Music Wedding Bands: Live Music For Your Special Day

A wedding band is a group of musicians who perform live music at weddings. They usually have specially designed setlists for weddings and perform songs for first dances, last dances, and father/bride dances, among others. Wedding bands can be made up of multiple musicians who perform live for the couple and their guests. They are usually more expensive than a wedding DJ because they require more equipment and preparation time.

There are many different types of wedding bands, including rock and pop, folk and boho, vintage jazz and swing, rock 'n' roll, and sax and DJ. When choosing a wedding band, it is important to consider the venue, the age of the guests, and the budget.

Wedding Band Cost

The cost of a wedding band varies depending on several factors, including the number of musicians, the length of their performance, the band's experience and expertise, the location of the event, and the date. Here is an in-depth look at the costs associated with hiring a wedding band.

Average Cost of a Wedding Band

The average cost of hiring a wedding band in the United States is around $4,500, but prices typically range from $2,850 to $6,488. However, it is important to note that costs can vary significantly depending on various factors.

Factors Affecting Wedding Band Cost

Time

Wedding bands typically charge for a set number of hours. If you require them to perform beyond that, such as during a cocktail hour or after-party, additional charges will apply. Most bands will take a few predetermined breaks during their performance, which will be specified in the contract. During breaks, a single musician may perform or recorded music may be played to avoid complete silence.

Number of Performers

The cost of a wedding band is usually proportional to the number of musicians in the group. A larger band with more performers will generally be more expensive than a smaller band.

"Extras"

Some wedding bands provide additional equipment beyond the standard sound system, such as lighting, projectors, or other technical equipment, which can add to the overall cost.

New Songs

If you request the wedding band to learn and perform specific songs for your event, you may incur additional fees. This varies from band to band, so be sure to inquire about their policies.

Travel

If the wedding band needs to travel a considerable distance to reach your wedding venue, you may be responsible for covering their travel expenses, including mileage, gas, airfare, and/or accommodations.

Ways to Save Money on a Wedding Band

There are several strategies you can consider to reduce the cost of hiring a wedding band:

• Be mindful of the performance time: Keep the number of hours the band will be performing to a minimum. A four-hour package is usually sufficient for most weddings.
• Reduce the number of musicians: A smaller band with fewer instruments will generally be more affordable. Work with the band or a music agency to determine the number of instruments that fit within your budget while still providing the desired sound.
• Off-season or weekday weddings: Wedding bands may offer discounted rates for off-peak dates or weddings held on weekdays, as these are typically less busy times for them.
• Book in advance: Booking your wedding band well in advance, such as eight months or more before your wedding, can provide more options and potentially lower rates.
• Compare different bands: Shop around and compare prices and services offered by different wedding bands. This can help you find a band that fits your budget and requirements.

Music Style

The music style of your wedding band will depend on several factors, including the type of venue, the age of your guests, your budget, and the space available.

Genres

There are many different genres of wedding bands to choose from, including:

• Pop and Rock
• Folk and Acoustic
• Soul and Motown
• Indie and Britpop
• Rock 'n' Roll
• Jazz and Swing
• Contemporary and Modern
• World Music
• Classical
• Latin and Salsa
• Ballroom
• R&B
• Country

Popular Songs

Some popular songs for wedding bands to perform include:

• "Valerie" by Mark Ronson
• "Johnny Be Good" by Chuck Berry
• "Twist And Shout" by The Beatles
• "Can’t Stop The Feeling" by Justin Timberlake
• "Shotgun" by George Ezra
• "Seven Nation Army" by White Stripes
• "Dakota" by Stereophonics
• "Lion Man" by Munford and Sons
• "Ho Hey" by Lumineers
• "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers
• "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder
• "Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry
• "500 Miles" by Proclaimers
• "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson/Bruno
• "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk
• "Can’t Feel My Face" by The Weeknd
• "I Gotta Feeling" by Black Eyed Peas
• "Shut Up And Dance" by Walk the Moon
• "Last Night" by The Strokes
• "Chelsea Dagger" by The Fratellis
• "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor" by Arctic Monkeys
• "Teenage Dirtbag" by Wheatus
• "Summer Of 69" by Brian Adams
• "Living on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi
• "Mr Brightside" by The Killers
• "Wonderwall" by Oasis
• "Dock Of The Bay" by Otis Redding
• "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King
• "Riptide" by Vance Joy
• "Your Song" by Elton John
• "Shallow" by Lady Gaga/Bradley Cooper
• "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran

Customisation

You can also request specific songs or genres from your wedding band, or create a do-not-play list. It's important to communicate all your special requests and plans to the band in advance so they can prepare and ensure everything goes smoothly on your big day.

