Encore Blog

How much does it cost to hire a wedding singer?

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:17:58 GMT

Most couples in the UK pay between £280 and £800 to hire a wedding singer, with the typical booking landing around £450–£600. A solo singer performing to backing tracks sits at the lower end; a singer-guitarist, a longer booking covering multiple parts of the day, or a well-established performer in London pushes toward the top — and beyond it for the most in-demand acts.

That headline range covers most weddings, but the right figure for your day depends on a handful of specific factors. Here’s exactly what you’ll pay, what drives the price up or down, and how to book the right singer without overspending.

Wedding singer cost at a glance

Type of act	Typical UK price	Best for
Solo singer (backing tracks)	£280–£550	Ceremonies, drinks receptions, intimate weddings
Singer-guitarist	£400–£700	Acoustic ceremony + reception sets
Singer with DJ setup	£600–£1,000	Evening entertainment on one budget
Singer fronting a duo/trio	£700–£1,200	Fuller live sound without a full band

Figures are indicative UK averages for 2026 and vary by region, experience, and how long you need the singer for.

What affects the cost of a wedding singer?

The type of act. A solo vocalist singing over professional backing tracks is the most affordable option. Add a live instrument (a singer-guitarist or singer-pianist), a second musician, or a full DJ rig for the evening, and the price rises with the setup.

How long you need them. Most singers price around performance sets — typically two 45-minute sets — plus setup and soundcheck. Covering your ceremony and drinks reception and the evening means more sets, a longer day, and a higher fee.

Experience and reputation. A singer with years of wedding experience, strong reviews, and a polished showreel commands more than someone earlier in their career. You’re paying for reliability on the one day that can’t be re-run.

Location and travel. London and the South East run 15–30% above the national average. Singers also factor in travel time, mileage, and occasionally overnight accommodation for remote or late-finishing venues.

Date and season. Peak Saturdays from May to September are the most expensive and book out first. A Friday, Sunday, or off-season date can shave money off the fee and widen your choice of acts.

Extras. Learning a specific first-dance song, providing a PA system for speeches, extra sets, or early setup can all add to the base price. Most of these are worth clarifying in the quote rather than assuming they’re included.

Wedding singer cost by part of the day

Ceremony (£150–£350): A single set as you walk down the aisle, during the register signing, and on the way out. Often booked as a shorter, standalone performance.

Drinks reception (£250–£450): Background live music while guests mingle and photos are taken — usually one to two sets.

Evening reception (£450–£800): The main event. Two full sets to fill the dancefloor, sometimes with a DJ or playlist service between sets.

Full day (£800–£1,500+): Ceremony through to evening, either from one versatile act or a singer who scales their setup across the day. The most convenient option, and priced accordingly.

Regional price differences

Wedding singer prices in London and the South East are the highest in the UK, typically £600–£900 for an evening booking. The Midlands, the North, Wales, and Scotland generally run lower, with strong solo singers available from around £300–£550. If your venue is rural or a long drive from major cities, budget for travel on top.

What’s usually included in the price?

A professional wedding singer’s fee normally covers their performance sets, their own PA and microphone, setup and soundcheck, public liability insurance, and PAT-tested equipment (which many venues now require). Always confirm insurance and PAT certificates are in place — reputable acts will have both and won’t blink at the question.

How to save money on a wedding singer

Book off-peak. A Friday, Sunday, or winter date is cheaper and gives you more choice.
Book one act for more of the day. A singer who covers ceremony and evening is usually better value than hiring two separate acts.
Choose a solo singer with backing tracks rather than a full live band if budget is tight — the vocal is what guests remember.
Book early. The best-value acts get snapped up 12–18 months ahead for peak dates; last-minute bookings mean less choice and less room to negotiate.
Be clear on your must-haves up front so quotes are like-for-like and you’re not caught by add-ons later.

Is hiring a wedding singer worth it?

For most couples, yes. A live singer during the ceremony and first dance creates the moments guests actually remember, at a fraction of the cost of a full band. If your priority is a memorable ceremony and drinks reception on a sensible budget, a solo wedding singer is often the best value on the whole day.

When you’re ready to see real prices for singers available on your date, you can browse and compare wedding singers on Encore — every act has transparent pricing, verified reviews, and direct messaging, so you can get an exact quote for your wedding in minutes.

Top Bridal Entrance Songs for 2026

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 09:46:30 GMT

Your bridal entrance song (also called your wedding reception entrance or grand entrance) does one job: kick the night off with the right energy. In 2026, the most popular choices are still the same types of songs—big intros, recognisable hooks, and tracks that work in a noisy room—but the specific songs skew more toward TikTok/viral picks and newer pop alongside the classics.

Use the sections below to match the vibe you actually want:

If you want maximum reaction, go Pop / Dance / UK Singalongs.
If you want cool, go Indie / Alt / Disco-Funk.
If you want romantic but not slow, go the final section.

