How much does it cost to hire wedding bands in London?
As of 2024, the typical price to hire a London wedding band was £1,902. However, the cost of a wedding band may change based on factors such as the number of musicians in the band, travel expenses, and their level of demand.
Our range of bands in London start at £261 for a duo, extending to £27,447 for a top-tier luxury wedding band. Additionally, the price of a London wedding band may differ depending on the season, with peak summer months commanding higher fees compared to off-peak winter weddings.
What does the price cover?
As well as their performance fee, a professional wedding band will provide all of the equipment necessary to ensure your wedding music goes off without a hitch, including a PA system and stage lighting. Upon receiving your enquiry, we will provide you with a confirmed quote from your selected artists, tailored to your specific needs. This quote encompasses all expenses, including travel, and costs specific to the city of London such as the congestion charge, LEZ and ULEZ.
Our online prices are structured based on a standard arrival time of 6 pm, concluding at midnight, with two 60-minute performances. This arrangement is typical for an evening wedding party. However, many London wedding bands also offer extended options such as afternoon acoustic sets and jazz sets, which you can choose to include during your drinks reception or wedding breakfast.
How far in advance should I book?
The best wedding bands in London will get booked 18 months in advance, so to ensure a wide array of options, we recommend securing your booking as early as feasible, particularly if your wedding is scheduled for a popular summer Saturday. If you're looking to hire a live band on a Saturday between May and September, you would do well do book between January and May the year prior.
What kind of songs do London wedding bands cover?
Professional London Wedding bands perform a huge array of songs, from chart-topping hits of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s through to contemporary party hits from the present day. Every wedding band plays songs that your wedding guests will know and love.
A wedding party band is all about dancing, and getting your guests on the dance floor, so wedding bands will perform a high energy mix of songs that wedding guests of all ages will love.
Wedding band music typically includes songs by renowned artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Killers, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Oasis, Elton John, Adele, Stevie Wonder and Dua Lipa and many more.
Explore each band's repertoire by visiting their profile page.
For a band with a difference, you might also like to look at our festival-style wedding bands, acoustic wedding bands and Mumford and Sons folk bands, or a Soul Motown band or jazz wedding band.
What are popular types of wedding bands for hire in London?
- A Rock and Pop Wedding Party Band
Frequently chosen as the primary evening entertainment for weddings, rock and pop wedding party bands deliver a vibrant and dynamic performance, ideal for filling your dance floor during the evening reception. These bands typically perform a mix of classic and contemporary rock and pop tunes, spanning from the 1950s to the latest chart hits! View our London Function bands here
- Soul Motown Bands
Derived from RnB, jazz, and gospel, the music performed by a Soul & Motown band blends captivating rhythms with powerful, heartfelt vocals. Expect soulful renditions of tracks from iconic artists like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, Jackie Wilson and more. These bands typically feature a larger line-up, often including a brass section. View Soul Wedding Bands here
- Roaming and Acoustic Bands
Acoustic bands and Roaming bands offer live-lounge style wedding music, spanning chilled afternoon vibes to up-tempo foot stomping Mumford style indie folk. They're suitable for every party of your day, from your wedding ceremony, to your drinks reception and wedding breakfast, as well as your evening wedding party. Free from cables, some bands stroll amidst your guests while performing, ensuring everyone gets in on the excitement!
- Wedding Ceilidh Bands
A traditional ceilidh band, including a 'caller' to help your wedding guests with the dance moves, makes for fun packed live wedding entertainment. If you're throwing a rustic barn wedding, or if you've got Scottish / Irish family members, these are a great choice.
- Upbeat Jazz
It's become quite popular to book bands who play modern rock and pop songs with a vintage Jazz twist. These bands are quieter and more sophisticated than regular pop and rock function bands, but they'll still good for dancing. Also see our classic toe-tapping jazz music bands to add a smooth, romantic vibe to your wedding celebrations. Jazz bands can be instrumental or with a singer.
- Dixieland
Perfect for a sunny summer outdoor wedding reception, these traditional New Orleans style jazz bands play Charleston music, mixing clarinet, trumpet, trombone, tube and banjo with a drummer. They're often able to wander amongst guests, and the sound of their music is both joyous and infectious.
