Your Book Live guide to hiring Wedding Bands.
How do I choose the right Wedding Band, how much does it cost to
hire a live band and our complete guide on how to hire
wedding bands for your event.
Congratulations! We hope your plans are coming together nicely.
By now you've probably booked your wedding venue,prepared the guest
list and, no doubt, you've ticked a few other arrangements off your
to-do list. You've come to the right place for live wedding bands
and our expert team is here to help with making the right choice
for your special day. We know our wedding bands really well, the
differences between them and everything that you need to know to
help you hire the the right music to suit your requirements.
What kind of wedding band are you looking for?
Our rock, pop and function bands are always popular for weddings.
Their repertoire includes a good selection of tried and trusted
covers that the band knows will get people on the dance floor. They
have built up their song list based on their experience of events
and most will add new songs that they believe will be classic hits
for years to come. We recommend choosing a band that plays the music
that everyone will really enjoy on the night. Here are a few differences
between the different types of Rock & Pop bands music.
Wedding Rock & Pop bands:
These bands will usually have a songlist of great covers from the
last 50 years including hits from artists like The Beatles, Bryan
Adams, George Michael, Kylie and Amy Winehouse. One of our most
popular wedding rock & pop bands with a songlist suitable for
all age groups:
Time After Time: www.booklive.co.uk/band/time-after-time
One of our most popular Indie Rock & Pop bands suitable for
guests wanting a rockier sound from more contemporary music:
The Rev Band: www.booklive.co.uk/band/the-rev-band
Some bands perform from a really up to date playlist of current
chart hits that are excellent for 21st birthday celebrations, corporate
promotions and other events for a young audience. One of our most
popular modern bands is:
Music Mash: www.booklive.co.uk/band/music-mash
Wedding Jazz & Swing bands:
These bands perform classic jazz and swing from legendary artists
such as Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble and many others.
One of our most popular wedding swing bands with a great songlist:
5 Star Swing:
www.booklive.co.uk/band/5-star-swing
Many wedding couples like to hire an instrumental jazz band which
usually comprises of piano, bass and drums and is perfect for the
drinks reception or over dinner:
The Junction Jazz Band:
www.booklive.co.uk/band/the-junction-jazz-band
You may like a dixie band - often called a New Orleans jazz band
- which performs toe-tapping instrumental tunes. Think of Henley
Regatta with a band dressed in bright waistcoats and a lively sound
which is great for both indoor and outdoor weddings. One of our
most popular dixie bands is:
Music Mash:
www.booklive.co.uk/band/the-dixie-jazz-men
Other popular Wedding Bands:
You may already have ideas about what kind of wedding band you'd like
to hire for your special day. Here are a few other highly recommended
bands from our portfolio if you're looking for something a bit different:
The Latin Kings:
Sensational 2-4 piece Latin band performing classic music from the
Gypsy Kings and other Spanish songs. A perfect wedding band or for
parties requiring a touch of class with great Latin beats: www.booklive.co.uk/band/latin-kings
High Society Brass Band:
High Society is a professional, highly versatile brass band performing
a wide range of music including jazz from the 20's to 40's, easy
listening, dixie jazz and traditional brass music: www.booklive.co.uk/band/high-society-brass-band
7T - Disco Band:
Sensational seventies disco party band with fantastic vocals bringing
the ultimate in dance floor classics to your event and amazing attention
to sound quality.www.booklive.co.uk/band/7t
Devilry - Irish Folk / Ceilidh Band:
Internationally renowned musicians performing a range of Irish folk,
jigs and reels for a memorable folk night or a full on ceilidh with
caller..www.booklive.co.uk/band/devilry
There is such a huge choice and these are only a few suggestions
of alternatives to the traditional wedding function band. If you'd
like further suggestions, please call one of our friendly team who
will be delighted to discuss ideas for your big day.
Will the band take requests?
Most bands will be happy to learn 1 or 2 songs for a special event
like a wedding if they have plenty of time to rehearse it. We recommend
giving a band 2 to 3 months notice so they can make sure it sounds
right in good time.
How much does a live wedding band cost?