Band Size

When it comes to wedding bands, size matters. The number of musicians in a wedding band can vary from 3-piece bands to 20-piece bands. The more musicians in the band, the more expensive it will be. If you're on a tight budget, consider hiring a trio instead of a 4- or 5-piece band, or opt for a pop and rock duo or solo artist. They often use loop pedals or specially curated backing tracks to create a full-track sound while maintaining the excitement of a live performance.

The size of the wedding band will also depend on the space available. Before booking a band, make sure you know how much room they'll have to perform. You don't want to end up hiring your dream wedding band only to find out on the day that there isn't enough space for them.

Wedding bands usually perform 2 x 1-hour or 3 x 40-minute live sets, and they require a certain amount of space to set up their equipment. As a general guide, here are the recommended stage sizes for different band sizes:

• 3-piece wedding band: 3 x 3 metres
• 4-piece wedding band: 4 x 3 metres
• 5/6-piece wedding band: 5 x 3 metres
• 7-piece or bigger wedding band: 6/7 x 4 metres

In addition to stage space, the wedding band will also need an area to park their vehicles, get changed, and rest between performances. They will also require access to power outlets and may bring their own sound and lighting equipment.

Band Availability

When considering band availability, it is also crucial to think about the size of the band and the number of musicians you will need. The size of the band can depend on the number of guests you are expecting, the venue size, and the vibe you want to create. For instance, a quartet or 5-piece band would be suitable for a group of 50 or fewer guests, while a 7-piece band is recommended for a guest list of 150-200. If you are planning a large wedding with 250+ guests, you might want to consider an even bigger band, such as a 9, 10, or even a 12-piece band!

In addition to the number of guests, the location and theme of your wedding can also impact band availability. For example, certain types of bands may be more suited to a rustic barn setting or a swanky hotel. Think about the style of music you want and whether the band will need to be self-contained with their own sound equipment, or if the venue will provide what is needed.

To ensure your dream band is available for your wedding, it is best to start your search early, be flexible with your requirements, and be prepared to book them as soon as possible.

Band Requirements

When hiring a wedding band, it's important to consider the venue, the number of guests, your budget, and the space available for the band to perform. The type of music and performance style of the band should align with the energy and dynamics of the wedding and engage the guests.

The number of musicians in a wedding band can vary from 3-piece to 20-piece bands, and the cost typically depends on the number of musicians. For groups of 50 or fewer guests, a quartet or 5-piece band is suitable, while for 150-200 guests, a 7-piece band is recommended. If you're planning a large wedding with 250+ guests, consider booking a 9 or 10-piece band, or even a full 12-piece band, to ensure the sound level and energy match the number of guests.

The genre of music played by the wedding band should also be considered. Popular choices include Rock & Pop, Folk & Boho, Vintage Jazz & Swing, Rock 'n' Roll, and Sax & DJ. The genre can be matched to the wedding theme—for example, a folk band would suit a rustic barn venue, while a vintage jazz band would complement a Gatsby-themed wedding.

In addition to musical talent, wedding bands should be experienced in performing at weddings specifically. They should be able to adapt their performance to suit the flow of the wedding, including special dances and songs. They should also be flexible with their setup and pack-down, ensuring they can do so quietly and efficiently, especially if the wedding is taking place in one room.

When hiring a wedding band, it's essential to ask the right questions to ensure they meet your requirements. Enquire about their availability, budget, payment methods, cancellation and rescheduling policies, backup plans, insurance, experience, and the genres they specialise in. Don't forget to watch demo videos and read reviews to get a sense of their performance style and energy level.

Frequently asked questions