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:

• Cheap Entertainment or Expensive Mistake?
• Wedding Entertainment Agency
• 10 things to know about hiring a live band
• How much does it cost to hire a band?

 

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 Wedding Music, how do I choose the music, how much does a live band cost plus lots of useful wedding entertainment tips and advice for brides and grooms. more →

Your Book Live Music guide to hiring Jazz & Swing Bands
Your Book Live Music guide to hiring Jazz & Swing Bands, What are the different types of jazz band, how much does a swing band cost and our complete guide to booking jazz & swing bands for your event... more →

Your Book Live Music guide to hiring Soul & Motown Bands
Your Book Live Music guide to hiring Soul & Motown Bands, how do I choose the right one, how much does a soul band cost plus lots of useful tips and advice... more →

Your Book Live Music guide to hiring Rock & Pop Bands
Your Book Live Music guide to hiring Rock & Pop Bands, how do I choose the right one, how much does a live band cost plus lots of useful tips and advice... more →

Your Book Live Music guide to hiring Classical Music
Which string quartet should I book, where can I find a wedding harpist, how much does an opera singer cost and our complete guide on how to hire classical music for your event... more →