Modern Pop Entrance Songs for 2026 (High energy, instantly recognisable)

If you want a “walk in and the whole room knows what’s happening” moment, modern pop is the fastest route. These tracks tend to have clean intros (good for MC announcements), and they work whether you’ve booked a DJ or a live band. Also: modern pop is the safest choice if your guests span ages 18–70 because everyone still recognises the chorus.

Top modern pop bridal entrance songs (1–25):

Dua Lipa — Houdini
Dua Lipa — Dance The Night
Dua Lipa — Levitating
Taylor Swift — Cruel Summer
Taylor Swift — Anti-Hero
Miley Cyrus — Flowers
Sabrina Carpenter — Espresso
Tate McRae — greedy
Olivia Rodrigo — good 4 u
Olivia Rodrigo — vampire
Harry Styles — As It Was
Harry Styles — Late Night Talking
The Weeknd — Blinding Lights
Ed Sheeran — Shivers
Ariana Grande — no tears left to cry
Justin Timberlake — Can’t Stop the Feeling!
Bruno Mars — 24K Magic
Lizzo — About Damn Time
Lizzo — Good As Hell
Katy Perry — Firework
Lady Gaga — Rain On Me
Calvin Harris & Rihanna — This Is What You Came For
Clean Bandit — Rather Be
OneRepublic — I Ain’t Worried
Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars — Uptown Funk

TikTok & Viral Wedding Entrance Songs for 2026 (Trend-led picks)

This is where the “this is so us” choices live. TikTok has been shaping real wedding playlists for years now, and 2026 is no different—viral hooks and recognisable moments matter more than full songs. If you want something current, start here.

TikTok/viral bridal entrance songs (26–50):
26. Chappell Roan — Pink Pony Club
27. Chappell Roan — HOT TO GO!
28. Beyoncé — TEXAS HOLD ’EM
29. Billie Eilish — Birds of a Feather
30. Teddy Swims — Lose Control
31. SZA — Snooze
32. Tyla — Water
33. Doja Cat — Paint The Town Red
34. Jung Kook — Seven
35. David Guetta & Bebe Rexha — I’m Good (Blue)
36. Peggy Gou — (It Goes Like) Nanana
37. Fred again.. — adore u
38. Kenya Grace — Strangers
39. Miley Cyrus — Used To Be Young
40. Post Malone — Chemical
41. RAYE — Escapism.
42. RAYE — Prada
43. Tate McRae — exes
44. Sabrina Carpenter — Feather
45. Dua Lipa — Training Season
46. Beyoncé — CUFF IT
47. The Weeknd — Save Your Tears
48. Beyoncé — Crazy In Love
49. Kendrick Lamar — Not Like Us (clean edit)
50. Vance Joy — Riptide

UK Wedding Singalong Entrance Songs (Guaranteed crowd reaction)

If you’re writing this for a UK audience, this section matters. These are the tracks that get the biggest “YESSSS” from guests because they’re baked into UK weddings, football chants, and uni nights. They also work brilliantly for live bands because the crowd does half the work.

UK singalong bridal entrance songs (51–75):
51. The Killers — Mr. Brightside
52. ABBA — Dancing Queen
53. Oasis — Don’t Look Back in Anger
54. Queen — Don’t Stop Me Now
55. Whitney Houston — I Wanna Dance with Somebody
56. Bon Jovi — Livin’ on a Prayer
57. Journey — Don’t Stop Believin’
58. Neil Diamond — Sweet Caroline
59. Take That — Greatest Day
60. Take That — Rule the World
61. Spice Girls — Wannabe
62. Robbie Williams — Let Me Entertain You
63. Robbie Williams — Angels (short intro)
64. The Proclaimers — I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)
65. S Club 7 — Don’t Stop Movin’
66. Katrina & The Waves — Walking on Sunshine
67. The Beatles — Twist and Shout
68. Toploader — Dancing in the Moonlight
69. The Foundations — Build Me Up Buttercup
70. Dexys Midnight Runners — Come On Eileen
71. The Fratellis — Chelsea Dagger
72. Blur — Song 2
73. Arctic Monkeys — I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor
74. Kings of Leon — Sex on Fire
75. Feeder — Just a Day

Soul, Funk & Disco Entrance Songs (Feel-good, classy, band-friendly)

This is the “stylish but still fun” category. Soul/funk/disco tracks have punchy intros and a groove that feels expensive. If your angle on Encore is live music, these songs are gold because they’re the ones bands absolutely smash.

