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 live wedding band for 2024 is roughly £410 to £450, so an acoustic duo would charge in the region of £820 to £900, a three-piece band charges approximately £1,230 to £1,350 and a four-piece wedding music band in the UK would cost about £1,640 to £1,800 to hire for the evening’s entertainment. A five-piece wedding band would cost in the region of £2,000 to £2,250.

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 in 2023?

Do wedding bands play during dinner?

Receive quotes from UK wedding bands

Wedding band trends for 2023 and 2024

The 2023 and 2024 wedding seasons are set to be the busiest ever experienced by wedding suppliers, especially high-quality cover bands in the UK.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020, thousands of weddings in the UK and across the world have been postponed.

If you're just starting out, what does this mean for your own wedding planning?

Well, it's likely that if you're planning to host your wedding on a Saturday during the summer months, then you can expect many of the most popular and in-demand bands, musicians and other suppliers to be fully booked.

Even in normal years, many bands get booked up one or two years in advance, but with the added pressure from thousands of re-scheduled weddings and events, the next couple of years are unprecedentedly busy. Wedding band hire has never been a more urgent priority in your planning timeline.

But that doesn't mean you need to worry. We work with hundreds of local bands across the UK who still have availability. If you want to increase the range of bands you're able to consider for your wedding, you might want to book a mid-week wedding, as these tend to be far less popular than Saturday weddings.

Following the impact of COVID-19 on the events industry, many musicians have had to take on 'regular' weekday jobs, which does mean that some bands can't always commit to mid-week weddings; but generally there will be far more wedding bands available for you if you choose a wedding on a Wednesday rather than a Saturday.

Another trend we've noticed since COVID-19 is that bands are far less able to negotiate prices or offer discounts. At FixTheMusic, we think this is understandable – and fair. Musicians have been out of work since March 2020, and they need to work as hard as possible to recoup the huge financial losses they have suffered.

Combined with the increased level of demand for their services, this all means that many bands simply don't feel the need to discount their prices like they might have done in previous years, even for mid-week weddings.

With many couples still concerned about restrictions on the number of guests permitted at their wedding reception, we're finding that smaller band line-ups are becoming an increasingly popular choice, especially at micro weddings.

Larger showbands with full horn sections (sax, trumpet, trombone) and multiple male & female singers are still as popular as ever, but we're finding more and more couples opting for last minute weddings this year and planning to invite only 30 or so guests.

For these smaller weddings, it might be appropriate to hire an acoustic duo or 3-piece wedding band.

You can read more in our blog post on Most Popular Wedding Band Trends for 2023 (With Recommended Bands).

About Our Bands for Hire Under £1,000

Weddings can be an expensive undertaking, with the cost of venues, flowers, catering and everything else adding up to quite substantial sums.

The average cost of a wedding band on FixTheMusic is around £1,400. But if your budget is lower than that, it doesn't mean you have to miss out on having live music at your wedding or accepting lower quality.

Professional bands in the UK generally charge between £300 - £400 per musician in the band. So you can see that having more band members can quickly increase the overall cost of the band.

But is it possible to hire a great live band for under £1,000?

How to get live music for your wedding on a budget

Depending on the size of your wedding and the number of guests you've invited, you might want to consider a solo singer-guitarist or a pop covers duo. One of the main factors affecting the cost of a wedding band is the number of musicians you hire – simply put, the more musicians in the band, the more expensive they'll likely be.

At FixTheMusic, we have a number of upbeat pop duos as well as solo singer-guitarists – many of them use clever techniques (such as live looping or high-quality backing tracks) to make them sound like a much bigger band.

The Tonics, for example, are one of our most popular two-piece bands. They generally charge around £750 for a wedding in or near London. Although there are just two of them in the band, their sound is frequently compared to that of a 4- or 5-piece band, and they are guaranteed to get your guests on the dancefloor.

Go local

Another major factor that increases the price of a wedding band is travel expenses. If you're getting married in Manchester and trying to get a bargain, you probably shouldn't look for bands outside the north west of England.

Can you provide any equipment for the band?

Some bands might offer a discount and help make things a bit cheaper if you can provide them with a sound system or PA system. For example, it might mean they won't need to turn up at your venue quite so early to get set up. Many bands are quite particular about the kind of equipment they use, so it might not always impact the quote you receive.

Shorter performances don't always mean lower prices

We're often asked if a band can provide a cheaper quote if they only perform for a short amount of time in the evening, e.g. just doing a quick 45 minute set.

