FAQs About Set Lists For Wedding Bands

Updated on 10 May 2026

Reading time — 4 minutes

Hi, Adam here, co-founder of FixTheMusic. One of the most common questions we get from couples is about set lists: what they are, how many songs a band plays, and how much say you have in choosing them.

It’s a simple topic, but it’s often misunderstood. After years helping thousands of couples book professional wedding bands, I wanted to share everything you need to know about how wedding band set lists really work.

This guide answers the most common questions about wedding band set lists, including how many songs bands play, how much control you have, and how to choose the right music for your reception.

So let’s get started!

What is a set list for a wedding band?

A set list is also referred to as a repertoire list or song list. Put simply, it’s a list of the covers that the wedding band have rehearsed and are able to perform at your wedding.

How many songs are on an average wedding band set list?

It really does vary hugely from band to band. More specialised bands, for example a Motown and soul wedding band, may have a smaller set list or around 40 to 60 covers, whereas a more versatile wedding band may have several hundred songs on their repertoire list.

What’s the difference between a band’s set list and a repertoire list?

Generally the band’s repertoire refers to the entire catalogue of songs that the band knows how to perform. The set list is a shorter list of songs that the band performs on a more regular basis and in a particular order, often throughout an individual wedding season.

What genres of covers are on wedding band set lists?

Some party bands perform a broad range of covers from 1950s rock ’n’ roll to 1970s funk, to 90s covers and even chart songs from recent years. Some bands specialise in one genre, e.g. 90s wedding bands that perform covers exclusively from this decade.

But how many songs will the band perform at my wedding, as it can’t be every cover on the set list?

This is a good question. Most wedding bands will ask you to list some covers from their set list that you absolutely do want, and some that you definitely don’t want. Bands will then take your preferences on board to create a list of songs to perform on the evening. Most wedding bands perform 2 × 45–60 minute sets, playing roughly 30–40 songs in total.

Can I choose every song for the band to perform on my wedding day?

Most bands will strongly advise against asking them to perform a list of songs completely dictated by the client. This is because experienced bands know exactly which songs will complement your preferences, in which order to perform them and, crucially, they need some leeway on the night to “read the room” in deciding which songs to perform at which moments.

Can wedding bands take requests on the night?

Some wedding bands will take a small number of requests if they already know the songs, but their priority is keeping the dance floor full. Giving the band flexibility helps them maintain the energy and flow of the evening.

What if there’s a song that I really want to be performed that isn’t on their set list?

Most wedding bands will offer to learn 1 or 2 songs free of charge, especially if it’s for your first dance. Any extra songs will be charged at a fee for learning and rehearsing. A fee is charged as it’s a time-consuming process to arrange the parts for each instrument, followed by rehearsing. In our experience, the cost is roughly £50 to £100 for each new song request, or a bit more for larger bands.

How many sets does a band play at a wedding?

The best wedding bands in the UK perform two hours of live music. This is split into either 2 x 60 minute sets or 3 x 40 minute sets. Some Scottish wedding bands play three hours of music, usually divided into 3 x 60 minute sets.

How often do wedding bands update their set lists?

Generally, bands update their set lists once a year after learning new material before the start of each summer wedding season.

How many songs should a wedding band know?

Most wedding bands will know at least 40 songs. Many bands will know lots more. This will often depend on the ability of the singer to learn and memorise the lyrics to such a vast catalogue of songs.

Are the set lists for bands on FixTheMusic up-to-date?

The vast majority are up-to-date, but it can be worth checking with the band as they may have recently learned some new covers which they haven’t added to their profile yet.

Where can I find the band’s set list on their FixTheMusic profile?

On mobile, the set list is at the bottom of the page below the band’s photos. On widescreen desktop, the set list is on the right column, below the band’s photos.

What’s the usual format for a set list?

Most bands will group songs into categories, for example genres (e.g. funk, soul, indie, rock) or into decades (e.g. 50s, 60s, 70s…you get the picture). Most wedding bands list the song as well as the artist/composer.

Is there anything more to say about wedding band set lists?

I think that’s pretty much it. Set lists are a great way of getting a good idea about the style of the band so it’s important to look over it before booking. We hope this will serve to be a comprehensive list of FAQs on the subject, but if you still have a question about repertoire lists, let us know and we’ll add it to the list!

