Franklin Dean
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but finding the perfect band to play at your wedding doesn't have to be. There are many ways to find a wedding band, from live music agencies to recommendations from friends, and wedding planning apps.
Live music agencies are a great way to find a wedding band as they have spent years building their roster and developing a network of trusted musicians. This means that you can be sure that your chosen wedding band is of a high standard.
Another way to find a wedding band is by watching live bands perform on the local music scene. This will allow you to see the band's live performance and make a more informed decision.
When choosing a wedding band, it is important to consider your overall budget, the wedding theme, and the style of music you and your guests enjoy.
The cost of a wedding band can vary depending on factors such as location, band style, time of year, and experience. The average cost of a wedding band in the UK in 2024 was £1916, but prices can range from a few hundred pounds to a few thousand.
Most wedding bands offer a package that includes two hours of live music, usually split into two or three sets. They will also often provide background music before and after their live sets.
When booking a wedding band, it is important to consider the size of your venue and the number of band members. For small weddings, a duo or trio is a great option, while larger weddings may require a band of five or more members.
Once you have found a band that you like, you can usually book them through their website or a live music agency. The booking process typically involves submitting an enquiry, receiving a quote, and paying a deposit to secure the booking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| --- | --- |
| Where to find a wedding band | Live music agency, local music scene, recommendations from friends, Facebook recommendations, wedding planning forums, wedding planning apps |
| Set an estimated budget | A few hundred pounds for a local pub band to a few thousand pounds for an experienced wedding band with solid credentials |
| Choose your style | Broad range of music to appeal to guests of all ages, e.g. 50s and 60s rock 'n' roll, soul, Motown, 70s rock, 80s pop/rock, 90s Britpop, indie, UK garage, modern pop, dance music and more |
| Venue size and number of band members | For small weddings, a duo or trio is a great option. For larger weddings, bands of five or more members are ideal to include male/female vocals and a horn section |
What You'll Learn
Where to find a wedding band
There are many ways to find a wedding band, from asking friends who have recently got married and searching on Facebook or Instagram, to using a specialist wedding band agency. Here are some of the best places to find a wedding band in the UK.
Wedding Band Agencies
There are many wedding band agencies in the UK, such as Entertainment Nation, FixTheMusic, Alive Network, Bands For Hire, and Tailored Entertainment. These agencies have rosters of the best wedding bands in the UK, and they offer a professional booking service to ensure you have absolute peace of mind on your wedding day.
Google Search
A simple Google search for "wedding bands UK" will bring up a host of wedding bands and musicians for hire. You can also search for wedding bands local to your venue, e.g. "wedding bands London" or "wedding bands Manchester".
Social Media
Facebook and Instagram are great places to find wedding bands. Many bands will have videos of their performances, as well as customer reviews, photos, and links to their websites, so you can find all the information you need to hire the perfect wedding band for you.
Friends and Family
Asking friends and family who have recently got married is a great way to find a wedding band. They will be able to give you a first-hand account of the band's performance and professionalism, as well as let you know about any hidden costs or issues they encountered.
Wedding Venue
Your wedding venue may have a list of recommended suppliers, including wedding bands, or they may be able to put you in touch with couples who have recently got married there.
Wedding Fairs
Wedding fairs are a great place to meet wedding bands and musicians in person. You will be able to hear them perform and see their set-up, as well as chat to them about your wedding and get a quote.
Wedding Blogs
There are many wedding blogs, such as Brides, which offer advice and recommendations on wedding bands and other suppliers.
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Set an estimated budget
The cost of a wedding band in the UK varies depending on the size of the band, the location of your wedding, the date, and the popularity of the band.
Wedding bands can be as small as a solo artist or duo, or as large as 8-10+ musicians. The more musicians in the band, the more expensive they will be. A solo artist will cost between £300-£600, a duo £450-£800, a 3-piece band £750-£1600, a 4-5 piece band £1400-£2000, and a 6+ piece band £1800-£3000.
The location of your wedding will also impact the cost of the band, as travel expenses will need to be factored in. To save money, consider hiring a local band.
The date of your wedding will also affect the cost. Summer dates and Saturdays are the most popular choices and therefore the most expensive. You can often get a discounted rate for off-peak dates or weekdays.
Finally, the popularity of the band will influence the cost. The more in-demand a band is, the more they are likely to charge.
When setting your budget, it's important to consider what is included in the price. Most bands will provide their own equipment, including a PA system, lighting, and instruments. They may also offer a DJ service or be able to play specific song requests, which may incur an additional cost.
With all these factors in mind, you can now set an estimated budget for your wedding band. Remember that the cost of a wedding band in the UK typically ranges from £800 to £2000, but can be higher or lower depending on your specific requirements.
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Choose your style
When it comes to choosing a wedding band, there are endless options to explore, from classic metal bands to modern styles with unique materials, textures, and patterns. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect style for your wedding band:
Metal Bands
Classic metal wedding bands are timeless and elegant, typically featuring no gemstones. They are usually crafted from platinum, titanium, stainless steel, or 14K/18K white, yellow, or rose gold. Platinum is the most popular choice in this style, known for its shine and the beautiful patina it develops with age. Metal bands are perfect for those who want a simple yet sophisticated look and are ideal for brides with an active lifestyle who don't want to worry about diamond or prong damage.