Soul/funk/disco bridal entrance songs (76–100):
76. Stevie Wonder — Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)
77. Earth, Wind & Fire — September
78. Chic — Good Times
79. Sister Sledge — We Are Family
80. The Jackson 5 — I Want You Back
81. Bill Withers — Lovely Day
82. Aretha Franklin — Respect
83. Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell — Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
84. The Supremes — You Can’t Hurry Love
85. Natalie Cole — This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)
86. Luther Vandross — Never Too Much
87. Kool & The Gang — Celebration
88. Kool & The Gang — Get Down On It
89. James Brown — I Got You (I Feel Good)
90. Stevie Wonder — Superstition
91. Barry White — You’re the First, the Last, My Everything
92. Bee Gees — You Should Be Dancing
93. Diana Ross — I’m Coming Out
94. Donna Summer — Hot Stuff
95. Whitney Houston — How Will I Know
96. Candi Staton — Young Hearts Run Free
97. Al Green — Let’s Stay Together
98. The Temptations — My Girl
99. Otis Redding — (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay
100. Beyoncé — Love On Top

Indie & Alternative Entrance Songs (Cool, modern, not cheesy)

This section is for couples who want something with personality—still upbeat, still entrance-worthy, but not obvious. Great for barn weddings, city venues, and festival vibes.

Indie/alt bridal entrance songs (101–125):
101. Florence + The Machine — Dog Days Are Over
102. Florence + The Machine — You’ve Got the Love
103. MGMT — Electric Feel
104. MGMT — Kids
105. The Strokes — Last Nite
106. The Strokes — Someday
107. Franz Ferdinand — Take Me Out
108. The Kooks — Naive
109. Kaiser Chiefs — Ruby
110. Two Door Cinema Club — What You Know
111. Vampire Weekend — A-Punk
112. Phoenix — Lisztomania
113. Passion Pit — Take a Walk
114. Foster The People — Pumped Up Kicks
115. Bastille — Pompeii
116. Coldplay — Viva La Vida
117. Coldplay — Adventure of a Lifetime
118. The Lumineers — Ho Hey
119. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros — Home
120. The Temper Trap — Sweet Disposition
121. Weezer — Island in the Sun
122. Empire of the Sun — Walking on a Dream
123. M83 — Midnight City
124. The XX — Intro
125. Walk The Moon — Shut Up and Dance

Rock Classics Entrance Songs (Big intros, huge swagger)

For a grand entrance that feels like an arena walkout. These are brilliant if you want drama, guitars, and a proper “we’ve arrived” moment. Also: if your photographer wants BIG reactions, rock intros deliver.

Rock bridal entrance songs (126–150):
126. AC/DC — You Shook Me All Night Long
127. AC/DC — Thunderstruck
128. Queen — We Will Rock You
129. Queen — Crazy Little Thing Called Love
130. Bon Jovi — It’s My Life
131. Guns N’ Roses — Sweet Child O’ Mine
132. The Rolling Stones — Start Me Up
133. Bryan Adams — Summer of ’69
134. Bruce Springsteen — Dancing in the Dark
135. Van Halen — Jump
136. Survivor — Eye of the Tiger
137. Europe — The Final Countdown
138. Kiss — Rock and Roll All Nite
139. Jet — Are You Gonna Be My Girl
140. Blur — Girls & Boys
141. Red Hot Chili Peppers — Can’t Stop
142. Kings of Leon — Use Somebody
143. Foo Fighters — Best of You
144. Foo Fighters — Everlong
145. Blink-182 — All The Small Things
146. Wheatus — Teenage Dirtbag
147. The White Stripes — Seven Nation Army
148. Simple Minds — Don’t You (Forget About Me)
149. Status Quo — Rockin’ All Over the World
150. Thin Lizzy — The Boys Are Back in Town

Dance, House & EDM Entrance Songs (Big drops, nightclub energy)

If you want to enter like you’re walking into a festival stage, this is your section. These tracks are especially good for couples doing a choreographed entrance, confetti cannons, spark machines, etc.

Dance/EDM bridal entrance songs (151–175):
151. Avicii — Levels
152. Avicii — Wake Me Up
153. Calvin Harris — Feel So Close
154. Calvin Harris — Summer
155. Swedish House Mafia — Don’t You Worry Child
156. David Guetta ft. Sia — Titanium
157. Tiësto — The Business
158. Robin S — Show Me Love
159. Gala — Freed From Desire
160. Faithless — Insomnia
161. Darude — Sandstorm (short hit)
162. Eric Prydz — Call On Me
163. Daft Punk — One More Time
164. Daft Punk — Get Lucky
165. Fisher — Losing It
166. Duke Dumont — I Got U
167. Rudimental ft. John Newman — Feel The Love
168. Sigma — Nobody To Love
169. Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne — Rather Be
170. Disclosure ft. Sam Smith — Latch
171. MK — 17
172. Joel Corry — Head & Heart
173. Meduza — Piece Of Your Heart
174. Becky Hill & David Guetta — Remember
175. Martin Solveig — Intoxicated

Hip-Hop & R&B Entrance Songs (Confident, hype, modern)

This is for couples who want swagger and a proper “main character” entrance. Keep it clean-edit friendly and make sure the MC knows the exact start time. Viral groom/dance entrances have kept this category very alive.