- Rat Pack and Swing Bands
For a retro-cool vintage wedding theme, a solo Rat Pack singer or swing band would make a perfect choice. Covering classic Rat Pack era songs by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior, as well as hits by Louis Armstrong, Nina Simone, and Glenn Miller - they're ideal for guests of all ages. Why not check out a full big band swing orchestra?
Can the band learn a special song or first dance?
Yes - most bands are happy to learn your first dance or a special request, although they sometimes charge a small fee to cover this. Also check out our "50 First Dance Song Ideas" blog for inspiration.
How long will the band play for?
When you book a wedding band, they'll typically play two sets lasting one hour each, although many are willing to extend their performance times if needed. Many of our London Wedding bands are adaptable and will work to accommodate the requirements of your drinks reception or wedding party.
The standard pricing assumes a conclusion at midnight, but arrangements for a later finish can be made for an additional fee.
Will I need to book a DJ too?
London wedding bands offer a customisable playlist of background music to play between and after their sets, tailored to your musical preferences. This can serve as a suitable filler during breaks in the band's live performances and will be broadcast through their PA system, complemented by the band's stage lighting illuminating the dancefloor. You may decide this is enough for what you need.
Many bands also provide a DJ service where a band member actively takes requests and mixes tunes, emulating a traditional DJ. This service is generally more cost-effective than hiring a standalone DJ.
If you want a DJ to entertain your guests into the early hours post-band performance, then a separate wedding DJ may be worthwhile.
How long will the band need to set up and sound check?
It typically takes around 90 minutes for a band to set up and sound check. The band would usually arrive at your venue at 6 pm to get their equipment loaded-in, and it then takes approx. 60 minutes to complete a sound check. The sound check is an important step to get the band sounding as good as possible, ensuring the best wedding entertainment for you.
How much space and what other requirements will they need?
For an approximate space guide please see below:
- A trio / 3-piece band would require 3 x 3 metres
- A 4-piece band would need 4 x 3 metres
- A 5-6 piece band may need approx. 5 x 3 metres
- A 7 piece band or bigger would need 6 x 4 metres (or more)
Additionally, they will need:
- two double plug sockets close to the performance area.
- if possible, a secure dressing room where they can leave their valuables
- a hot meal / buffet and refreshments (tea / coffee / soft drinks)
For more information please see "Entertainment For Your Big Day: How to Ensure Things Run Smoothly"
Can the band play outside?
Usually yes - but make sure you provide shelter in case of bad weather.
If you hire a wedding band to play outdoors, please note:
- Their equipment must not get wet
- When calculating how big cover needs to be, make it at least one meter bigger all the way around, than the space they need to performing in
- Please ensure there is cover on the sides to prevent rain from blowing onto their equipment
- If they set up without cover then need to move because it rains, this will result in a big delay
Do you have local London wedding bands near me?
Yes we have the UK's best selection of local bands for weddings in London and the surrounding boroughs. Enter a search on our web site to see popular bands in London first, then click 'near me' to order by travel distance. Hiring London wedding bands couldn't be easier.
Also see our other amazing wedding entertainment London
I need help to choose a London wedding band, what should I do?
Get in touch and we'll by happy to offer a personal recommendation for London's best wedding bands for hire. We can help you find the perfect wedding band to suit your musical tastes, the style of wedding, and your budget. We'll help you to find your perfect London wedding band to make your wedding day special. With more than bands to chose from, we're London's number 1 choice for wedding band hire.
What security will I get if I book with Alive Network?
Book wedding entertainment for your big day with Alive, and you'll get a secure booking contract with emergency cover available 24/7. If unforeseen circumstances affect your band attending your wedding day, Alive will be on hand to offer support in arranging an emergency replacement band, even if it's at very short notice. You'll also benefit from speedy personal advice and support from a dedicated entertainment coordinator, right up to your special day.
We only work with the best bands, who we vet and monitor to ensure a high quality and reliable service. We've won over 50,000 five star customer reviews from happy couples, our recommended London wedding bands and musicians will make your wedding a day to remember, for all the right reasons.
With 25+ years experience hiring bands for over 170,000 couples like you, you can be confident you're hiring from the leading London wedding entertainment agency.
I'm in a London wedding band, how do I join your agency?
Brilliant - we're continually on the look out for the best London wedding music bands. Go to our 'how to join' page to find out more about how to apply to join.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any other questions 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
