outside?

Answer

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.

Question 30

Do I need a contract with my wedding band?

Answer

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.

Question 31

How do I find a band for my wedding?

What should I ask a wedding DJ?

What is the #1 wedding song for the first dance?

Do wedding bands play during dinner?

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Last Updated: 22 NOVEMBER 2023

— Adam is a co-founder of FixTheMusic and works on everything from copywriting and marketing to design and user experience. He studied Music at Cambridge University. Adam is a keen pianist, and also learned cello and trumpet from an early age.

Answer

Well the best option is to submit an enquiry on FixTheMusic, which is completely free to use! 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.

Answer

You should ask them what genres of music they perform. Most wedding DJs are highly versatile and can easily adapt to your own preferences, from house and hip hop to funk and soul. You should also ask the DJ if they will bring their own PA and lighting equipment. If your venue already has a PA system and disco lighting, the DJ might be able to reduce their quote. You will be able to ask your DJ for some requests, but it's best not to be too prescriptive...DJs are highly skilled at "working" a crowd and you should give them as much creative freedom as possible.

Answer

In 2023 the most popular song for the first dance at weddings is Perfect by Ed Sheeran. His song Thinking Out Loud also features in the top 10 wedding first dance songs of 2023.

Answer

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!