Hip-hop/R&B bridal entrance songs (176–200):
176. Kanye West — Stronger
177. Jay-Z & Alicia Keys — Empire State of Mind
178. Usher ft. Lil Jon & Ludacris — Yeah!
179. Drake — One Dance
180. DJ Khaled ft. T-Pain — All I Do Is Win
181. OutKast — Hey Ya!
182. Montell Jordan — This Is How We Do It
183. Blackstreet — No Diggity
184. Mark Morrison — Return of the Mack
185. Nelly — Hot In Herre
186. Sean Paul — Temperature
187. Pitbull ft. Ne-Yo — Give Me Everything
188. Pitbull ft. Kesha — Timber
189. Missy Elliott — Get Ur Freak On
190. Missy Elliott — Lose Control
191. Beyoncé — Formation
192. Cardi B — I Like It
193. Doja Cat — Say So
194. Snoop Dogg & Pharrell — Drop It Like It’s Hot
195. Eminem — Lose Yourself (clean edit)
196. 50 Cent — In Da Club (clean edit)
197. TLC — No Scrubs
198. Destiny’s Child — Bootylicious
199. Chris Brown — Forever
200. Mary J. Blige — Family Affair

Country, Folk & Feel-Good Acoustic Entrances (Warm, relaxed, still upbeat)

This is where you win if you’re writing for barns, country houses, and outdoorsy weddings. These tracks feel personal without being slow. Also: they’re great for acoustic duos (which Encore couples book constantly).

Country/folk bridal entrance songs (201–225):
201. Shania Twain — Man! I Feel Like a Woman!
202. Shania Twain — You’re Still the One
203. Dolly Parton — 9 to 5
204. Johnny Cash — Jackson
205. Rascal Flatts — Life Is a Highway
206. Luke Combs — Beautiful Crazy
207. Chris Stapleton — Tennessee Whiskey
208. Kacey Musgraves — Butterflies
209. Zac Brown Band — Chicken Fried
210. Darius Rucker — Wagon Wheel
211. The Lumineers — Ophelia
212. Mumford & Sons — I Will Wait
213. Of Monsters and Men — Little Talks
214. The Paper Kites — Bloom
215. Ben Howard — Only Love
216. George Ezra — Shotgun
217. George Ezra — Green Green Grass
218. Jason Mraz — I’m Yours
219. Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat — Lucky
220. Jack Johnson — Better Together
221. First Aid Kit — My Silver Lining
222. The Head and the Heart — Homecoming Heroes
223. Noah Kahan — Stick Season
224. Dermot Kennedy — Better Days
225. Vance Joy — Saturday Sun

Romantic-but-Upbeat Bridal Entrance Songs (Emotional, but not a slow shuffle)

This is the sweet spot most couples actually want: romantic and meaningful, but still with enough tempo that it doesn’t flatten the room. If you want your entrance to feel cinematic without being awkwardly slow, pull from here.

Romantic upbeat bridal entrance songs (226–250):
226. Ed Sheeran — Perfect
227. Ed Sheeran — Thinking Out Loud
228. John Legend — All of Me
229. Christina Perri — A Thousand Years
230. Ellie Goulding — How Long Will I Love You
231. Michael Bublé — Everything
232. Bruno Mars — Marry You
233. Bruno Mars — Just the Way You Are
234. Taylor Swift — Lover
235. Coldplay — Sky Full of Stars
236. Coldplay — Higher Power
237. One Direction — You & I
238. James Arthur — Say You Won’t Let Go
239. Stephen Sanchez — Until I Found You
240. Leon Bridges — Beyond
241. Ray LaMontagne — You Are the Best Thing
242. Ben E. King — Stand By Me
243. Nat King Cole — L-O-V-E
244. Etta James — At Last
245. Frankie Valli — Can’t Take My Eyes Off You
246. The Beatles — All You Need Is Love
247. Queen — You’re My Best Friend
248. Fleetwood Mac — You Make Loving Fun
249. Marvin Gaye — How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
250. Beyoncé — XO

Unique Live Entertainment Ideas for Your December Party

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:27:26 GMT

Tired of the same old DJ and dodgy speaker setup at your Christmas do? December parties deserve more than a half-hearted playlist and a few tinsel decorations.

Whether you’re organising a corporate Christmas party, a festive client event, or a private end-of-year celebration, booking live entertainment is the easiest way to take your event from average to unforgettable.

Here are some unique live entertainment ideas that you can book through Encore to make your December party stand out.

