Bands At Weddings: A Perfect Match?

Music is a key part of any wedding, and bands are a popular choice for wedding entertainment. Bands can play at both the wedding ceremony and the reception, and they often offer DJ services or acoustic sets as well. When hiring a band, it's important to consider factors such as setup time, sound checks, breaks, and the overall timeline of the wedding. The cost of hiring a band can vary depending on the duration of their performance and the number of musicians.

How long do wedding bands play for?

Wedding bands typically perform 2 x 60-minute sets, totalling two hours of live music within a three or four-hour period. Bands will usually offer three 40-minute sets, but two 1-hour sets or four 30-minute sets are also common. Bands may offer additional sets for an extra fee, or an acoustic warm-up set.

The musicians will usually split their playing time into sets with breaks in between, during which they will often play a pre-made playlist through their PA system to maintain the atmosphere. Alternatively, you could create your own playlist or hire a DJ to play during the breaks.

If you are looking for a band to play at your ceremony, they will probably offer two hours of live performance, including a set while your guests gather, songs during the ceremony, and a further set at the drinks reception.

If your wedding band is also playing at your reception, they will typically arrive between 5:30 pm and 6 pm to set up their equipment. It's a good idea to usher guests into another area while the band sets up and performs their sound check.

The band should start playing at around 8 or 9 pm, depending on how long they are booked to play for. This allows time for guests to finish their meals and head to the bar or outside for some fresh air after sitting down for a few hours.

If your venue can stay open until 1 am, you may want to invest in an additional set. Staying later will usually incur an additional cost and may require accommodation for the band, depending on the location of your wedding.

When do wedding bands arrive and start setting up?

Wedding bands typically arrive at around 5:30–6:00 pm to set up their equipment as soon as the meal and speeches are over. However, if the wedding breakfast and reception are in the same room, the band may need to arrive earlier in the day to set up. Bands usually charge for an earlier arrival (per musician/per hour before 5/6 pm), but it may be more cost-effective to ask if only one or two members can arrive earlier to set up most of the equipment.

It's a good idea to find out how long the band takes to load in, set up, and soundcheck before booking. Most wedding bands take about an hour, but this can vary depending on the number of band members and the complexity of their sound/lighting setup. Sound checks can be noisy, so it's often a good idea to usher guests into another room while the band sets up.

The band's start time will depend on the length of their performance and the overall schedule of the wedding. It's common for weddings to run later than planned, so there's no need to worry about starting the band too early. Typically, the band will start performing around 8–9 pm, depending on the length of their sets. This timing allows guests to relax and digest their food after the wedding breakfast before heading to the dance floor.

What are the costs of hiring a band?

The cost of hiring a band for a wedding can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of the band, the location of the wedding, the day of the week, and the time of year.

Traditional Wedding Bands

A traditional wedding band, typically composed of several members playing covers of classic hits and contemporary songs, is the most popular choice for wedding entertainment. The cost of hiring this type of band can range from $8,000 to $30,000, depending on the location. For example, the average cost of hiring a live wedding band in Chicago is between $8,000 and $10,000, while in California, the range is from $10,000 to $20,000. In Palm Beach, Florida, the cost can be even higher, with prices ranging from $15,000 to $30,000.

The size of the band also affects the price, with larger bands costing more due to the need for additional travel expenses and equipment. A good rule of thumb for pricing is that each musician in a live wedding band will cost roughly £420 to £461 per person, so a four-piece band would cost around £1,680 to £1,844.

Acoustic Bands, Jazz Bands, and String Quartets

Other types of bands, such as acoustic bands, jazz bands, and string quartets, are also popular choices for weddings, particularly during cocktail hours or smaller, intimate gatherings. These bands typically have fewer members and may cost less than traditional wedding bands.

Additional Costs

When budgeting for a wedding band, it is important to consider additional costs that may not be included in the initial quote. These can include staging, lighting, AV equipment, and DJ services between sets. Travel and accommodation costs for the band members may also need to be factored in, especially if the wedding is located a significant distance from the band's base.

Cost-Saving Strategies

To save on costs, consider booking the band for only a portion of the event, such as the dance portion of the evening. Alternatively, if you already have a dance playlist prepared, you could hire a band to perform during the cocktail hour or ceremony instead.

Another strategy is to book the band for an off-peak date, such as a weekday or during the winter months, when rates are typically lower due to less demand.

