How to Start a Function Band and Get Paid Work Now

Starting a function band is an exciting and lucrative opportunity for musicians who want to perform live and entertain at some of the most memorable events in people's lives. 

Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or private party, function bands play a crucial role in setting the mood and creating unforgettable experiences. But breaking into this competitive industry can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to start or how to get paid gigs. 

The good news is that with the right approach, dedication, and a bit of planning, you can not only start a function band but begin getting paid work almost immediately.

Over the years, we’ve worked with hundreds of function bands, DJs, and musicians, helping them land regular gigs at weddings and private functions. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to form a band, build your repertoire, market yourself effectively, and get those first paid bookings. From assembling the right team to navigating the logistics of equipment, transport, and branding, we’ve got you covered. 

Ready to turn your passion for music into a profitable gigging career? Let’s dive in!

1. Find the musicians

Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a passionate newcomer, assembling the right group of people is crucial to your success. If you’ve been involved in music before, you might already know talented performers. 

If not, don’t worry! You can find bandmates through musicians' networks online—especially on Facebook groups like UK Musicians for Gigs. Websites like StarNow or even local ads can also help you find the right players.

It’s essential to ensure that all band members are not only skilled musicians but also great performers. A solid work ethic, a collaborative spirit, and an absence of big egos are just as important as musical talent.

2. Choose Your Repertoire Carefully 

Your song list will be the backbone of your band, so choose wisely. You’ll need a wide range of tunes that appeal to a broad audience. Think classics from across decades—everything from 'Rock Around the Clock' to 'Livin’ on a Prayer' and 'Bad Guy.' These songs are popular for a reason—they’re crowd-pleasers.

Take the time to go through our Top Function Bands' Song Lists for inspiration. Remember, while it's great to showcase your own style, you need to cater to the tastes of your audience. For weddings and functions, people expect a mix of genres, with something for everyone.

3. Practice, practice, practice

A great band is only as good as its rehearsals. It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many demos we get that miss the mark. You don’t need to replicate songs perfectly, but you should be able to perform them convincingly.

For example, a singer should not only be able to stay in tune but also engage with the audience. It’s not just about playing the notes correctly—it’s about creating a fun, high-energy performance. Put in the hours of practice to ensure that every song you perform is tight and polished.

4. Create High-Quality Promotional Material

Did you know that 80% of clients book a wedding band without having seen them perform live? This means that your promotional materials—photos, videos, and audio recordings—are vital to securing bookings.

Invest in a professional photoshoot to capture your band in action. High-quality sound recordings and video footage of your live performances will help build trust with potential clients. These materials can be used across various platforms like your website, social media, and booking platforms.

5. Get the look

Image matters when you're performing at weddings and corporate events. While you don’t need to look like you’re stepping out of a fashion magazine, you should still dress smartly and coherently as a band. Avoid looking overly casual—remember, most weddings are formal occasions.

Think about the vibe you want to convey. A cohesive band look is crucial. Many successful function bands have spent years playing together, and their chemistry shows in how they dress and perform as a unit. If you haven’t been together long, spend some time deciding on a look that represents your style and fits the occasion.

6. Get Equipment and Transport Sorted

To run a successful function band, your gear needs to be top-notch. This includes sound equipment (speakers, microphones, mixing boards) and musical instruments, of course. Keep your equipment well-maintained and ensure that all the members of your band have transport to get to the gigs.

As a function band, you’ll need to be self-contained. Having your own gear and reliable transport is essential. Lighting is an added bonus—it’s not always necessary, but it can give you a bit of an edge in terms of visual appeal, especially for evening events.

7. Get Organised and Stay Professional 

Running a successful band requires organisation, even if that’s not your usual forte. Keep track of your schedule so that you don’t double-book yourself. Respond promptly to clients, agents, or anyone else who contacts you about gigs.

It’s important to remember that professionalism is key to staying booked. Clients and agencies appreciate punctuality, reliability, and clear communication. If you come across as unreliable or difficult to work with, you might not get the job.

8. How to Get Gigs

There are two main ways to secure gigs: through an agency or by working directly with clients.

Agency: Joining an agency will relieve you of much of the administrative load. The agency will handle contracts, client communication, and fee negotiation while taking a small commission from your booking. It’s a great option if you want to focus purely on the performance side of things.

Direct Booking: If you want to keep 100% of the fee, you can go the DIY route and handle all the admin yourself. This involves marketing your band, responding to inquiries, negotiating fees, and managing contracts. It’s a lot of work, but it can be rewarding if you have the time and patience.

9. Playing at weddings

For most weddings, bands perform between 7 pm and 9 pm, finishing up by midnight or sometimes 1 am. Keep in mind that weddings often have tight schedules, so you’ll need to be flexible and adaptable.

Make sure you arrive early enough to set up and do sound checks, and always have a plan for dealing with any unexpected changes or delays. Remember, your job is to entertain, so keeping the energy up is crucial.

10. Travel

Playing in a function band means a lot of miles on the clock! Professional wedding and party bands often travel up to five hours to do a gig, and sometimes stay overnight if they’re playing far away from home. Make sure you allow plenty of time for travelling and are willing to make the sacrifices travelling the length and breadth of the country requires. 

11. Working as a Dep

If you’re not yet in a wedding band, but you want to start making money, consider working as a “dep” (deputy). This means filling in for another musician who can’t make a gig. It’s a great way to gain experience and build your reputation, though it’s not as lucrative as being part of a regular band. A dep needs to have a wide repertoire and be easy to work with.

Other ways of supplementing your function band income include teaching music.

12. The Reality of the Job: What social life?

Function bands are often busy on weekends and during peak wedding season. If you’re serious about making money, be prepared to work every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from April to September—and during December for Christmas parties and New Year’s Eve events.

That said, the perks include quieter weekdays when you can enjoy shopping without the crowds.

13. Earning Potential

Function bands are often busy on weekends and during peak wedding season. If you’re serious about making money, be prepared to work every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from April to September—and during December for Christmas parties and New Year’s Eve events.

That said, the perks include quieter weekdays when you can enjoy shopping without the crowds.

Final Thoughts: Ready to Join the Ranks?

If you’re passionate about music and love performing at weddings and functions, starting a function band can be a fulfilling and profitable venture. By building a talented team, choosing the right songs, maintaining professionalism, and marketing yourself well, you can secure paid gigs and start earning money doing what you love.

If you think you have what it takes, we’re always on the lookout for high-quality bands to join our roster. Fill out our quick application form, and we’ll consider adding your band to our list of recommended acts. Check out our top party bands to see your competition—and best of luck!