1. Roaming Bands That Work the Room

Forget the stage. Roaming bands are completely mobile and move between guests, performing acoustic versions of upbeat songs right in the middle of the action.

Great for receptions, dinners or events where people are mingling
Encourages guest interaction
Works brilliantly in smaller spaces or venues with no stage area

Encore acts to consider: Acoustic roaming pop bands, brass-led ensembles, or even mariachi-style trios with a twist.

2. Live Looping Artists

Live loopers are one person acts that build songs from scratch on the spot using vocals, instruments and beatboxing. It’s mesmerising to watch and perfect for impressing a crowd without needing a full band.

Compact and easy to set up
Sound much bigger than they look
Covers a range of genres from pop to soul to hip-hop

Encore acts to consider: Solo vocalists with loop stations, acoustic guitar loopers, or singer-pianists with live production.

3. DJs with Live Instrumentalists

Add energy and surprise by combining a DJ with live saxophone, percussion or electric violin. It’s visually engaging and feels like a hybrid between a club night and a live gig.

Perfect for the late-night party slot
Gets people dancing faster than a standard DJ set
Ideal for events with younger crowds or big dancefloors

Encore acts to consider: DJ and sax duos, DJ with bongos, or DJ with electric violinist.

4. Christmas Choir

Looking for a classy and heartfelt way to kick off your evening? A Christmas choir delivers beautiful festive harmonies that set the tone.

Suitable for formal events, receptions, or after-dinner slots
Perform carols, festive pop, and gospel-inspired arrangements
Available in various sizes – from small vocal trios to 20-piece choirs

Encore acts to consider: Pop-up vocal groups, gospel choirs, barbershop quartets, or contemporary a cappella groups.

5. Jazz Duos with a Festive Twist

Smooth, sophisticated and warm – jazz duos add instant class. Think piano and vocals, sax and guitar, or upright bass and keys playing Christmas classics reimagined in swing or soul styles.

Great for drinks receptions and seated dinners
Easily adjusted for background or foreground sets
Can blend festive tunes with jazz standards or vintage covers

Encore acts to consider: Vintage jazz duos, Great Gatsby-style acts, or modern jazz duos with festive arrangements.

6. Silent Disco with Multiple DJs

Want something playful and unexpected? Hire multiple DJs and hand out wireless headphones. Guests can switch between channels, creating a fun battle of genres.

No noise complaints
Easy to host in non-traditional venues
Perfect for teams or groups who like different music

Encore can help you pair live DJs with silent disco gear hire and support.

7. Instrumental Pop Covers

String quartets, solo pianists, or classical guitarists can perform stripped-back versions of pop songs and festive tracks. It’s elegant, unexpected and can be a real talking point.

Works well during meals, receptions, or intros
Adds a touch of class without being boring
Often available with Christmas setlists

Encore acts to consider: Electric string quartets, piano soloists, harpists, or classical crossover artists.

8. Themed Party Bands

Why settle for a covers band when you can have a themed show? From Motown outfits to 80s glam bands or festive funk collectives, themed bands deliver both music and entertainment.

Great for larger venues or dance-focused events
Encourages dressing up and audience participation
Can be tailored to match a specific theme or brief

Encore acts to consider: Tribute-style party bands, funk/soul collectives, or bands with Christmas medleys in costume.

Summary

There’s more to live music than a covers band on a stage. Whether you’re after elegance, interaction, energy, or atmosphere, Encore’s roster of professional musicians offers something for every kind of December party (and every budget).

Don’t settle for ordinary. Make this year’s Christmas event something your guests will still be talking about in the New Year.

Registrar Approved Wedding Songs for Civil Ceremonies

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:28:56 GMT

Civil ceremonies in the UK must be non-religious. That applies to readings and to music. Registrars usually ask to see (or hear) your choices in advance and will refuse anything with religious content or connotations. Here is a clear, safe list of registrar-approved wedding songs with simple rules, cue points, and wording you can send to your local office.

What do registrars look for?

No religious content. Lyrics, titles and associated works must be secular. Hymns and worship songs are not allowed, even as instrumentals in many districts.
Instrumentals are safer. Piano, strings or acoustic covers of secular songs are widely accepted.
Family friendly. Avoid explicit lyrics and references that feel out of place in a formal ceremony.
Short and tidy. Registrars prefer 60 to 90 second edits for entrance and exit, and 6 to 8 minutes total for signing.
Approval in advance. Send titles and links. Some offices will want audio files ahead of time.

Tip: If you love a borderline track, provide the instrumental version or a string quartet cover and include a link so the registrar can verify.

How to submit music for approval?

Email your local register office with:

Ceremony date, venue and time
Music plan: entrance, signing, exit
Artist and title for each track, plus links to clean versions
Who is playing the music (venue, live musician, or your device)

Template line you can copy:

“We are planning secular music only. Please confirm the following are acceptable for entrance, signing and exit.”