Comparison to Wedding DJs

Hiring a wedding DJ is generally a more cost-effective option than hiring a band, with average costs ranging from $1,000 to $5,500. However, it is important to note that the cost of a DJ can vary depending on similar factors, such as location and day of the week.

In summary, the cost of hiring a band for a wedding can vary widely depending on a number of factors, but careful planning and consideration of these factors can help couples stay within their budget while still enjoying live entertainment on their special day.

What are the band's emcee/MC duties?

A band's emcee, or master of ceremonies, is responsible for guiding the wedding reception from start to finish. They are the liaison between the couple, vendors, timeline, and guests. They are also responsible for making announcements, introductions, and keeping events running smoothly and on time.

Before the Wedding

• Meet with the couple to understand their expectations, the timeline, and any special details.
• Review the reception schedule and vendor contacts.
• Create or review any scripts to be used during the reception.
• Arrange a soundcheck and set up on the day.
• Confirm the pronunciation of all names with the couple, including the wedding party, parents, and special guests.

During the Wedding

• Announce the grand entrance and introduce the wedding party as they enter.
• Greet and welcome guests, kicking off the reception with a warm and concise introduction.
• Introduce speakers for formalities like welcome speeches, blessings, or toasts, providing context and transitions between speakers.
• Announce meal service, including any unique dietary options or meal times.
• Facilitate and narrate reception activities such as the bouquet toss, garter toss, cake-cutting, first dance, and parent dances.
• Make announcements as needed throughout the night, including any special events or dedications.
• Thank and bid farewell to the guests, introducing any farewell events like a sparkler exit.

Additional Tips for the Band's Emcee/MC

• Keep things short and sweet when speaking.
• Minimise alcohol consumption before performing duties.
• Check in with speakers before introducing them and ensure they are ready.
• Survey the room to ensure all important people are present, such as the couple, parents, wedding party, and photographers.
• Inject appropriate humour and personal touches while maintaining a professional tone.
• Be adaptable and think on your feet if any last-minute changes or issues arise.
• Coordinate closely with vendors, such as photographers, videographers, DJs, and caterers, to ensure a seamless flow of events.

What music/songs should the band play?

Music is a key element of any wedding. Bands typically perform 2 x 60-minute sets, so you'll want to choose songs that will keep your guests entertained and on the dance floor. Here are some tips and suggestions for choosing the right music and songs for your wedding band to play:

Know Your Audience

It's important to consider the diverse tastes of your guests, who likely span a wide range of ages and musical preferences. Include a mix of classic hits, current pop songs, and sentimental tunes to keep everyone engaged. Remember to include some kid-friendly songs if children are part of your guest list. You don't want to play anything too suggestive that will make parents uncomfortable!

Choose a Variety of Songs

Variety is key to a successful wedding playlist. You don't want every song to be a 2015 EDM hit or a Motown classic. Mix things up and include songs from different genres, decades, and styles that you and your partner love. This is your chance to showcase your unique musical tastes and create a personalised soundtrack for your special day.

Select Songs for Key Moments

Certain songs will be played during key moments of the wedding, such as the first dance, the entrance of the wedding party, and the cutting of the cake. Choose songs that are romantic, energetic, and fun for these special moments. Upbeat and romantic songs are always a good choice for the entrance and first dance, while more energetic and fun songs can be played during the cake-cutting or to get everyone on the dance floor.

Popular Wedding Songs

While you want your wedding playlist to be unique, there are certain songs that are considered wedding classics for a reason. These songs are often chosen because they are well-known, upbeat, and easy to dance to. Here are some popular wedding songs to consider:

• "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston
• "Dancing Queen" by ABBA
• "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey
• "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" by Stevie Wonder
• "Shut Up and Dance" by WALK THE MOON
• "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z
• "We Found Love" by Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris
• "Marry You" by Bruno Mars
• "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran
• "All of Me" by John Legend
• "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
• "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire
• "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison
• "You Make My Dreams (Come True)" by Daryl Hall & John Oates
• "I Gotta Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas
• "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen
• "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)" by James Taylor
• "You've Got the Love" by Florence + The Machine
• "Happy" by Pharrell Williams
• "Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus
• "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran
• "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers
• "Ho Hey" by The Lumineers
• "Here Comes The Sun" by The Beatles
• "At Last" by Etta James
• "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole
• "Your Song" by Elton John

Remember, this is just a starting point! Feel free to include your favourite songs and personalise your wedding playlist to make it truly yours.

Frequently asked questions