It comes as no surprise that there’s more than a few things to consider when you start planning your wedding. The venue. The dress. The invitations. Decor. Napkins! But it’s the live music that will set the soundtrack for a lifetime of memories.
Hiring the right wedding music band is the difference between a packed dance floor and an empty one, and a traditional walk down the aisle versus an extra-special entrance.
There’s lots to consider when picking your perfect wedding entertainment, but if you don’t know where to begin, don’t stress! We’ve covered the top questions to consider when you hire a function band, including how much it costs to hire a band for a wedding…
How much does it cost to hire a wedding band?
Like most elements of your big day, the cost of hiring a band can vary dramatically. Celebrity acts aside, live music acts can cost anywhere between £500 – £15,000. A good rule of thumb is to consider how many musicians you’d like multiplied by the length of the performance, then add their travel time, expenses and accommodation if required.
Typically a four-piece band will take up to £800 – £2000 of your wedding reception budget, but if you want more for your buck then don’t hesitate to ask for flexibility. Party bands can often reduce their live performers or set list to save you some cash. Or if you’re not sure what your money can get you, get in touch with a live entertainment agency who will be able to provide a range of affordable live wedding band options.
What are your venue restrictions?
Make sure to check in with your venue before you get searching for your perfect wedding band. Some spaces might not have capacity for an eight-piece ensemble, and others may have volume restrictions depending on location. If they do, always communicate with your chosen act to ensure everyone’s happy on the big day.
The best way to find out your venue’s rules and regulations is by scanning their website or asking the wedding coordinator. If talks of sound limiters and decibels leave you feeling stressed and confused, leave it with your entertainment agency. At HD Events, we are experts in technical talk and have worked with hundreds of venues around the UK. We’re fully equipped to deal with the finer details of hiring a wedding band, which gives couples valuable peace of mind when planning their reception entertainment.
What style of wedding band will suit your big day?
How do you envision your dance floor? Do you see yourself rocking? Jiving? Doing the Lindy Hop or enjoying some Soul Motown? However you like to get down to the music, there’s a whole bunch of live bands to choose from.
Don’t forget to consider your friends and family. If they’re not the most comfortable shape throwers then a barn dance might not be the best option. You can guarantee a busy dance floor by choosing a function band that can cover everything from 80s classics to today’s top charts.
The simplest way to find your ultimate wedding band is by booking with a live entertainment agency. Search by music genre, band size or style to find options that suit you. If you’re still not sure where to start, take advantage of our bespoke booking platform where we pair you with your ideal act.
When do you want live music during your wedding?
A wedding band is the ultimate way to get your party started. But live music isn’t just for the evening – a string quartet, acoustic singer or harpist can also provide a truly memorable touch to your ceremony, wedding breakfast or guests’ arrival.
When searching for your live wedding band, consider the different stages of the day and where you’d like to make it extra special. Daytime sets break up those slower moments, getting guests in a celebratory mood ready for the reception.
We appreciate that the cost of hiring a party band will be high on your priority list. Whilst extra performances come at an extra cost, it’s always worth checking with your live music agency. They may be able to recommend acts that work well together, and that are cost effective.
What do you want included in your live set?
Different wedding bands offer different services. As well as live music, many can provide DJ sets between performances or bring their own lighting and sound equipment. Ensure that you ask about each element of their package to get the best option for you.
You can also enquire about adding another musician. Unlike any other agency, HD Events provide fully bespoke entertainment. We believe no two events should be the same, which is why our acts are completely tailored to you. Add a singer, take out a trumpet, bring in a saxophone trio – the choice is yours.
It’s also worth considering the set list. Do you want the band to play your first dance? Are there any must-have songs or absolute no-gos? Take a good glance over your chosen band’s repertoire and don’t be afraid to ask if there’s a certain tune they’re missing. And don’t forget to check in to see if they take requests on the night. If so, why not add a ‘favourite song’ box on your wedding invitations – a sure way to fill the dance floor at your reception!
Have you considered emergency cover?
Sadly, sometimes things don’t go to plan. Traffic accidents, fall-outs, a worldwide pandemic… if only there was a crystal ball to gaze upon. Thankfully, most wedding bands have been in the biz for decades and have a contingency plan at the ready. But if you’re unsure and want to guarantee emergency cover, we highly recommend booking your act through an agency.
With our fully flexible booking policy, you’re always safe in our hands. Whether you need to change the date of your booking or new regulations mean you need to change your act – we’ll be here for you. Just get in touch and we’ll amend your booking.
How do I find the perfect music wedding band for me?
Rest assured you’re already in the right place! At HD Events, we provide the UK’s top live music and entertainment acts, guaranteed to make your wedding day seamless and spectacular. If you know exactly what you’re looking for, browse our acts and bands and get in touch for an immediate quote. Or if you need some expert help, head to Find Me An Act where we’ll match you with the perfect live wedding band for your special day.
We hope these questions and our expert answers have helped to clear up some common queries on hiring a function band, from wedding band cost, to where to incorporate a band into your big day. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need any further information.