The answer from most bands to this question is usually no – performing for even a short amount of time at a wedding or other event invariably means the band cannot accept any other engagements for that evening, so they will need to charge their usual full evening rate.

It's also not just a simple case of arriving and performing: most bands will need to arrive well in advance of the performance in order to set up and sound check, which means that a short performance actually takes up about half a day, especially once their travel time has been factored in.

What styles do the bands under £1,000 perform?

Many of our cheaper bands are compact three-piece bands that perform pop, indie and rock covers.

The line-up usually features electric guitar, vocals (male or female) and drums. If you want soul or Motown music, you'll probably need to try to increase your budget – in order to get the authentic funk sound, most bands include a horn section, or at least a saxophone or trumpet.

And adding more musicians to the band will always increase the overall cost.

Why Are Bands So Expensive?

At FixTheMusic, we only work with professional and experienced function bands.

Running a professional band and being a freelance musician these days isn't a cheap business: for example, almost every UK wedding venue will require the band to provide a certificate showing they hold public liability insurance, as well as evidence that they have had their electrical equipment PAT tested.

In the UK, there is an incredible live music scene – especially at local pubs and clubs, where countless talented bands and musicians perform week in, week out.

These bands tend to charge much lower prices than professional wedding bands. Although many might also perform at the occasional wedding, you might want to err on the side of caution.

For one of the most important days of your life, you probably don't want to risk hiring a band that can't produce the relevant paperwork for the venue, doesn't necessarily own their own equipment and might even cancel if a better offer comes along.

Information about micro weddings in the UK

2020 and the start of 2021 has been anything but normal – especially for those who were planning to get married this year.

Since March 2020, when governments across Europe took action to stop the spread of COVID-19, the pandemic has wreaked havoc on couples and the entire wedding industry.

At FixTheMusic, we’ve worked with hundreds of couples in the UK and across Europe who have made the tough decision either to postpone or cancel their weddings.

Our research indicates that the vast majority of weddings that were planned for 2020 and the first few months of 2021 have been re-scheduled until summer or autumn 2021 when it is hoped restrictions on gatherings and events will have sufficiently eased to allow more “normal” weddings to take place, in line with the UK government's recently published roadmap.

We're now in a situation where the green shoots of recovery are showing, but it could be a bumpy ride ahead as the wedding industry gets back to normal or adapts to a "new normal". As such, smaller weddings, virtual events and heightened travel restrictions for wedding guests could be present for several more months, if not years.

Receive quotes from wedding bands

But for those couples who decided to tie the knot in 2020, many opted for what have been termed “micro weddings”.

And as the COVID crisis and uncertainty endures, we’re finding that the micro wedding trend is set to continue, with many newly engaged couples now choosing from the very beginning of their wedding planning to host a micro wedding.

So what is a micro wedding?

Micro weddings are the same as traditional weddings, only with fewer guests (usually under 20). They are often confused with elopements; however, the two are very different events.

Micro weddings tend to retain the traditions of a traditional wedding, but on a smaller scale and with fewer guests. The flow of the day follows the pattern of a regular wedding with the usual planning and level of detail, and the same number of suppliers, but adjusted to fewer guests.

In contrast, an elopement is usually made on the spur of the moment - a quick decision to get married, possibly abroad and usually with only the couple and one or two guests or family members present and very few wedding suppliers engaged.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has caused incredible disruption to the plans of thousands of wedding couples and suppliers, we’re seeing an increasing number of our clients who are ploughing ahead with their weddings – but rather than the big days they may once have planned, they are now arranging their own micro weddings.

At the time this article was first published (October 2020), COVID-19 restrictions in England mean that only 15 people are permitted to attend marriage or civil partnership ceremonies and wedding receptions.

According to the government website, anyone working is not included as part of the legal limit. This exclusion of workers from the legal limit on numbers means you can host a micro wedding with all the usual wedding suppliers: florists, caterers, photographers, videographers, and of course live bands, singers and DJs.

Indeed, one of the major benefits of hosting a micro wedding is that the limited guest numbers free up more of the budget to be invested in other aspects of the day, including live music and entertainment.

What better way to add some sparkle to your intimate affair and to celebrate with your closest friends and family than with a professional live band or singer?

As one of our couples recently said in their review of Ignite Duo...

