Wedding Band Performance Guide

Playing in a wedding band is a great way to be a part of someone's special day and bring joy to people. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning to play in a wedding band. Firstly, it is important to arrive early, usually around 5:30-6:00 pm, to set up equipment and do a sound check before the performance. It is advisable to usher guests away from the performance area during the sound check to avoid any disruptions. Wedding bands typically play for a total of two hours, which can be split into two 60-minute sets or three 40-minute sets with breaks in between. It is also common for bands to provide a DJ service or playlist during breaks to keep the atmosphere going. When planning to play in a wedding band, it is crucial to consider the venue's noise restrictions and finish the performance with enough time to pack up and leave before the venue's closing time. Additionally, it is standard for the couple to provide food and drinks for the band, especially if they are hired for a longer duration.

Arrival and set-up times

The time required for setting up and sound-checking will depend on the size of the band and the complexity of their equipment. Most bands will need around 60 minutes to load in and set up, with an additional 10-15 minutes for the soundcheck. Some larger bands may require more time. It is important to find out these details before booking the band to ensure a smooth setup process.

If the wedding breakfast and reception are in the same room, it may be necessary to arrange for the band to arrive earlier in the day to set up before the meal. In this case, additional charges may apply for an early arrival, and it is worth discussing whether only a subset of band members can come early to set up most of the equipment, as this can be more cost-effective.

For daytime wedding entertainment, band members will usually arrive beforehand to soundcheck for their performance, ensuring that it does not interfere with the evening setup.

Sound checks

The set-up process involves liaising with venue management or the event planner to confirm location, timings, and other details. The band will then need to unload and set up their equipment, which can take up a medium-sized van's worth of space, and cable everything together. This usually takes about an hour.

The sound check itself is when the band ensures they sound great from the very first song, and that they can hear themselves clearly. They do this either via speakers placed on the floor next to their feet (monitors) or in-ear monitors (expensive headphones). A sound check typically lasts 15–20 minutes, or longer for larger bands.

If the venue has a sound limiter, the band should be informed in advance so they can make any necessary adjustments. Drummers may need to play on an electric kit, and amplified instruments may need to be played through a sound system rather than an on-stage amplifier, which can affect sound quality.

To minimise disruption, some couples may opt for an early load-in, where the band arrives earlier in the day to set up before returning later to soundcheck. This usually incurs an additional fee. Alternatively, the band can conduct a partial set-up earlier in the day and return to complete the sound check.

First dance songs

The first dance song is one of the most important musical selections for a wedding. It is a special moment for the newlyweds to celebrate their marriage and should be chosen carefully. Here are some tips and song suggestions to help you out:

Tips for Choosing a First Dance Song:

• Pick a song that is meaningful and distinctive to you as a couple. It could be based on the lyrics, a special memory, or a combination of both.
• Consider the pace and style of the song. Do you prefer a slow and romantic ballad, or something more upbeat and fun?
• Think about the length of the song. A good length for the first dance is around two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half minutes.
• Discuss with your partner whether you want to choreograph the dance or just go with the flow.
• Choose a song that resonates with both of you and that you are both comfortable dancing to.

First Dance Song Suggestions:

Romantic and Slow Songs:

• "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran
• "All of Me" by John Legend
• "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
• "Make You Feel My Love" by Adele
• "Your Song" by Elton John
• "La Vie En Rose" by Louis Armstrong
• "At Last" by Etta James
• "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers
• "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith
• "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" by Frankie Valli

Upbeat and Fun Songs:

• "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
• "Happy" by Pharrell Williams
• "Shut Up and Dance" by WALK THE MOON
• "You've Got the Love" by Florence + The Machine
• "Here Comes Your Man" by Pixies
• "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer
• "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor" by Arctic Monkeys
• "Marry You" by Bruno Mars
• "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz
• "Just Like Heaven" by The Cure

These are just a few suggestions to get you started. Ultimately, choose a song that reflects your personalities and relationship. Good luck with your wedding band performance!

Set lengths

The standard set lengths for wedding bands are two 60-minute sets or three 40-minute sets. However, there are many variations, and you can choose the set length that best suits your wedding schedule.

Some other set length variations include:

• Two 45-minute sets
• Three 60-minute sets
• Three 45-minute sets
• One 30-minute set followed by a 90-minute set

If you're looking for shorter but more frequent bursts of live music, you might prefer three 40-minute sets. This can keep the wedding party feeling fun, varied, and vibrant, giving your guests plenty of opportunities to dance. On the other hand, if you want your guests to have more time to dance to live music, two 60-minute sets might be a better option.

It's also worth noting that most venues have a curfew, usually around midnight, so your band's set lengths should be planned accordingly. If you want your band to play for an extended period, you might need to arrange a late finish, which may incur an additional fee.

Additionally, some bands offer daytime acoustic sets to entertain your guests during the drinks reception or wedding breakfast. These sets are typically shorter, ranging from 20 to 45 minutes, and will be outlined in your contract to help you plan your day.

When deciding on set lengths, it's important to consider the number of songs you want the band to play. On average, a song lasts 3-4 minutes, so you can expect 15-20 songs in a 60-minute set and 10-14 songs in a 40-minute set.

Ultimately, the choice of set lengths depends on your personal preference and the flow of your wedding day. Discuss your options with your band, and they will be happy to work with you to create a schedule that works best for your special day.

Breaks

The number of breaks you'll have depends on the length of your sets. For example, if you're doing two one-hour sets, you'll have one break, whereas three 40-minute sets will give you two breaks. These breaks are usually 10-15 minutes long. During this time, the band will usually play a pre-made playlist that fits the musical theme of the wedding, or the couple may create their own playlist or hire a DJ. Some bands even offer a DJ as an additional service.

If you're providing the playlist for the break, make sure the songs are upbeat and will keep the party going. You don't want to bring the party atmosphere down a fraction or make your guests wait too long for live music to resume.

When planning your sets, it's also important to consider the timing of the wedding schedule. For example, you don't want to start performing too early if your guests have just finished eating a big meal. Similarly, if your venue has a strict finishing time, factor this into your performance times to ensure you have enough time to pack up and leave.

Additionally, be mindful of the number of songs you play before taking a break. Wedding bands typically play 4-7 songs before taking a break, as singing, performing, and maintaining high energy takes a lot out of the musicians.

Frequently asked questions