How much does a wedding band cost?
The average cost of a wedding band in 2024 was £1843, but prices vary depending on the size of the band, travel costs and how experienced they are. We have bands costing from as little as £327 for smaller duos or trios, all the way up to £25365 for the best luxury wedding bands, with 10+ members, a brass section and backing vocalists.
Just get in touch if you need help to find a wedding band within your budget.
What's included in the price?
Our online prices are a good estimation of the total price you'd pay for your wedding band, including travel. Bands provide all the equipment they'd need to perform on your big day, including their PA system and in most cases, stage lighting. Prices are based on a standard arrival time and 6pm and a finish time of midnight.
Once you've submitted an an enquiry, we will get you a confirmed quote from your chosen artists, based on your exact requirements.
How can I save money on my wedding band?
- Book a local wedding band to avoid paying extra in travel costs
- Book off-peak or mid-week to avoid popular wedding dates on summer Saturdays
- Check out our solo, duo and trio acts to save money with a smaller line-up
- You can make a significant saving by booking a wedding band who also provide wedding packages, such as afternoon acoustic sets for your wedding reception entertainment or wedding breakfast, and a DJ service for your evening wedding party. This will work out much less expensive than hiring separate suppliers.
For more advice on saving money on your wedding band, please see our article "On A Budget? Tips For Getting The Best Price For Your Wedding Band"
How far in advance should I book a band for a wedding?
The best wedding music bands will get booked 18 months in advance, so if you want to be sure of the having the largest choice, we recommend booking your wedding band as far in advance as possible. It's even more important to book well ahead if your wedding is taking place on a peak summer Saturday.
What kind of songs do wedding bands play?
A wedding band set list includes a wide range of music, including chart topping hits and party classics spanning the 1950s to the present day. Wedding band music is all about dancing, so you can expect a high energy mix of tunes that guests of all ages will know and love.
Examples of the artists you can expect include Bruno Mars, The Beatles, Dua Lipa, The Killers, Taylor Swift, Oasis, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Stevie Wonder amongst many others.
You can check out each band's song list on their profile.
Wedding bands also come in other styles too, such as Mumford & Sons style folk wedding bands, motown bands, a ceilidh wedding band, a swing band, or a jazz wedding band.
Can we chose our wedding band set list?
Many bands we represent are happy to allow you to have input into their set list, as they want to make your wedding as special and individual as possible for you. You can find your band's song list on their profile page, and whilst some bands might be happy for you to pick their entire set list from this, it's more common to give feedback on the songs you like most, or songs you definitely don't want, and then allow the band to build the most suitable set.
Your band will also need leeway to adapt to how guests are reacting on the night, so by working around preferences rather than dictating an exact set list, the band can ensure your dancefloor stays packed, and you get the very best live wedding entertainment for your big day.
Will the band learn my first dance?
Yes - in most cases professional live wedding bands will learn your first dance or a special request, although this is often a service they charge for, depending on how complex the song is, how long it will take to learn, and how likely they are to ever play it again.
If a band charges to learn a special song, this is usually included in the booking options on their profile page, but ask your Alive Network coordinator if you're unsure.
If you're looking for first dance song ideas, check out our "50 First Dance Songs" article.
Will wedding bands take requests from guests?
So long as the requested song is already on their set-list then yes, this is something most bands are more than happy to accommodate, and would actively encourage! Audience participation is a big part of what you'd expect from the best wedding bands for hire, so taking requests from guests is no problem.
How long do professional wedding bands play for?
Wedding entertainment bands usually perform 2 x 60-minute sets, though many can perform for longer if needed. For example, you could split a two-hour performance into three 40-minute sets, and some bands offer 3 x 60 minutes sets if required. Most bands are flexible to fit in with your drinks reception or wedding party.
The band will usually take a break of around 30 minutes between sets (often whilst your wedding buffet is being served), during which time they will provide background music through their PA system from an MP3 player or laptop.
Standard wedding band prices tend to be based on a midnight curfew, although a later finish can be arrange for a small additional cost.
Will they play background music between sets or DJ for us?
Yes - it's normal for your band to at provide background music between sets, usually a playlist from a laptop or iPad. Often this playlist can be tailored to include your favourite music.
Some bands also offer a manned DJ service as an extra booking option, with additional DJ lighting and a band member on hand to take requests, make announcements and mix tunes to suit the crowd.
How long does a live wedding band take to set up and sound check?
Set up and sound check usually takes around 90 minutes. If providing evening wedding party entertainment, your band would typically arrive at 6pm to load-in to your venue, and then take 60-90 minutes to complete their set-up and sound check.
The sound check is important as it ensures the band sound good in your specific room, as every space is different. After sound check, they usually require 30 minutes to clear away their cases and change into their stage clothes - so expect them to be performance ready within 90 minutes to 2 hours.
How much space and what other requirements will the band need?