“Ignite Duo were the difference between a Covid damp squib and a wonderful event that buzzed throughout. We only had 30+ people to entertain in a venue intended for 100+. Alex and Gene filled the air during our afternoon outdoor session with a gentle background acoustic set that charmed and beguiled in the late summer sunshine. Everyone relaxed, forgot their cares and mingled safely. Our evening session needed a buzz as we were so limited on guests. Alex and Gene hit the spot and delivered a set list that was imaginative, skilful and perfectly attuned to the size and makeup of our group. Best of luck for the remainder of 2020 and 2021... it'll be tough, but we found that even with changes it is still possible to have a delightful wedding day. Kind regards, Ed and Nicki."

We’ve put together 8 ideas for live music at micro weddings, based on popular requests and real events that our musicians have recently performed at...

A live band

If you’re planning to host a smaller wedding with limited guest numbers, you might prefer to hire a smaller wedding band too – e.g. a 3-piece or 4-piece wedding band, rather than a band with a full horn section (sax, trumpets, trombone).

An acoustic band or roaming band

Acoustic roaming bands are the perfect accompaniment to a micro wedding. They are especially suitable for drinks receptions, where they will wander between small groups of guests, usually performing on-the-spot requests as they go, and then they can ramp things up for dancing later into the evening.

String quartet

String quartets and string trios are perfectly suited to intimate wedding ceremonies, where they usually perform as the bride walks down the aisle, during the signing of the register, and as the married couple exits the venue. But they are also frequently hired to provide live music during the drinks reception.

Some of our string quartets can also ramp things up and provide more energetic pop covers music for later on in the day or in the evening. For example, Aquarius Strings, who often perform on amplified electric instruments and collaborate with DJs, sax players and singers.

Wedding singer

Wedding singers can perform at all points throughout your micro wedding day, including the ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast and after-dinner evening party.

Some of our singers use high-quality professional backing tracks, whereas others accompany themselves with an acoustic guitar or piano. Genres they perform include pop, Motown, soul, folk, indie and rock – so they’ll be sure to satisfy all of the guests at your micro wedding.

Pianist

There are generally two types of pianists – those who just play the piano, and those who are also able to sing. Generally if you’re wanting a pianist to play at your micro wedding at multiple points throughout the day, we would recommend hiring a singing pianist.

That said, solo pianists are also perfect for a micro wedding ceremony and also as background music during a micro wedding breakfast or drinks reception. Some pianists can also DJ later in the evening, making them an ideal choice if you’re wishing to book only one musician for your micro wedding.

Jazz band or swing band

If you’re looking to add a little class and sophistication to your micro wedding, then look no further than a jazz and swing band. Our jazz bands have been booked for small and intimate weddings across the UK and have lots of experience providing musical entertainment at micro weddings.

You can hire a swing or jazz band with a vocalist or just an instrumental band, depending on which parts of your micro wedding you’d like the jazz band to perform at. Some of our jazz groups can also offer a jazz duo or trio, which can be ideal for the more intimate moments at a micro wedding.

Wedding DJ

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is whether to hire a DJ or band for a small wedding and which one is the best option. You might think DJs are only suitable for larger weddings, with lots of guests at a big venue.

But wedding DJs can be the perfect entertainment for a micro wedding. They can adjust the volume of the music to suit the number of guests and size of venue, and will tailor the DJ sets to suit you and your guests’ tastes. Most wedding DJs are booked for the evening party, but they can also provide music earlier in the day too.

Saxophonist or DJ & sax combination

The combination of a DJ and sax player has become very popular in recent years – and they are increasingly in demand at micro weddings too.

The usual format is that the DJ will provide music throughout the evening, and the sax player will perform short sets (usually 15 - 30 minutes long) either alongside the DJ in their booth or on the dancefloor, mingling with your guests. Ideal for micro weddings, the sax player can also be hired to provide background music during your meal and champagne reception, or even at your micro wedding ceremony.

As a final note, we’ve also worked with many couples who have decided to livestream their wedding (especially the ceremony), allowing more friends and family who couldn’t join on their big day due to COVID-19 restrictions. Such “virtual weddings” are likely to be around for a while and the required technology is getting better all the time.

We hope you’ve found the above entertainment ideas and options for micro weddings helpful for your own wedding planning. From speaking with brides and grooms organising a micro wedding, our experience is that the level of planning demanded by a micro wedding is no less than that needed to arrange a larger full-scale wedding.

Whilst any form of musical entertainment, wedding band, DJ or singer can be suitable for a micro wedding, we recommend hiring something that is appropriate to the number of guests at your wedding and the overall style you’re going for.

Last Updated: 5 DECEMBER 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 was Perfect by Ed Sheeran. His song Thinking Out Loud also featured 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!