We get asked this a lot and there is no easy answer. One thing
we advise is that you usually get what you pay for. There is a difference
between a band that charges a £800 and another that charges £2000
although it might not seem that obvious when just listening to their
music. Bands that charge less might have day jobs, may not be as
experienced or as proficient as their more expensive peers . It's
likely that their sound equipment might not be as good and they
don't have any / as many deputy musicians which may be the most
important factor when deciding which band to choose. What would
happen if one of them falls sick and needs to cancel their performance?
All of these things need to be considered so we really do recommend
alocating as much as you can towards your wedding entertainment.
It's one of the most impoartant days of your life and we want you
to really enjoy it without the risk of cancellation or disappointment
on the day itself. All Wedding Bands booked through Book Live have
a peace of mind guarantee meaning you are protected if anything
unexpected happens. However, we always recommend treating yourselves
to as good a wedding band as you can afford as a wedding is usually
a once in a lifetime experience and we know you'll want the very
best for you and your guests.
What is included in the price?
All of our wedding bands have their own equipment [where appropriate]The
fee covers a typical performance for 2 or 3 x sets plus CDs/iPod
played when they are not performing. It also covers all their insurances,
PAT certification [safety checks] for their equipment, an arrival
of approximately 6pm and a finish of around midnight. Expect to
pay extra for an early set up / a late finish, significant travel
expenses plus any additional sets or musicians. All enquiries made
with Book Live will include the total cost for the performance as
long as we know all the information about your event.
What does a live wedding band need to perform?
Most live bands have a requirement list for performances - this
is called a ryder. A typical ryder is:
- Access to a power supply. They will usually need
2 or 3 x standard power sockets and they will bring suitable cables
/ connectors to power their equipment
- A suitable performance area. A 4 piece band will
need approx 4 x 3metres, a 6-8 piece live band will need approx
6 x 4metres
- Around 60-90 minutes to set up. Bands don't want
to disturb your event but they would also rather not sit around
for hours ahead of a performance so they usually arrive at a suitable
time to set up around 2 hours ahead of the party.
- Hot food for each band member and soft drinks.
You will get the best out of the band if you look after them whilst
they are with you.
- A changing / chill-out area where they can also
leave their valuables.
- Parking spaces to be provided or paid for.
Can I go and see the band before I book?
Some bands do have public performances but most don't as these
gigs are usually in pubs and clubs and most of the bands we represent
prefer not to do these. We've included as many live videos of the
bands on their pages so you can see them as well as listen to their
audio samples. Remember, too, if a band does have a public performance,
they may get booked for your date by the time you get to see them.
We are unable to arrange for any prospective client to go and see
a band at someone else's wedding or private party.
How does payment work?
A deposit is due at the point of booking. Book Live can accept
payments by Visa, Switch, Mastercard, Cheque or Bank Transfer.
Balance payments should be settled directly with the band leader
either 2 weeks in advance or in cash on the night so they can pay
all the band members promptly.
Why should I hire a wedding band with Book Live?
Book Live is one of the UK's most respected entertainment agents
supplying superb live bands and singers for weddings, parties and
corporate events. We have worked with customers at the highest level
(read more) and we
offer a completely impartial service. Most agencies have a house
band that they are trying to sell and the rest of their portfolio
may not get a look-in. We have pre-vetted all of our artists and
offer a Peace of mind guarantee:
- All of our artists have been selected for their
professionalism, musicianship and performance, so we know that
every event will be special for all the right reasons. The Book
Live team regularly go and see our acts perform so we know what
clients can expect before they book.
- Public Liability Insurance and PAT certification
can be provided on request for any performances.
- All bookings are secured by contract with both
the client and the artist for complete peace of mind.
- We provide a 24/7 emergency number should you
need to talk with us.
- Our artists all have regular deputy musicians
so an event will never be compromised. In addition, Book Live
can provide replacements for our solo artists in the unlikely
event that something unexpected happens [subject to availability].
What else do I need to know?
We hope we have covered all bases. If you have a question then
please get in touch and we will do our best to answer it.
Additional articles from the Book Live blog:
You'll find a full list of all of our Wedding Bands here:
www.booklive.co.uk/hire/wedding-bands
Your
Book Live guide to hiring Wedding Music 
Your
Book Live Music guide to hiring Jazz & Swing Bands
Your
Book Live Music guide to hiring Soul & Motown Bands
Your Book Live Music guide to hiring Rock &
Pop Bands 
Your
Book Live Music guide to hiring Classical Music 