Safe choices for the Entrance

Upbeat options that start strong and avoid religious references. Use a 60 to 90 second edit.

Kina Grannis – Can’t Help Falling in Love (acoustic cover)
Ludovico Einaudi – Nuvole Bianche (piano)
Ellie Goulding – How Long Will I Love You
Ed Sheeran -Tenerife Sea
Christina Perri – A Thousand Years (piano or strings instrumental)
Sleeping At Last – Turning Page (instrumental)
The Piano Guys – Beethoven’s 5 Secrets
Explosions In The Sky – Your Hand In Mine (instrumental edit)
Joe Hisaishi – One Summer’s Day (instrumental)

Gentle, secular Signing the Register music

Aim for 2 to 3 songs, 2 to 3 minutes each, while photographs are taken.

Tom Odell – Grow Old With Me (piano)
John Legend – All of Me (piano or strings instrumental)
Norah Jones – Come Away With Me
The Beatles – Here Comes The Sun (acoustic or strings instrumental)
Etta James – At Last (instrumental or soft vocal)
Jóhann Jóhannsson – Flight From The City (instrumental)
Yiruma – River Flows In You (piano)
Michael Giacchino – Married Life from Up (instrumental)
Elbow – One Day Like This (strings instrumental)

Joyful Exit songs

Keep it celebratory. Start at the chorus and fade as you reach the aisle.

Stevie Wonder – Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)
Hall & Oates – You Make My Dreams
George Ezra – Paradise
Florence + The Machine – Dog Days Are Over (clean edit)
Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance With Somebody
Jackie Wilson – (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher
ABBA – Dancing Queen (clean, chorus start)
The Lumineers – Ho Hey
James – Sit Down (instrumental strings for a quirky exit)

Classical and film music that stays secular

Registrars accept classical pieces that are not liturgical in purpose.

Clarke – Trumpet Voluntary
Vivaldi – Spring from The Four Seasons
Pachelbel – Canon in D
Mendelssohn – Wedding March (Recessional)
Debussy – Clair de Lune
Yann Tiersen – Comptine d’un autre été
Max Richter – On The Nature of Daylight (consider an edit)
Alexandre Desplat – The Shape of Water (Love theme)

Note: Avoid pieces explicitly written for masses, hymns or sacred works.

What to avoid?

Hymns and worship songs such as Amazing Grace, Ave Maria, How Great Thou Art
Tracks with religious references in the title or chorus
Explicit versions of pop songs
YouTube-only rips with adverts that can interrupt playback

Live musicians vs playback?

Live musicians are ideal. Ask them for secular set lists and to provide instrumental options of any borderline songs you love.
Playback is fine. Confirm the venue has a reliable speaker, a clean input and someone to press play. Bring files downloaded in advance rather than streaming.

Cue points you can email to suppliers

Entrance: “Start at 0:00. If the aisle is short, jump to the chorus at 0:48.”
Signing: “Three tracks, 2 minutes each. Fade under photos if needed.”
Exit: “Start at the chorus at 0:28. Fade after 75 seconds.”

Quick licensing notes

The ceremony is a private event. The venue normally covers background music licensing.
Filming with music may require a small licence handled by your videographer. Ask them to supply cleared or library versions if needed.
Always use legal, purchased audio files for playback.

Perfect Wedding Hymns for Your Church Ceremony

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 10:56:43 GMT

Choosing the right hymns sets the tone for your service, gets your guests singing, and makes the day feel unmistakably yours. This guide gives you clear, tried-and-tested choices for every moment of a Church of England or Catholic ceremony, with quick notes on tune, mood, and when to place each hymn.

How to choose wedding hymns that actually land:

Pick hymns people know. A confident congregation sounds joyful.
Match the moment. Uplifting for the entrance or recessional, reflective during the signing of the register.
Keep verses tight. Two or three strong verses beat six meandering ones.
Confirm keys and tunes. Some hymns have multiple tunes. Agree the exact version with your organist or band.
Print the words. Include verses in the order of service. Add a short note encouraging everyone to sing.

Where hymns fit in the service:

Typical Church of England outline:

Processional (music only or a hymn if you want a communal entrance)
Hymn 1 after the welcome or reading
Hymn 2 during or after the signing of the register (reflective)
Recessional (music only, or a final hymn leading you out)

Catholic Nuptial Mass usually includes:

Entrance hymn
Offertory hymn
Communion hymn
Recessional hymn

Your priest or minister will advise on the exact structure.

Best joyful hymns for entrances and recessionals:

These lift the roof and work well with organ, choir, or ensemble.