Browse wedding bands

FixTheMusic is a free platform to compare, message and book outstanding wedding bands, singers and DJs with verified reviews and secure payment.

On their profiles, you can watch their videos, read their verified reviews from clients on FixTheMusic, view recent event photos and enquire with them directly.

Cover bands on FixTheMusic have public liability insurance and PAT tested equipment.

How to choose the perfect set list for your wedding

Creating the perfect set list is all about balance: keeping your guests happy, reflecting your personal taste and letting the band do what they do best.

Think about your crowd: Mix eras and genres so everyone has something to dance to, from older relatives to your friends.
Pick a few favourites: Highlight 3–5 must-have songs that mean something to you as a couple.
Trust the professionals: Experienced wedding bands know which songs work best together and how to read the room on the night.
Plan the flow: Start with upbeat singalongs to fill the floor, save the big anthems for later, and slot in slower songs when guests need a breather.
Ask about medleys or mashups: Many modern bands (e.g. Mashup Kings, Party Academics or Mashup Roamers) mix songs seamlessly to keep energy high and transitions smooth.

A great set list keeps the dance floor full and the night flowing. The best wedding bands know exactly how to make that happen.

Glossary

Set List

A curated list of songs the band plans to perform at your wedding often arranged in performance order. Typically includes 30–40 songs split over 2–3 sets.

Repertoire List

The full catalogue of songs a band is able to perform, not just the ones they’ll play on the night. Also known as a song list or master list.

Covers

Songs originally performed by other artists that the band has rehearsed and performs live, typically spanning decades or genres.

Specialist Band

A group that focuses on one genre or era, such as a Motown band or a 90s tribute act. These bands usually have a smaller, more focused repertoire (around 40–60 songs).

Versatile Band

A band that covers a wide variety of genres and eras, often with a larger repertoire of 100+ songs.

Custom Requests

Songs requested by the couple that may not already be on the band’s set list. Bands typically learn 1–2 custom songs for free (e.g. first dance), with additional fees (£50–£100+ per song) for more.

First Dance Song

A custom or pre-listed track selected by the couple for their first dance. Often rehearsed specifically for the event.

Live Sets

Performance blocks played during the reception. Standard formats include:

2 x 45–60 minute sets (most common)
3 x 40 minute sets
3 x 60 minute sets (common in Scottish weddings)

Read the Room

The ability of experienced wedding bands to adapt the set list in real-time based on guest energy, dance floor activity, and mood. A key reason bands prefer some flexibility.

Song Selection Tips

Couples are encouraged to highlight songs they do and don’t want. However, most bands advise against dictating the full set list to maintain flow and guest engagement.

Song List Format

Set lists are usually categorised by:

Genre (e.g. funk, soul, indie, pop)
Decade (e.g. 60s, 70s, 80s)

Our research into wedding music trends from 10,000 real couples has more insight into how couples approach setlist planning.

View some of our live wedding bands in action...

View more videos and read verified reviews of Scintillate ➡️

View more videos and read verified reviews of Luna Showband ➡️

The Legends Collective - Live Showreel 2026

View more videos and read verified reviews of The Legends Collective ➡️

View more videos and read verified reviews of MOJO ➡️

View more videos and read verified reviews of Forever Diamonds Showband ➡️

The Millionaire Showband - Bonus Showreel 2026

View more videos and read verified reviews of The Millionaire Showband ➡️

View more videos and read verified reviews of Groove Addiction ➡️

View more videos and read verified reviews of PYT ➡️

View more videos and read verified reviews of Fusion Girls ➡️

View more videos and read verified reviews of NOMAD ➡️

View more videos and read verified reviews of The Tourists ➡️

View more videos and read verified reviews of Mashup Kings ➡️

View more videos and read verified reviews of Urban Dynamite ➡️

View more videos and read verified reviews of Jupiter Funk ➡️

View more videos and read verified reviews of The Upshots ➡️

View more videos and read verified reviews of Aptitude ➡️

We hope you've enjoyed reading this blog post.

FixTheMusic is a one-stop shop for booking outstanding professional musicians – and it's completely free for you to use.

Fill in the enquiry form to receive offers directly from hand-picked musicians. Once you've confirmed details with your preferred act, book and pay securely through our secure online checkout.

Adam Southall

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.