The right music can make all the difference at a wedding, and as such, finding the perfect wedding band can feel overwhelming. However, at Encore Musicians, we specialise in providing thousands of couples with the best wedding bands in the UK each year, making us experts in helping you find the ideal band for your big day.
Expert Tips on Finding the Right Wedding Band in the UK
We have curated this list of essential tips from our booking experts to help you right wedding band in the UK.
- Start Early
Begin your search for the perfect wedding band well in advance. Popular wedding music bands are often booked months or even a year ahead, so securing your choice early ensures you get the ensemble you desire.
- Define Your Budget
The step when making any big purchase is to define how much you’re willing to pay for it – what is your minimum and what is your maximum? Do you have any wiggle room for if you see a band of a higher quality?
Another key consideration that some couples overlook is the extra costs. At Encore, our prices are inclusive of transportation fees, and your final quote will be all-inclusive, however, other services may add these on top of the quote so it’s important to double-check to avoid any nasty surprises.
- Ask Yourself the Right Questions
Do you want a lively performance or more background music? How long do you want the band to play for? Have you checked with the venue how much space you have for the band? Would you like a DJ service in between sets so that there is a continuous flow of music?
It’s important that you get these key basics down before you start searching so that you can save time when searching and not get overwhelmed.
- Think About The Acoustics Of The Venue
You might dream of an acoustic, indie band serenading you and your guests with Kings of Leon songs all night, however, if you have a larger venue with a guest list of over 100 people, the unamplified sound might not reach all your guests and end up a little awkward.
Likewise, if you want a big Soul and Motown band or showband with over 10 members, the sound might overwhelm a smaller, more intimate wedding reception with fewer than 50 guests.
- Ask the Band the Right Questions
Do they take requests on the night? How long do they take to set up and breakdown? Do they offer flexible line-ups in case you don’t need or have the space for the full band?
It’s equally important to make sure you discuss your song requests in advance, particularly if it’s not currently part of the band’s repertoire so that the band has enough time to learn and perfect it before the performance. If unsure, check out the bottom of the live wedding band page to see the most frequently asked questions about bands answered or at the bottom of each of our wedding band’s profiles.
- Think about Your Guests
Choose a band that not only you will love but also your guests. While it’s your big day, the people you love the most in the world are sharing it with you and you want them to have fun too.
If you have a diverse guest list of all ages and tastes coming, you might want to stick with a wedding band or party band that often has a wide repertoire of songs so that there’s something for everyone.
- Consider Something Different
While everyone wants a classic wedding band due to their wide repertoire of songs and experiences in weddings, there are plenty of other types of bands that are just as experienced with weddings who can provide you with top-quality wedding entertainment.
Our analysis of internal data last year showed that Soul and Motown bands, Ceilidh bands and jazz bands are increasingly popular. Although not as common at weddings, Soul and Motown bands are perfect for couples who want their music to make a lasting impression. They provide energetic performances with powerful vocals and the music is extremely easy danceable and lighthearted, keeping all the guests on their feet.
Similarly, Ceilidh bands have historically only been seen at Scottish and Irish weddings, however, they have become trendy in recent years as more couples look for unique wedding entertainment. Ceilidh bands will usually lead wedding guests in simple but fun dances and are ideal if you want an interactive performance which is suitable for all ages and dance abilities.
Another trend we’ve noticed is the rise of interest in Tribute bands for wedding bookings. While traditionally seen as “gimmicky”, our tribute bands, such as ABBA bands or Queen are true professionals who are dedicated to recreating the magic of the musicians.
- Thoroughly Look at Videos Online to Get a Sense of Their Stage Presence
All musician profiles on our websites will have videos of our wedding bands performing see how they engage with their audience and listen to samples to gauge their style. You can also check client reviews to be assured of their professionalism and reliability.
You can also use our platform to talk to the musicians directly about song requests and perfect the wedding playlist exactly to your tastes. Finally, confirm the band’s availability, agree on any requirements they might have, and secure your choice promptly to ensure a seamless musical experience on your special day.
- Check Reviews
Research the reputation of potential wedding bands by reading reviews and seeking references from past clients. On Encore’s website, you will find reviews on our musician’s profiles. A band with a positive track record is more likely to deliver a memorable performance on your special day.
- Watch Them Perform
You can look through our musician’s profiles, watch videos of them performing to see how they engage with their audience and listen to samples to gauge their style. You can also check client reviews to be assured of their professionalism and reliability.
Still stuck?
While choosing a wedding band can feel like a chore, just remember you’ll never please everyone and at the end of the day, it’s your wedding so have fun!
If unsure, speak to one of our experts today who can talk to you about your wedding, your venue, and your desired vibe and provide you with tailored recommendations perfect for your special day.
Ready to hire a wedding band? Check out our collection of professional wedding bands UK today or speak to one of our experts who can provide you with personalised recommendations based on your wedding, venue, and your tastes.