Guide me, O thou great Redeemer (Cwm Rhondda)
Big, confident melody. Great for a triumphant recessional.
And did those feet in ancient time (Jerusalem)
Stirring and very British. Works brilliantly with brass or full organ.
Praise, my soul, the King of heaven (Lauda Anima)
Majestic, familiar, and easy to sing.
Love divine, all loves excelling (Blaenwern)
Romantic lyric with an uplifting tune. Ideal as a final hymn.
All creatures of our God and King (Lasst uns erfreuen)
Joyful with alleluias. Good congregational confidence builder.
Great is thy faithfulness
Warm, celebratory, and not too high.
To God be the glory
Energetic and straightforward for mixed congregations.

Reflective hymns for the signing of the register:

Keep the mood prayerful while people move and photos happen.

Be thou my vision (Slane)
Gentle, lyrical, and well known.
The Lord’s my shepherd (Crimond)
Calm and comforting. Congregations know it.
Dear Lord and Father of mankind (Repton)
Beautiful lines, sits well softly on organ or strings.
Make me a channel of your peace
Peaceful. Popular at Catholic weddings too.
Abide with me
Slow and dignified if you want something traditional.
When I survey the wondrous cross (Rockingham)
Reflective and strong if your wedding is in Lent or Holy Week.

Contemporary favourites that congregations still sing:

Ask your minister which modern hymns they are happy to include.

In Christ alone
Modern classic. Best with a confident leader or choir.
10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
Works as a soft register hymn with piano or guitar.
How deep the Father’s love for us
Melodic, reflective, and easy to follow.
Shine, Jesus, Shine
Upbeat option if the church is used to modern worship.

Catholic Mass specifics:

If you are having a Nuptial Mass:

Choose Mass parts your parish knows (Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei).
Communion hymns should be reverent and singable.
Popular Communion choices: Soul of My Saviour, Panis Angelicus, Taste and See, Be still, for the presence of the Lord.
Speak to your priest and music director about approved settings.

Seasonal and church-year notes:

Advent and Lent often favour simpler, more reflective music.
Christmas weddings can include Hark! the herald angels sing, O come, all ye faithful, or Joy to the world as a recessional.
For Easter season, triumphant hymns fit perfectly.

Sample hymn pairings that work:

Classic Anglican
Hymn 1: Praise, my soul, the King of heaven
Register: Be thou my vision
Recessional: Love divine, all loves excelling (Blaenwern)
Celtic warmth
Hymn 1: Be thou my vision
Register: The Lord’s my shepherd (Crimond)
Recessional: Guide me, O thou great Redeemer
Modern-leaning
Hymn 1: In Christ alone
Register: 10,000 Reasons
Recessional: To God be the glory
Catholic Nuptial Mass
Entrance: Love divine, all loves excelling
Offertory: Make me a channel of your peace
Communion: Taste and See
Recessional: Jerusalem

Practical tips for a confident sing:

Choose singable keys. Ask the organist to avoid very high top notes.
Verse count. Two or three verses keep momentum. Print only what you will sing.
Lead from the front. A choir or a strong cantor helps guests find the tune quickly.
Agree the tunes. For hymns with multiple tunes, write the tune name in the order of service, for example “Love divine (Blaenwern)”.
Music between moments. If you skip a hymn, consider short organ voluntaries while people move.

Alternatives if you prefer music without congregational singing:

Soloist with organ or piano on an arrangement of your favourite hymn.
String quartet playing hymn tunes or classics during the register.
Gospel choir for a joyful entrance or recessional.
Instrumental processional and recessional with one hymn only in the middle.

17 Mistakes To Avoid At This Year’s Christmas Party

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:08:43 GMT

Want a packed dancefloor and zero drama? Avoid these common mistakes and your Christmas party will feel slick, fun, and on-brand from start to finish.

1) Booking entertainment too late

December Fridays and Saturdays sell out fast. Leave it until November and you will be left with very little choice.
Fix: Lock your band or DJ 3 to 6 months ahead. If you are late, aim for Sunday to Thursday where availability and pricing are friendlier.

2) Ignoring noise limits and neighbours

Nothing kills a party like a sound limiter tripping or a venue shutting music down.
Fix: Ask the venue for the dB limit, where the sensor is, and what sockets are controlled. Brief the act on volume, drums, bass, and speaker placement.

3) Picking the wrong act for the room

A showband in a tiny bar is overkill. A soloist in a 400-person ballroom will feel thin.
Fix: Match lineup to space and headcount. Strong 4-piece for 100 to 150 guests, add brass for 200 plus, compact duos and roaming acts for small rooms.

4) Long speeches before the party

Twenty minutes of awards and thank-yous drains energy.
Fix: Keep awards to ten to fifteen minutes total or split into two short rounds. Hand straight to the band or DJ while attention is high.

5) Dead air between segments

Silence while the room resets makes people drift to the bar or outside.
Fix: The DJ or band should cover every changeover with background or hype tracks at a consistent level.

