How to Start a Function Band: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hello everyone, this is Paul from FixTheMusic. Over the years, I've set up a few different bands, including The Charmers, and I currently manage Party Sax & DJ.

This post is part of our new how-to series where we share practical advice for musicians who want to build successful bands and get bookings through FixTheMusic.

Today we're talking about how to start a function band.

If you’re a musician, singer, guitarist, drummer or a group of friends who’ve just finished university and want to perform at weddings, parties and corporate events, this guide will help you get started.

What Is a Function Band?

A function band, sometimes called a cover band or wedding band, performs live music at private and corporate events. The repertoire usually includes popular genres like pop, soul, funk, Motown and rock: the kind of music people love to dance to.

Step 1: Choose Your Style and Genre

The first step is to decide what kind of band you want to be.

Ask yourself:

• Do you want to play a mix of styles or focus on one genre?

• Will your sound lean more towards indie rock, garage, R&B, hip hop or Motown?

Your style will guide everything else you do, from song choices to image and marketing.

Step 2: Build Your Line-Up

Once you’ve chosen your genre, start putting your line-up together.

If you’re a singer, you might need to find musicians. If you’re a guitarist or drummer, you might be looking for a vocalist or keyboard player.

Think about the instrumentation that fits your genre. If your music relies on electronic sounds, make sure you have musicians who can recreate those elements live so your performance sounds as authentic as possible.

Step 3: Plan Your Repertoire

Next, choose your songs.

Pick tracks that suit your singer’s voice, match your genre and show off the band’s strengths. If you’re creating a promo medley, focus on your best material — the songs that are most likely to impress clients.

Only include songs you can perform confidently. It’s better to have a smaller list of songs you can play well than a long one full of tracks you’ve never rehearsed.

Step 4: Set a Budget

Decide how much money you can invest at the start.

Talk openly about:

• Who will pay for what

• How you’ll split future income

• How you’ll handle ongoing costs

Your budget should include money for a video shoot, photos and any audio recordings you need.

For photos, outdoor locations can work well. If you’re in London, good spots include Borough Market, the Thames or London Bridge; somewhere that reflects where your band is based.

For the video, you’ll probably need an indoor space, so shop around for venues and videographers. You’ll also need to decide whether to record the audio live during the shoot or in advance.

Many bands record at home and send tracks to an engineer or producer, which can save money.

Step 5: Organise the Video Shoot

Once your audio is ready and the date is set, make sure everyone knows the plan.

Confirm:

• What to wear

• Where to be and when

• Who’s bringing makeup or doing touch-ups

• Details for the videographer and venue

Bring snacks and water. Shoots can be long days, and it helps to keep everyone comfortable and performing at their best.

When planning your promo, make sure you create an unbranded version of the video. Avoid visible logos on drum kits, clothing, backline gear or anything in the background. This ensures the video can be used across multiple platforms and keeps your promo looking clean, professional and suitable for all types of clients.

Step 6: Write Your Band Bio and Gather Materials

While you wait for the photos and video edits, work on your band biography.

We don’t recommend using AI for bios. They often sound generic. Instead, write it together as a band. Keep it short, personal and honest about your experience and style.

You’ll also need:

• A full repertoire list

• Audio recordings

• Professional photos

• A high-quality unbranded promo video

• A list of frequently asked questions (FAQs)

FAQs are especially useful. Clients appreciate quick answers to common questions before reaching out, and it shows professionalism.

Step 7: Create Your FixTheMusic Profile

Once you have everything ready, we can help you set up your FixTheMusic profile.

We’ll need:

• One high-definition unbranded promo video

• At least six professional photos

• A detailed biography

• A full repertoire list and set list

• Audio recordings and FAQs

The more detail you include, the better your chances of attracting bookings.

Remember, your video is the most important part. Most clients, especially those planning destination weddings, can’t see you live, so your video sells your band. You don’t need to spend thousands, but make sure you hire the right people for the budget you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do function bands make?

Function bands can earn anywhere from £800 to £2,500 per event, depending on the size of the band, location, experience and type of event.

Top professional function bands on FixTheMusic often earn between £1,500 and £8,000 for weddings and corporate bookings, especially for weekend events or international performances.

Keep in mind that this fee is usually split between the band members, and sometimes covers travel, equipment and rehearsal costs. Bands that invest in high-quality promo materials, professional communication and reliable live performance standards tend to secure the most consistent work and higher-paying gigs.

You can read more in our article about how much the average wedding band costs in the UK.

How much would it cost to start a band?

Starting a function band typically costs between £500 and £2,000, depending on your approach and resources.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Promo video and audio recording: £300–£1,000
• Professional photos: £150–£400
• Rehearsal space: £50–£150
• Marketing materials and setup (like a FixTheMusic profile): free to low-cost

If you already have recording gear or know someone who can help with mixing or filming, you can reduce your costs significantly.

The key is to make smart investments that present your band professionally from the start.

Final Thoughts

That’s a quick overview of how to start a function band from our perspective at FixTheMusic.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us at hello@fixthemusic.com.

When you’re ready, send us your latest unbranded promo video, and we’ll be in touch about setting up your band profile.