Your Ultimate Guide To
Wedding Entertainment
We're the UK's largest wedding entertainment supplier
You're here! The #1 place to plan and find the best wedding entertainment. Over 1000 ideas for Wedding Bands, Musicians, DJs & Entertainers. Our expert coordinators book entertainment for over 8000 weddings every year, so we've come to learn a thing or two. Our guide provides inspiration for all your big day's big moments - from ceremony music to evening party. Find entertainment ideas to match your wedding style. Plus, get tips from real brides & grooms like you.
Over 40,000 5 star customer reviews
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Entertainment IdeasYour BIG Day Your way
From your favourite ceremony music to evening reception acts, these are the most popular ideas for wedding entertainment that are flying off our virtual shelves.
WEDDING BANDS
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Match to Your Wedding Style
Love to hit the festival scene every summer? Fan of all things vintage? Whether you have a wedding theme, want to match the era to your venue, or just want your friends to have fun, find bands & entertainers that will help your pull it all together.
Wedding Entertainment Advice
Ready to delve into even more wedding entertainment planning ideas and tips? Check out our advice articles and exclusive collections.
Wedding Songs And Music Ideas
Wedding Entertainment Planning Advice
Something Different
Real wedding inspiration
Get lovely ideas for your own day from lovely real couples! See how they did it below. Want to share your own big day story with us? Email us here, or use #alivebride on Instragram to show us your amazing wedding day entertainment ideas!
From Our 'Real Weddings' Blog Series
Tips From Real Brides And Grooms
“Live music is such an amazing part of your day. Don’t forget to enjoy it and be a part of it. I spent too much time on my wedding day fretting about the small stuff when I should have been on the dancefloor! It’s the good times with my mates and family – and each other! – that were really the most important thing to me.”
Gwen and Tom
“You want music that’s personal and meaningful for your ceremony – so look for tracks you love when you search, and specify song choices with your musicians beforehand.”
Kieran and Liam
“Rather than playing your first dance through an iPod, ask your band if they can play it live. It really makes a difference. Our song wasn’t on the band’s repertoire, so they charged us a small fee to learn it. Worth every penny!”
Gill and Rich
“We didn’t realise our civil wedding ceremony couldn't feature music with any religious references. If in doubt, ask your artists for song inspiration – our gospel choir helped guide us with a selection of non-religious music that worked beautifully for our service.”
Louise
“Make sure your evening entertainment is in the same room as your bar. I’ve been at weddings before where it feels quite flat and quiet when everyone’s queueing for the bar, and I didn’t want that. I wanted everyone in the same room, having a laugh and a dance and joining in with the party!”
Lily and Peter
“If you want your guests to happily chat during your drinks reception, let your artists know that you are looking for a ‘background’ set – something more chilled out, with a volume and set up to match. Our acoustic band were just perfect.”
Lauren and Carl
“Ask your ushers to gather guests together for your first dance, so everyone’s there for your big moment. It means everyone is part of your moment, the photos look full…and mainly it means you can get everyone to join you on the dancefloor if nerves get the better of you after the first minute!”
Lottie and Rich
“Make sure your evening food is not being served at the same time your band are due to play. No matter how amazing the music, food will always win! Our times slipped so the band’s first set wasn't really watched or made the most of. Their second set was brilliant. It's our only regret because everyone loved them!”
Claire and Andrew
“If you plan on paying your artist in cash on the day, arrange for one of your trusted groomsmen to do it, or your dad (or someone else with inside jacket pockets) - preferably before the drinks start flowing!”
Ellie and Josh
“Don’t be afraid to mix things up – most classical artists we looked at could play an eclectic mix of styles, not just the usual! We met in Ibiza so we chose a string quartet that could play a few dance anthems as well as classical pieces! It made the music really special.”
Anna and James
Featured Reviews From Amazing Wedding Couples
On-the-Day Details
Everything you need to know about typical W-day timings for your wedding entertainment,
and at-a-glance checklists for your venue and your artists. Your wedmin sorted!
Music for your prelude (as guests arrive)
30 mins
Music during your ceremony: Entrance of the bride, signing of the register, and your walk down the aisle as newlyweds
3-4 songs
After the ceremony , as your guests relax and chat before your wedding breakfast.
Your entertainment should… continue the excitement after your ceremony and provide the perfect mood for mingling.
60 mins or
2 × 45 mins
Ambient music or ice-breaking entertainment during the meal.
Your entertainment should… keep the buzz going, so the party feeling doesn’t flag before the speeches.
60 mins or
2 × 45 mins
Evening Reception
Entertainment for your big party finale, after evening guests arrive and the cutting of the cake.
First Dance
Your special song/s can be played live by your artist or through a laptop or iPod.
1-2 songs
1st Live Music Set
Your artist will be prepped to kick in with your first party set after the first dance.
60 mins
1st DJ Set
Your artist will take a break, but the party keeps going as your evening food is served.
45-60 mins
2nd Live Music Set
Time to push this party into another gear and get everyone on their feet again.
60 mins
2nd DJ Set
Dance the night away as die hard movers and ravers get their groove on.
Until close
Venue Checklist
(for ultimate party conditions!)
- Are there any sound limiters or noise restrictions
Heart set on live music? Check this before you book your venue! - Is there enough performance space?
At least 2x2m for a soloist, 3x4m for a 4-piece band - Is there a power supply near the performance area?
2-3 standard household sockets - Is there a changing space or room?
Where artists can smarten up before the performance - Are your bar and dancefloor located in the same room?
So your party isn't split across two rooms - Is there a live music curfew?
Usually midnight, but it can be earlier for some venues - Does your venue need proof of PAT & PLI for any live entertainment?
Standard safety and insurance requirements. All Alive artists have them and can produce certificates when needed.
Artist Checklist
Before Booking
- Availability
Search using your wedding date to see the artists available - Performance and style
Browse images, videos, audio clips - Repertoire
Check that the songs they play match your tastes - Reviews
Check out their previous performances
Ask Your Artist
- Can you learn a first dance or special song?
- Do you offer a DJ set in between and after live music sets?
- Do you offer additional daytime-friendly set ups for my ceremony, reception or wedding breakfast?
One Month Before
- Artist will contact you to run through the finer details of your day
- Give your artist advance notice to learn any ceremony or first dance song requests
On The Day
- Set Up Time
45 – 90 mins - Parking Space
Close to the venue - Outside Cover
Shelter from wind/rain/sun if performing al fresco - Soft Drinks and Food
Keep your artist's energy up for a crowd-wowing performance!
178887 Events Made Awesome So Far
...and over 40,000 independent customer reviews.
5 stars - Live Wires are Highly Recommended
“Words can not describe how good these guys were. From the very first song they had our guests hooked! The dance floor was heaving from beginning to end. The range of their play lis...”
David T booked Live Wires for their Wedding in Shropshire
5 stars - Lee Mathews are Highly Recommended
“Lee made our day pure class. From the moment he arrived to set up he put us at our ease & we realised what a professional Lee was/is. It was great to hear him playing in the ho...”
Andy T booked Lee Mathews for their event in London