Wedding Band Playtime: How Long?

Wedding bands typically perform for two hours, which is usually split into sets with breaks in between. The most common formats are two one-hour sets or three 40-minute sets. However, there are many variations, including two 45-minute sets, three one-hour sets, three 45-minute sets, or one 30-minute set followed by a 90-minute set. The band's performance time is usually part of a three-to-four-hour period, which includes their setup and breaks.

Arrival and set-up time

Wedding bands typically arrive at the venue around 5:30-6:00 pm, once the wedding breakfast, dinner, and speeches are over. This gives them enough time to set up and do a sound check before they get onstage. Bands usually need around 60 minutes to load in and set up, and most take around ten to fifteen minutes to sound check. Some acts need longer, so it is worth checking upon booking. It is a good idea to usher guests into a different area while the band sets up, as sound checks can be noisy. 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 will typically charge for an earlier arrival (per musician/per hour prior to 5/6 pm). However, it may be more cost-effective to have only one or two band members arrive early to set up most of the equipment, with the rest of the band arriving later for a quick soundcheck.

If you have booked daytime wedding entertainment, the band members will arrive beforehand to soundcheck for their earlier performance. They will let you know how long they will need, but it won't take long.

If you are looking at different musicians for the ceremony and reception, you will need to consider arrangements and set-up times for each one separately. A professional wedding band company will seamlessly organize the transition from one band to the next. For example, CTO Artists, a professional wedding band company, arrives around three hours before the performance to set up, with the band arriving one hour before showtime to prepare and perform a soundcheck.

Sound checks

During the soundcheck, the band will adjust their settings and ensure they can hear themselves clearly, either through speakers placed on the floor next to their feet (known as monitors) or via in-ear monitors.

If your venue has a sound limiter, it's important to let the band know in advance so they can make any necessary adjustments. Sound limiters are usually set between 80 and 100 decibels, and if the noise levels exceed this, the electricity supply to the sound equipment will be cut. Most professional wedding bands can accommodate sound limiters, but it may involve turning down the volume or using softer drumsticks.

To ensure a smooth setup and soundcheck, it's recommended to allow the band 60 to 90 minutes before their performance. This includes time for unloading and setting up their equipment, as well as the soundcheck itself.

By taking the time to properly set up and complete a soundcheck, your wedding band will be able to deliver a fantastic performance that your guests will love.

First dance

The first dance is one of the most important moments of a wedding, and the song choice is a significant part of it. The first dance song is usually a romantic and personal moment for the couple, with many opting for ballads or slower songs. The song choice is often based on the lyrics or a special memory associated with the couple.

Choosing the First Dance Song

If you don't already have a song that's special to you as a couple, you may need some inspiration to get started. You can choose a classic love song or go for something more upbeat, like a TV theme tune, or even something silly and unique.

Popular First Dance Songs

Some of the most popular first dance songs include:

• "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran
• "All of Me" by John Legend
• "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
• "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran
• "Make You Feel My Love" by Adele
• "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers
• "You're Still The One" by Shania Twain
• "Amazed" by Lonestar
• "Your Song" by Elton John
• "At Last" by Etta James

Timing of the First Dance

The first dance typically happens after the couple enters the reception, kicking off the dancing portion of the evening. It's usually a good idea to delay the first dance slightly to allow guests to finish their meals and have a drink or two before hitting the dance floor.

The first dance should last around two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half minutes. Longer than that can feel awkward, but shorter may not give your photographer and videographer enough time to capture the moment.

Band Performance Times

Wedding bands typically perform for two hours, often split into two one-hour sets or three 40-minute sets. Some bands may offer additional sets for an extra fee, or an acoustic warm-up set.

Other Considerations

If you're hiring a wedding band, it's a good idea to find out how long they need to load in, set up, and soundcheck before booking. Most wedding bands take about an hour for this, but it can vary depending on the size of the band and the sophistication of their equipment.

It's also important to provide refreshments for the band, such as soft drinks and access to food.

Now you have all the information you need to plan the perfect first dance and keep the party going with your wedding band!

Set lengths

Wedding bands typically perform for two hours, which is usually split into two one-hour sets or three 40-minute sets. However, there are quite a few variations, and some bands may offer more flexibility and longer sets.

The two one-hour set option is a popular choice as it fits well within the usual timings of a wedding day and works perfectly around the food provided in the evening. It gives guests time to eat and relax between sets and is a good opportunity for guests to have a drink and some Dutch courage before hitting the dance floor.

However, some may find an hour of live music a bit too long and loud, especially if they want to chat and mix things up a bit. In this case, three 40-minute sets may be a better option, providing shorter but more regular bursts of live music. This can keep the wedding party feeling fun, varied, and vibrant and gives plenty of opportunities for guests to have a dance.

Some bands may offer longer sets, such as three one-hour sets or even five 40-minute sets, which can be a great option if you have dance-hungry guests. You can also discuss with the band how to fit their sets around your schedule, especially if your wedding is running late or you have a packed schedule.

If you want the band to perform for longer, you may need to pay an additional fee, and they may require accommodation, depending on the location of your wedding. It's also important to consider any noise restrictions or curfews at your venue, which may impact how long the band can play for.

In addition to their live sets, most bands will provide background music or a DJ service to keep the party going between sets, or you may be able to create your own playlist.

Breaks

Wedding bands typically perform for a total of 2-4 hours, and there are a few common ways to structure their sets with breaks in between. One option is to have the band play two 60-minute sets or three 40-minute sets. This allows for a good balance between performance time and break time. During the breaks, the band can provide a DJ playlist service or background music to keep the atmosphere going.

Another option is to have the band play two 45-minute sets or three 60-minute sets. This structure provides slightly longer sets but may result in longer breaks. It's important to consider how the timing of these sets will fit into your wedding schedule, especially if you want to avoid lengthy gaps that could disrupt the flow of the evening.

Some couples may prefer the energy of shorter sets with more frequent breaks, such as three 45-minute sets or even three 40-minute sets. This can keep the evening dynamic and give guests plenty of opportunities to dance. However, it's worth noting that shorter sets may result in a stop-start feeling to the evening and can be challenging to fit into a packed or delayed schedule.

To optimise the flow of your wedding, it's recommended to time the band's breaks with other activities or events. For example, they can take a short hiatus during the cake cutting, toasts, or bouquet toss. This way, the band can take a necessary break without causing a lull in the festivities.

Additionally, it's worth noting that some bands offer staggered musician breaks, where only a few members take a break at a time, allowing the band to continue performing with a smaller ensemble. However, this may result in a less vibrant performance during those times.

When planning your wedding band's sets, it's crucial to communicate your preferences and work with the band to create a schedule that suits your vision for the evening. Discuss options for breaks, DJ services, and background music to ensure that your guests remain entertained throughout the night.

Frequently asked questions