Wedding music bands come in many different shapes and sizes, but the following should act us a useful guide as to how much space the need:
- 3-piece band = 3 x 3 metres
- 4-piece band = 4 x 3 metres
- 5 and 6-piece bands = 5 x 3 metres
- 7-piece bands and bigger = 6 x 4 metres or more
Your band will also need at least two 13 amp double plug sockets close to their performance area.
They will also really appreciate a secure dressing room if possible, so that they have a space to change and leave their clothes / valuables.
It is also usual to provide a hot meal and refreshments for a professional wedding band, so you can either arrange soft drinks to go in their changing rooms, or set up a tab with the bar.
In terms of food, a hot meal between their live sets would be much appreciated, but it's common for the band to simply eat from your evening buffet.
For more advice, also see our article "Booking A Wedding Band: How to Ensure Everything Runs Smoothly On The Day"
Can a wedding band perform outdoors?
Yes - but it's extremely important they have adequate shelter in case of bad weather, especially if you hire in the UK!
Please also consider the following points if you're thinking of having your band play outside:
- Their equipment must not get wet
- Any shelter such as a gazebo needs to be at least one meter wider in all directions than the size of performance area they require
- The shelter must have the option to close the sides so that wind can't blow rain into the performance area
- Water must not be able to collect on, or flow through the performance area
- If the band have to move to a sheltered space after they've already started performing, this is going to cause a big delay, so start them under shelter in the first place
- Sound carries outdoors, so an outdoor performance is more likely to cause a noise complaint with your neighbours
- You need more volume outdoors as there are no walls for the sound to bounce off, so your band may need to hire a bigger PA system
My venue has a sound limiter, will this cause a problem?
A sound limiter is a device that measures the volume of noise / music in a room, and then cuts the power if the volume exceeds a pre-defined level. Some wedding venues are forced to fit them in order to meet the requirements of their entertainment licence, ensuring they don't cause nuisance to nearby residents.
In most cases bands can work with a sound limiter that's set at 95dB or higher, but it can become a problem if your venue has a limiter set below this, especially if you're booking a band that plays high energy rock and pop.
Some bands have purchased 'silent backline' equipment, such as an electronic drum kit and digital guitar / bass amp simulators. These produce no sound in the room, and are only audible when plugged into the bands PA system. This allows the band to have complete control over the volume of all their instruments. These bands are able to work within the confines of any sound limiter. Please take a look at our sound limiter friendly bands here, and speak to your Alive Network coordinator who will be able to make recommendations based on the exact requirements of your venue.
You could also book live bands who aren't as loud, such as an acoustic band, acoustic wedding singer, or our solo singers to backing tracks.
Do you have local wedding bands near me?
Yes, we have a fantastic selection of local bands for weddings right across the UK. Enter a search into our website (including your wedding location) and well show you the most popular bands in your location first, but you can also order the results by 'nearest me' - to see the most local first.
I need help, can you help me find the best wedding band for my needs?
Of course - make an enquiry or get in touch and we'll help you find wedding bands in the UK that match your exact requirements. Our experienced staff will be happy to make recommendations and guide you through your options, based on your wedding theme and budget. With over 695+ of the best live bands for weddings, we're confident you'll find an act you love.
Which is better, a band or DJ for a wedding?
A band is the best option if you want an interactive performance that's as great to watch as it is to dance to. A wedding DJ is a great option if you're into music that bands don't tend to play, or if you're limited on space or budget. We think it's a great idea to have both - as they each offer something different, and why not have the best of both worlds?!
How do I book a wedding band?
Once you've found the band you love, add them to your enquiry basket and submit your enquiry to Alive. Alternatively, get in touch with us via phone or email to let us know who you're interested in booking. We'll double check the band's availability and get you a confirmed quotation, based on your exact requirements.
When you're ready to confirm a booking, let us know and we'll secure your date with the band, issue secure booking contracts, and you'd pay a small booking deposit. Simple!
What security will I get if I hire a wedding band with Alive?
Book a wedding band through us and you'll get a secure booking contract that comes with 24/7 emergency cover, so if anything unforeseen happens, we'll be there immediately to support you.
You'll also get personal one-to-one help and advice from a dedicated entertainment coordinator, from the minute you make your enquiry, right up to your wedding day.
You'll also get the peace of mind that you're booking with the largest wedding entertainment agency in the UK, with 25+ years experience, booking for over 170,000 other happy couples just like you.
Our professional bands are experienced, reliable and respectful of how much your wedding means to you, your family and friends. They'll go out of their way to ensure your big day is a huge success.
Can I see your terms and conditions?
Of course - you can find our terms and conditions here. If you have any questions about our terms please feel free to ask.
I'm in a wedding band, how do I join your agency?
Great - we're always looking for the UK's best wedding musicians. Head over to our 'how to join' page and submit a quick application.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any other queries, simply visit our FAQ page.
Alternatively, our dedicated expert entertainment coordinators are on-hand to help. Simply call 01782 740 839 or email enquiries@alivenetwork.com
