How to Choose a Wedding Band

Few things will bring your wedding party to life quite like a live band. Whether it’s dancing with your loved ones to a timeless Motown classic or screaming along to your favourite 90s anthem, live music has a magical way of creating lifelong memories. But with so many genres, sizes, and options available, choosing the right wedding band can feel like a challenge.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to select the ideal band for your big day — from musical styles and performance tips to logistics and budgeting.

On your wedding day, you’re bringing together people from multiple generations and backgrounds — parents, grandparents, cousins, childhood friends, and colleagues. With such a diverse group, you’ll want music that appeals to everyone.

As tempting as it may be to book that Iron Maiden tribute band you’ve always dreamed of, it’s a good idea to opt for a band that plays a variety of popular genres — rock, pop, soul, funk, and maybe even the occasional 50s or 60s classic. Most modern wedding bands offer setlists that span the decades, ensuring there’s something for every guest to enjoy.

Having a broad musical repertoire doesn’t just keep people happy — it also gets them dancing.

Your band should complement the overall theme and atmosphere of your wedding. Here are a few suggestions:

• Rustic/Barn Wedding: Acoustic folk-style bands with guitar, fiddle, or banjo.
• Vintage Theme: Swing or jazz bands that evoke a bygone era.
• Classic Glamour: Soul or Motown bands in slick suits or elegant dresses.
• Festival Vibe: Indie, pop-rock, or even roaming bands who play acoustically among guests.
• Destination or Beach Wedding: Steel drum bands, Latin ensembles, or acoustic duos.

Matching the sound and style of the band to your theme adds to the immersive experience of your celebration.

Technical skill is important, but a wedding band also needs charisma and the ability to work a crowd. Great performers know how to read the room, adapt to the energy of the audience, and make sure everyone feels involved.

Look for promotional videos that showcase not just how the band sounds, but how they interact with their audience. Are people on their feet? Is there a buzz in the room? That’s what you’re after.

Even the most energetic band needs a break between sets. To avoid a lull in your dancefloor action, consider hiring a band that also offers a DJ service.

This typically involves a band member using DJ software to play music before, between, and after live sets — often at a lower cost than hiring a separate DJ. Many bands will also take requests or create a custom playlist, which helps keep the party going smoothly.

Your venue’s space and sound restrictions will play a major role in the type of band you can hire. A full 8-piece band with brass, drums, and electric guitar might be perfect for a large ballroom — but not so much for a cosy barn or marquee with noise limits.

Many wedding bands offer flexible line-ups. This means they can shrink to a trio or duo, or use backing tracks for a full-band sound in a smaller setup. You can also consider acoustic duos, solo singers with tracks, or unplugged ensembles that maintain energy without overwhelming volume.

Don’t limit your live music to the evening reception. Many wedding bands offer daytime packages that include acoustic performances for your ceremony, drinks reception, or wedding breakfast.

Here’s an example of how you might structure your music:

Ceremony: Acoustic soloist or string quartet.

Drinks Reception: Jazz trio or acoustic duo playing mellow background music.

Evening Party: Full band performance with dancefloor classics.

Using the same band throughout the day can often be more affordable than hiring multiple acts — and reduces setup complexity and travel fees.

While rock and pop cover bands are the most common choice for weddings, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Some fantastic alternatives include:

Ceilidh Bands: Great for family-friendly fun, especially when there are children. Most come with a “caller” to guide guests through the dances.

Latin & Salsa Bands: Bring energy, rhythm, and spice — especially perfect for summer weddings.

Tribute Acts: A tribute to The Beatles, ABBA, or the 80s can be a massive crowd-pleaser and give your evening a unique identity.

Jazz Ensembles: Chic and sophisticated, jazz bands offer toe-tapping entertainment for guests of all ages.

OK, we're biased but here are a few reasons to book through an agency:

• No hassle.
  The agency handles all the admin for you – you just need to choose a band for your wedding and they’ll handle the organisation and paperwork, insurance certificates and portable appliance testing (PAT) certificates.
• Quality control.
  We can’t speak for other agencies, but Function Central only uses the highest calibre musicians who use the best equipment. All our bands are hand picked for their ability to handle even the most demanding crowd and their reliability.
• A wider choice.
  As agencies have so many bands on their books, they’ll always have something to suit every taste and budget.
• Competitive pricing.
  Agencies compete with each other to offer the lowest prices and the best value.
• A great show – guaranteed!
  If there is a problem with your wedding band or party band on the day of your event – for example, sickness, a family emergency, a broken down van – you’ll still get your band, as most agencies will have instant access to a replacement band.
• Book your whole day through the same agency – and save.
  They might be able to give you a discount for booking multiple musicians for the same event – for example, if you’re booking both a rock and pop covers band for your wedding reception and a string quartet for your wedding ceremony.
• Politics.
  Asking friends and relatives to play at your wedding can be a minefield. It can lead to hurt feelings on both sides when your idea of the perfect first dance is very different to your friend’s band’s idea!

Wedding band prices can vary widely depending on location, band size, experience, and performance duration. Here’s a rough guide:

Solo musicians: £250–£500

Acoustic duos: £400–£800

Full 4–6 piece band: £900–£2,000

Premium 8–12 piece show bands: £2,000–£5,000+

Make sure your quote includes travel, setup time, equipment, and VAT. Some bands may also request meals or refreshments, especially if they’re on-site for most of the day.

Before signing on the dotted line, ask the following:

• Are they available on your date?
• How long do they perform for? How many sets?
• Will they learn your first dance or special request?
• Do they have public liability insurance and PAT-tested equipment?
• What are their cancellation or contingency policies?
• Do they require a stage, lighting, or a changing room?
• Can they provide music during breaks?

A good band will be happy to walk you through everything and ensure expectations are clear on both sides.

Here’s a typical timeline for a wedding band:

Arrival: 5–6pm for evening receptions.

Setup & Soundcheck: 60–90 minutes.

First Set: Around 8:00–8:45pm.

Break & DJ Music: 30–45 minutes.

Second Set: 9:30–10:30pm.

Pack Down: Usually done by midnight.

Each band has its own flow, but this gives a good idea of what to expect so you can plan your reception accordingly.

A few simple tips to maximise your entertainment:

• Provide a clear running order and access instructions in advance.
• Offer a green room or chill-out area if they’ll be on-site all day.
• Encourage guests to make song requests (if the band allows).
• Coordinate with your planner or venue to allow time for soundcheck.
• If you have a specific “do not play” list, let them know early.

A smooth experience leads to a spectacular show!

Ready to start browsing? Head on over to Function Central's wedding bands page, where you can check out videos and read reviews from previous customers.

If you like the look of a band, have a glance at their song list to see if it would suit your guests – and remember that most of our bands are happy to learn a first dance or special song just for you.