How much does a wedding band cost?
Wedding band prices vary depending on factors such as the number of musicians, travel distance, popularity of the band and your wedding date. Our booking data shows that most couples spend between £1,500 and £2,500 on their evening wedding band, although prices can range from £500 for smaller acoustic acts and duos through to £8000+ for luxury showbands with 10+ performers.
For a detailed breakdown of typical costs, see our Wedding Band Prices Guide - and for money saving tips our guide to saving money on your wedding band.
What's included in the price?
Your quotation will normally include the band's live performance (usually 2 hours or 2 x 45 minute sets) , PA system, public liability insurance, and all equipment required for the performance. Most bands also provide background music between sets, and many include stage lighting as standard. Prices are usually based on a standard arrival time of around 6pm and a finish time of midnight.
How far in advance should I book my wedding band?
Based on thousands of recent Alive Network bookings for summer Saturdays, many of our most popular wedding bands are secured 12–18 months in advance
If you have a specific band in mind, we recommend booking as early as possible. Even if your wedding is much sooner, it's always worth checking availability as many excellent bands still have dates available throughout the year.
What type of band is best for my wedding?
If your guests enjoy current chart music and indie classics, a Rock & Pop band is usually the safest choice. Soul & Motown bands suit mixed-age or older guest lists particularly well, while acoustic and festival-style bands are ideal for daytime celebrations.
What size wedding band do I need?
For most weddings, a 4 or 5-piece band provides the ideal balance of sound, song choices, visual impact and value for money. Our recent booking data shows 4-piece bands are still the most popular choice for wedding couples.
Larger 6-9 piece bands often feature additional vocalists, brass sections or percussionists, creating a bigger live sound and stage presence, and allowing for a broader repertoire of songs. Smaller duos and trios are ideal for intimate weddings, daytime entertainment or venues with limited space.
Use the filters above to compare bands by number of members.
What kind of songs will the band play?
Most professional wedding bands perform a carefully chosen mix of modern chart hits, classic party songs and dancefloor favourites spanning several decades.
Popular artists often include names such as Bruno Mars, The Killers, Taylor Swift, Oasis, Stevie Wonder, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa and The Beatles.
You can view the full song list on each band's profile page, and use our Search by Song option in the filter menu to find bands who play your favourite hits.
If you're looking for a more specialist style, you may also wish to explore our Mumford & Sons Style Bands, Soul & Motown Bands, Ceilidh Bands or Jazz Wedding Bands.
Can we choose the songs the band plays?
Yes. Most wedding bands are happy to take your preferences into account.
Many couples provide a list of favourite songs, along with any tracks they'd prefer not to hear. While some bands may allow you to build much of the set list yourself, most will use your preferences to create a performance that works best for your guests and keeps the dancefloor busy throughout the evening.
Will the band learn our first dance?
Yes - most of our wedding bands are happy to learn a first dance or special request, although some may charge a small additional fee depending on the complexity of the song and the rehearsal time involved.
If you're still deciding on your first dance, see our guide to the 100 Best First Dance Songs.
Can wedding bands provide music throughout the day?
Many bands now offer All-Day Music Packages that can include:
- Ceremony music
- Drinks reception entertainment
- Wedding breakfast music
- Acoustic daytime performances
- Evening live band sets
- DJ services
Booking a single supplier for multiple parts of your day is often simpler and can work out more cost-effective than booking separate acts.
How long will the band play for?
A typical evening performance consists of either:
- 2 x 60-minute sets
- 3 x 40-minute sets
Most bands can adapt their performance schedule to fit around your wedding plans.
Many bands also provide background music between sets, and some offer extended performances or later finishes if required.
Will the band provide music between sets?
Yes.
Most wedding bands provide background music through their PA system during breaks between live sets, ensuring there's no silence throughout the evening.
Many bands also offer a professional wedding DJ service as an optional extra, allowing requests, announcements and continuous music throughout the night.
How much space does a wedding band need?
As a general guide:
| Band Size | Recommended Space |
|---|
| Duo / Trio | 3m x 3m |
| 4 Piece Band | 4m x 3m |
| 5-6 Piece Band | 5m x 3m |
| 7 Piece+ Band | 6m x 4m+ |
Bands will also require nearby power sockets and appreciate access to a private changing area where possible.
Can the band perform outdoors?
Yes, provided suitable shelter is available.
Outdoor performances require protection from rain, wind and direct sunlight, and all electrical equipment must remain completely dry. Any gazebo or covered structure should be significantly larger than the band's performance area and capable of being enclosed if weather conditions change.
For more information, see our guide to booking a wedding band outdoors.
My venue has a sound limiter. Will this be a problem?
Not necessarily.
Many professional wedding bands regularly perform at venues with sound limiters and can adapt accordingly. As a general guide, limiters set at 95dB or above are rarely problematic, while lower settings can require more specialist equipment.
If your venue has a sound limiter, let us know before booking and we can recommend suitable acts, including our Sound Limiter Friendly Bands, Acoustic Bands and other low-volume entertainment options.
Which is better for a wedding: a live band or a DJ?
Both can work brilliantly, but they offer different experiences.
A live wedding band provides energy, audience interaction and the excitement of a live performance. A wedding DJ offers maximum flexibility in music choice and can be a practical option for smaller budgets or venues with limited space.
Many couples book both, and you can compare our Wedding DJs here.
Do you have wedding bands near me?
Yes. We supply wedding bands across the UK. Browse by region or search using your location to find acts nearby.
Can you recommend a wedding band to suit my budget and requirements?
Of course.
If you're unsure where to start, simply get in touch and we'll recommend suitable bands based on your budget, venue, guest numbers and preferred music styles.
Why book your wedding band through Alive Network?
Booking through Alive Network gives you the reassurance of working with one of the UK's most established entertainment agencies.
You'll benefit from:
- Secure booking contracts
- Dedicated personal support
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Carefully vetted professional artists
- Transparent pricing
Our role is to make booking live wedding entertainment as straightforward and stress-free as possible, while helping you find the perfect band for your celebration.
