Choosing The Perfect Wedding Band Music

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to booking a live band. Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect wedding band:

- Talk to your wedding venue: Before booking a band, discuss with your wedding venue whether they allow live music and if there are any volume restrictions. It is essential to inform the band about any limitations to ensure they can work within them.

- Book through a trusted agency: Booking through a reputable wedding entertainment agency offers benefits such as a wide range of quality-controlled bands, expert advice, and secure booking processes.

- Consider your budget: The cost of a live wedding band varies, depending on factors like the number of band members, experience, and travel expenses. The average cost of a 4-piece band is around £900 to £1300.

- Choose a band that suits your style: Consider the type of atmosphere you want to create. If you want a party vibe, look for bands that play familiar, upbeat songs. For a more intimate setting, consider acoustic or indie bands.

- Book in advance: Top wedding bands get booked up to two years in advance, especially for peak summer weekend dates. Secure your favourite band early to avoid missing out.

- Research and compare bands: Check out bands' promo videos, song repertoires, reviews, and social media pages to get a sense of their style and performance quality.

- Consider your guests: While choosing a band that you love is essential, also think about your guests. Opt for a band that can perform songs from various genres to cater to a range of musical tastes.

- Request special songs: Many wedding bands are happy to learn and perform your first dance song or other special requests. Be sure to ask about this when booking and confirm if there are any additional fees.

- Check for experience and professionalism: Look for a band with experience performing at weddings. They will know how to create an enjoyable experience for all guests and deal with any restrictions. Also, choose a band that takes their profession seriously and has invested in themselves and their equipment.

- Consider a tribute band: If you and your partner share a love for a particular group, consider hiring a tribute band that specialises in covering that artist's music.

- Match the band to your venue: Think about the type of venue you have and the atmosphere you want to create. For example, a large venue with many guests might suit a larger amplified band, while a stately home could be perfect for a string quartet.

- Address potential problems: Be mindful of any restrictions, such as space limitations or sound limiters at the venue, and ensure the band is equipped to handle these.

Budgeting for a wedding band

The cost of a wedding band depends on the number of musicians, their experience, the distance they have to travel, and the length of their performance. The more musicians in a band, the more you can expect to pay. The cost of hiring a professional wedding band in the UK ranges from £411 to £455 per musician. For example, a three-piece band would charge approximately £1,233 to £1,365, while a four-piece band would cost about £1,644 to £1,820.

At the higher end, large showbands featuring in-demand session musicians can charge between £5,000 and £20,000. In the US, the average cost of a wedding band is around $4,500, with prices ranging from $2,850 to $6,488.

How to Save Money on a Wedding Band

• Be mindful of the performance time: Opt for a four-hour package, which is usually sufficient for weddings.
• Reduce the number of musicians: A smaller band with fewer instruments will cost less.
• Choose an off-peak date: Wedding bands may offer discounts for off-season or weekday weddings.
• Book in advance: Booking a band early can help secure better rates and avoid last-minute price increases.
• Compare prices: Shop around and compare prices from multiple bands to find one that fits your budget.

Additional Costs to Consider

When budgeting for a wedding band, it's important to consider potential hidden costs. Ask about travel expenses, accommodation, and equipment requirements. Some bands may charge extra for lighting, projectors, or other equipment. If you request the band to learn a specific song, there may be an additional fee.

Budgeting Tips

• Discuss all requirements and costs upfront: Have an open conversation with the band to understand their needs and any additional expenses.
• Book early: Start your search early and book the band as soon as possible to avoid disappointment and secure better rates.
• Compare prices: Don't be afraid to shop around and get quotes from multiple bands to find the best fit for your budget.
• Prioritize: If you have a limited budget, consider allocating more funds to the aspects of the wedding that are most important to you and adjust other areas accordingly.

Hiring a wedding band is an important aspect of creating a memorable celebration. By considering your budget, comparing prices, and booking in advance, you can secure the perfect entertainment for your special day without breaking the bank.

Finding a band that fits your wedding's theme

Consider the atmosphere you want to create

If you want a lively and memorable occasion that fits your style and personality as a couple, you need to find a band whose style you connect with on a personal and musical level. Think about the type of atmosphere you're going for and how the band's style will mesh with your venue's theme.

For example, if you're having a rustic festival-style wedding in a countryside barn, you might look to hire a folky band with instruments like a cajon and banjo. If your wedding is an intimate affair with fewer than 50 guests, you probably won't want a large soul or funk band. You might instead look for a smaller duo or trio.

Choose your style

Sit down with your partner and agree on your musical direction and style. Most couples choose a band that covers a broad range of music to appeal to guests of all ages. The repertoire will generally include music from different eras to cater to younger guests and older relatives.

If you're having a themed wedding, you may want your entertainment to match. For example, a 1920s swing band works perfectly with a vintage theme, or an indie-folk band for a rustic outdoor festival-themed wedding. There are many unique wedding music ideas to consider, from tribute bands to Mariachi bands, Caribbean steel bands, and more.

Think about the size of your venue and number of band members

When searching for a wedding band, one of the primary considerations is the size of your venue and the number of musicians. Your budget may dictate the band's size, but you'll also need to be sure it's relative to the number of guests and available performance space.

For small weddings, a duo or trio is a great option, whereas for larger weddings, you may want to explore larger bands of five or more members to include male/female vocals and a horn section.

