Wedding Bands for Hire in Buckinghamshire

Question 1

Outstanding professional musicians

Answer

Members of our live wedding bands have trained at some of the most renowned performing arts universities in the UK, including The Royal Northern College of Music, the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music.

Our wedding bands have performed at notable venues in Buckinghamshire, including Stoke Park Country Club, The Bull Hotel, Crowne Plaza Marlow, Court Garden House, Latimer Place, Denham Grove, Buckinghamshire Golf Club, Chicheley Hall, Horwood House, Harleyford Golf Club Marlow, Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre, Harben House, Macdonald Compleat Angler, Colston Hall, Mercure Parkside House, The Pinewood Hotel, Crowne Plaza Gerrards Cross, Hedsor House, Holiday Inn High Wycombe, Villiers Hotel, Novotel Milton Keynes and Missenden Abbey, set in the refined splendour of a former Augustinian monastery founded in 1133.

Question 2

When should I book a Buckinghamshire wedding band?

Answer

Buckinghamshire’s proximity to the capital and its wealth of luxurious venues mean that bands here are in high demand, especially during peak wedding season (May to September). We recommend booking your band as early as possible, ideally 9 to 12 months in advance.

If you're in a time crunch or have had a last-minute cancellation, we can often help find a band at short notice. Just reach out to us at hello@fixthemusic.com, and we'll move quickly to support you.

Question 3

How much do Buckinghamshire wedding bands cost?

Answer

Wedding band prices in Bucks typically range from £850 for a duo act to upwards of £4,000 for large bands with multiple musicians and sound crew. Pricing depends on the number of performers, travel time, equipment needs and performance length.

We work with bands across a wide price spectrum, so you’ll find excellent options whether you're planning a relaxed garden wedding or a black-tie reception at a venue like Danesfield House or Missenden Abbey.

Question 4

What kind of music do the bands play?

Answer

It’s all up to you. Some couples go for upbeat covers of modern chart hits, while others lean into Motown, funk, folk or classic hits. You’ll also find bands that can mix styles too.

Many bands are happy to learn a new song just for you.

Question 5

What’s included when I book a wedding band?

Answer

Most bands bring everything they need, including sound and lighting equipment. Some also provide background playlists between sets or even a full DJ service to keep the party going after the live sets are done.

That said, for larger venues like The Dairy at Waddesdon or outdoor setups in marquee weddings, it's worth checking ahead to confirm if extra AV equipment is needed.

Question 6

How long do bands usually perform?

Answer

Most offer 2 hours of live music, typically split into two or three sets. You can arrange this flexibly around your wedding schedule, perhaps some light acoustic music during dinner, followed by high-energy sets to fill the dance floor later on.

Question 7

Can we make special requests?

Answer

Yes, most wedding bands in Buckinghamshire are happy to customise their setlists and will take requests, especially for your first dance or key songs throughout the day. Just be sure to share your requests well ahead of time so they can prepare.

Question 8

Do we need to feed the band?

Answer

While not always mandatory, it’s common practice (and appreciated!) to offer the band a meal or refreshments, especially if they’re on-site for several hours. If you’re providing a buffet or have supplier meals planned, this can be easily arranged.

Question 9

Do bands perform outdoors in Buckinghamshire?

Answer

They do. But like anywhere in the UK, weather can be unpredictable. If you’re hosting an outdoor event at a venue like Huntsmill Farm or in a tipi at Home Farm Glamping, make sure there’s adequate shelter to protect instruments and equipment.

Question 10

Can we see the band perform live before we book?

Answer

While many bands focus on private events and weddings, they often share videos, live performance clips or attend public showcases. You can view media on their profiles or ask if they have any upcoming public gigs in the local area.

Question 11

How early should I book a wedding 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 12

Can I see wedding bands 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 13

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. Some bands will play for longer than this. The bands will usually tell you how long their sets are when they provide you with their quote.

Question 14

What happens between and after the wedding band's 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. It's worth checking the details of this with the band, as some wedding bands only provide the live music and prefer to leave the rest of the evening's music to the couple or a professional DJ.

Question 15

Can I choose the music that the wedding band plays 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. You should check this with the band first, as not all bands are comfortable with others using their own equipment.

Question 16

What songs will wedding bands 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. The set list will change throughout the year, as the band adds and removes songs.

Question 17

Will the wedding 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, then they might suggest you use the recorded version of the song and the band will play this out of their PA system.

Question 18

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 19

Can I indicate my song preferences to the wedding 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 20

What time will the wedding 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 21

Can the wedding 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 22

What time will the wedding band finish?

Answer

Most bands expect to finish by midnight. This suits most weddings as the majority of venues require live music to stop by this time.

Question 23

Can the wedding band stay later than midnight?

Answer

Usually, yes, the band can finish after midnight. But bands will normally charge a slightly higher fee for this later finish, and this should be arranged with the band in advance.

Question 24

Can I use the wedding 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 25

Will the wedding 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. Not all bands in Europe provide their own equipment (e.g. they might not bring lighting), so you may wish to check this before booking.

Question 26

Do wedding bands 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 27

If I do provide a stage, how much space will the wedding 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 28

Can I or my guests perform or sing with the wedding 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 29

Do I need to hire a DJ as well as a wedding 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 30

If I do hire a separate DJ, can the wedding 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 31

Do I need to provide anything for the wedding band?

Answer

Professional wedding bands will normally 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 32

Will the wedding 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 33

What do wedding bands 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 34

Will the wedding 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 35

Can wedding bands play outside?

Answer

If you’re getting married in Europe, 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 weather isn’t always 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 or sun can have a devastating impact on the instrument.

Question 36

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 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.

Wedding Bands in Buckinghamshire

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