Pavé Bands
If you're looking for some sparkle and flair, pavé wedding bands are a great option. These rings are encrusted with diamonds or gemstones, adding a bit of pizzazz to your finger. Pavé bands are perfect for brides who want the sparkle of a diamond band without the high-set prongs. They can be matched with engagement rings that have a pavé band or a cushion-cut solitaire ring with a pavé halo setting.
Eternity Bands
Eternity bands feature diamonds or gemstones that go all the way around the ring. There are two common styles: shared prong and channel settings. In a shared prong setting, two stones share a prong, forming a "U" shape, while a channel setting features diamonds laid side by side within a metal channel for a more encrusted look. Eternity bands can be set with various diamond cuts, from round brilliant to cushion to emerald, and can be a statement-making piece on their own.
Anniversary Bands
Anniversary bands are similar to eternity bands but with diamonds or gemstones going halfway around the band instead of the entire edge. These bands are meant to celebrate milestone wedding anniversaries and are perfect for brides who want the timeless look of an eternity band without the bulkiness of diamonds between their fingers. Anniversary bands can be matched with any type of engagement ring, creating a cohesive and elegant look.
Men's Wedding Bands
While men's wedding bands have traditionally been more straightforward, there are still many styles to choose from. You can opt for a classic gold band or explore alternative metals such as tungsten, titanium, or even ceramic. If you have an active lifestyle or specific job requirements, consider materials like titanium or silicone, which offer practical solutions while still symbolising your love and commitment.
Custom Designs
If you want something truly unique, custom designs allow you to create a personalised wedding band. You can include bespoke engravings, special symbols, or a combination of elements that tell your love story. Custom designs let you infuse your ring with personal significance, making it a one-of-a-kind symbol of your relationship.
Remember, choosing the right wedding band style is a personal journey that reflects your taste and the essence of your relationship. Whether you prefer classic simplicity or modern contemporary designs, there is a wide range of options to choose from to find the perfect ring that symbolises your love and commitment.
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Venue size and number of band members
When considering the size of your wedding venue, it's important to take into account the number of band members you plan to hire. Wedding bands in the UK typically range from duos and trios to four- and five-piece function bands, and even larger show bands with eight or more musicians. The number of members will directly impact the space required for the band's performance and equipment setup.
3-piece band: 3 x 3 metres
4-piece band: 4 x 3 metres
5-piece band: 5 x 3 metres
6-piece band: 5 x 3 metres
7-piece band: 6 x 4 metres or more
In addition to the performance space, your wedding band will also require adequate space for their equipment setup, which typically includes a full PA system, backline equipment, lighting, and instruments. It's important to communicate with your chosen band to understand their specific space and setup requirements.
When selecting a wedding band, consider the size and layout of your venue to ensure the band has sufficient space to perform comfortably. If your venue is on the smaller side, you may want to opt for a smaller band or consider an acoustic duo or trio. On the other hand, if you have a spacious venue, you have more flexibility to choose a larger band with more members.
Keep in mind that the number of band members can also impact the overall cost of the wedding band. Typically, the price per musician can start from £300-£350, and larger bands with more members will generally be more expensive. However, this can vary depending on various factors such as location, style, and experience of the band.
When planning your wedding entertainment, it's crucial to strike a balance between the size of your venue and the number of band members to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both the performers and your guests.
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How to hire a wedding band
Finding a wedding band can be a daunting task, but there are several ways to go about it. You can either watch local bands perform live, ask friends for recommendations, or use a live music agency. While the first two options are great, using a live music agency is the easiest way to find a wedding band.
Once you've found a band that you like, the next step is to get in touch with them to check their availability and get a quote. You can do this by sending an email or filling out an enquiry form on their website. The band will then need some information from you, such as the date and location of your wedding, to put together a quote.
When you receive the quote, it's time to review the details and decide if you want to book the band. If you're happy with everything, the next step is to pay a deposit and sign a contract to secure the band for your wedding. This can usually be done electronically through secure online payment systems.
And that's it! You've successfully hired a wedding band for your big day. Now you can sit back, relax, and look forward to the celebrations knowing that you have one less thing to worry about.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to find a wedding band, including watching local bands perform live, asking friends for recommendations, checking Facebook recommendations, and using wedding planning forums and apps. You can also use a live music agency, which will have spent years building a roster of trusted musicians.
The price of a wedding band can vary from a few hundred pounds for a local pub band to a few thousand pounds for an experienced wedding band with solid credentials. The cost depends on factors such as location, band style, time of year, and experience.
Wedding bands usually play a wide range of music to appeal to guests of all ages, including modern rock and pop, soul, Motown, indie rock, and oldies from across the decades. You can also find themed wedding bands, such as 1920s swing bands or indie-folk bands for a rustic outdoor festival-themed wedding.
Wedding bands typically perform two 1-hour sets or three 40-minute sets, with a 15- to 30-minute break in between. They may also provide background music before and after their live sets.
Wedding bands usually arrive early in the evening, around 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm, to set up after the wedding breakfast and speeches. If needed, they can arrive earlier, but this may incur an additional charge.
The space required depends on the size of the band. A good rule of thumb is to allow for 3 x 3 metres for a 3-piece band, 4 x 3 metres for a 4-piece band, 5 x 3 metres for a 5-piece band, and 6 x 4 metres or more for bands with 7 or more members.