Be mindful of any venue restrictions

Problems could arise in the form of not enough space for the band to set up, or access issues when loading gear into the venue. Many wedding venues have also introduced sound limiters, which cut the electricity supply to the band if the noise output exceeds a certain decibel limit. It's sensible to check with the band that they are aware of and equipped to deal with any potential problems posed by sound limiters.

Ask about accommodating requests

Many live bands that specialise in weddings are happy to include requested songs in their setlist, so if there's a particular tune you want for your first dance, ask the band to cover it. Experienced bands are usually more than happy to learn and perform requested songs.

Choose a band that's invested in themselves

The more seriously a band takes themselves and what they do, the more seriously they will take you and your special day. Why would you consider bands who aren't prepared to go the extra mile for your wedding or haven't invested in themselves to be ready for other weddings?

Speak with your band. Get to know them. You will know pretty quickly if they are on the same page as you and if you want them around on your wedding day.

Ensuring the band has the right equipment

When it comes to ensuring the wedding band has the right equipment, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to check with the band that they have their own equipment and that it is suitable for the venue. Most professional wedding bands will bring their own equipment, including instruments, sound systems, lighting, and microphones. However, it is always good to confirm this beforehand to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Secondly, it is essential to discuss the venue's requirements with the band. Some venues may have restrictions on the type of equipment that can be used or may require certain safety certifications for electrical equipment. For example, UK wedding venues typically require bands to have public liability insurance and PAT-tested electrical equipment. It is the responsibility of the couple to inform the band of any venue restrictions and ensure they can comply.

Thirdly, if the wedding band is providing their own sound system, it is crucial to check that it is suitable for the size of the venue. For example, a large soul band with a full horn section will require more space and a more powerful sound system than a smaller acoustic duo.

Additionally, it is worth discussing with the band whether they will need any additional equipment provided by the couple or the venue. This could include things like a stage, extra lighting, or a specific type of microphone.

Finally, it is always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of equipment failure. This could include having spare instruments or equipment on hand or arranging for the venue to have backup equipment available.

By following these steps, couples can ensure that their chosen wedding band has the right equipment to create a memorable performance on their special day.

Deciding between a band and a DJ

Cost

The cost of hiring a band or a DJ can vary depending on several factors, including the number of members, the required equipment, and travel expenses. According to some sources, the average cost of a wedding band in the US is around $3900 or £900-£1300 for a 4-piece band, while a DJ costs around $1500 or £1000. However, the price can range from hundreds to tens of thousands of pounds or dollars. It is also worth noting that a live band is usually more expensive than a DJ due to the greater number of people and equipment involved.

Vibe and Theme

Consider the type of wedding you are having and the vibe you want to create. If you are having a small, intimate dinner party, a solo or duo act or a string quartet might be more suitable. On the other hand, if you are having a big blowout bash, a larger band or a DJ with an extensive sound system might be a better fit. Think about the musical genre that best reflects your personality and the ambiance you want to create. Also, consider whether you want your music to match a specific theme, such as a Great Gatsby-style wedding with 1920s music.

Space and Venue Restrictions

Another important factor to consider is the amount of space available at your venue. A band typically needs more space than a DJ, so check with your venue manager to see if they can accommodate live musicians. There may also be restrictions on electricity use, noise limitations, or curfews for "amplified sound". Ask your venue about any restrictions before making your decision.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the decision between a band and a DJ comes down to personal preference. If you have your heart set on live music and can afford it, a band can create a memorable performance and interact with the crowd. On the other hand, a DJ can be more versatile, cost-effective, and provide a wider variety of musical genres. If you are unsure, consider combining both by having a DJ fill in during band breaks or take over for an after-party.

Requesting specific songs

Know Your Band's Repertoire

Before requesting specific songs, it's important to understand the style and repertoire of your wedding band. Most bands will have a set list of songs that they regularly perform, and they may be more comfortable or experienced with certain genres or types of music. If you choose a band that already plays the type of music you want, you may not need to request many specific songs.

Be Mindful of the Cost

Requesting that your wedding band learn and perform new songs can increase the cost of hiring them. Learning new songs takes time and effort for each band member, and they may need to hire a rehearsal space. If your requested songs require additional instruments or musicians, the band may need to expand, further increasing the cost.

Consider the Theme and Mood

Think about the theme and mood you want to create at your wedding. Requesting random or mismatched songs from your guests may disrupt the flow and atmosphere you're trying to create. Instead, consider requesting songs that fit within certain genres or themes that match your vision.

Manage Guest Expectations

When asking guests for song requests, be mindful that they may be disappointed if their song is not played. This can be especially tricky if you have a "do-not-play" list or are trying to avoid certain genres. To manage expectations, you could ask guests to suggest songs within a specific genre or provide a list of options for them to choose from.

Provide a Balanced List

When giving your band a list of requested songs, try to balance it with a mix of genres and styles to appeal to a diverse audience. Include songs that span different generations and eras to cater to all age groups. This will help keep the dance floor full and ensure that everyone feels included.

Communicate Clearly

Clearly communicate your song requests to your band and provide them with plenty of time to prepare. Discuss any special introductions, transitions, or tempo adjustments you want for specific songs. It's also helpful to provide a list of “must-play” and “do-not-play” songs to give them a clear understanding of your preferences.

Remember, while requesting specific songs can add a personal touch to your wedding, it's important to trust the expertise of your wedding band. They are professionals who know how to read the room and create a magical atmosphere. By working collaboratively with them, you can ensure that your wedding day is memorable and enjoyable for everyone.

Frequently asked questions