6) Treating the DJ like a jukebox

Dumping a 300-song spreadsheet stops the DJ reading the room.
Fix: Give a clear direction, 10 to 20 must-play anchors, a real do-not-play list, and let the professional do their job.

7) No plan for small or awkward spaces

Acts arrive to find nowhere to set up, no power, and a dancefloor that is a corridor.
Fix: Share a floor plan, power points, and photos. Choose compact lineups, roaming bands, or DJ plus sax when space is tight.

8) Underestimating setup and soundcheck time

Rushing setup leads to messy cabling, clip lights, and feedback.
Fix: Give the act a real access window and a short soundcheck before guests enter.

9) Forgetting a finish strategy

Curfew is 23:00, yet the last banger ends at 22:48 and the room fizzles out.
Fix: Agree a clean finale and last-orders call. If the venue is strict, finish with a singalong classic then lights up and thanks from the host.

10) Ignoring December pricing realities

Peak nights cost more, and early load-ins plus late finishes add up.
Fix: Compare weekday vs weekend quotes, avoid long idle times, and bundle a DJ add-on through the band to save.

11) No contingency if tech fails

A single laptop or dodgy lead can stall the night.
Fix: Book pros who carry offline music, spare devices, extra cables, and know how to recover fast.

12) Overloading the schedule

Photo booth reveal, raffle, quiz, awards, speeches, novelty games, then finally music. Guests get restless.
Fix: Keep the running order simple. Drinks, short welcome, quick awards, then entertainment.

13) Forgetting accessibility and flow

Cramped layouts and blocked exits kill dancefloor traffic and exclude guests.
Fix: Keep clear paths to the bar and loos. Leave space at the front for those who want to dance, and seating nearby for those who do not.

14) No plan for low-volume fun

Some venues require modest levels after 22:00.
Fix: Use DJ plus sax or percussion for controlled energy, then switch to a silent disco for the final hour if needed.

15) Setlists that do not suit the crowd

Back-to-back niche tracks lose mixed-age teams.
Fix: Ask for broad crowd-pleasers early, a punchy peak hour, and a unifying finale. One or two festive medleys are enough.

16) Not clarifying what the quote includes

Surprise charges for PA, lighting, parking, or late finishes cause friction.
Fix: Get an all-in quote in writing. Confirm sets, PA, lighting, arrival, finish, travel, parking, and any add-ons.

17) Weak handovers on the mic

Managers ad-libbing and artists guessing the cue creates awkward pauses.
Fix: One host only. Agree the exact handover lines and the first track start. The DJ or band leader announces the party, not the CFO.

Summary

Book your entertainment with space, noise, and budget in mind
Make sure venue limits are shared with the act and tested at soundcheck
Keep the awards short and sequenced before the first set
Try and have no gaps between segments
Make a clear finale and curfew plan
Get an all-in quote and contingency confirmed

Get these right and your Christmas party will feel effortless. If you need help picking the right band, roaming act, or DJ plus sax for your venue, Encore Musicians can point you to options that fit your space, rules, and budget.

Don’t Book Your Wedding Band Without Asking These 21 Questions

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 10:30:17 GMT

Booking a wedding band is a big decision – great music lifts the whole day, poor planning sinks it. Use these questions to separate real professionals from guesswork and to avoid unpleasant surprises later.

Availability and fit

1) Are you available on our date and how soon do you need a deposit?
Locks the diary and sets expectations on payment.

2) Which line-ups do you offer and what do you recommend for our guest count and venue size?
Shows they can right-size the band rather than upsell blindly.

3) Have you performed at our venue or similar spaces before?
Experience with barns, hotels, marquees or city venues saves time on logistics.

4) Do you have live videos that reflect the exact line-up we will get?
You want to see and hear the real configuration, not a showcase supergroup.

Sound, volume and venue rules

5) What do you need from the venue for power, stage space and access?
Prevents load-in dramas and last-minute rearrangements.

6) Can you work within a sound limiter or low-volume policy if the venue has one?
Ask how they manage drums and bass, and if they can use electronic kits or brushes.

7) Do you provide a full PA and basic party lighting, or does the venue supply it?
Clarity here avoids dry hire surprises.

Setlist and performance style

8) What does a typical evening look like for you?
Most bands perform two sets of 45 to 60 minutes with a short break. You want their default plan.

9) Will you learn a special song and how much notice do you need?
Confirm if there is a fee and the exact deadline.

10) How do you handle requests and reading the room?
Good bands explain how they adapt on the night rather than sticking to a script.

11) Do you offer background music or a DJ service between sets?
A DJ add-on is often cheaper and smoother than hiring a separate DJ.

12) How loud do you usually play and can you keep vocals clear at sensible levels?
You want punch without pain, especially in hard rooms.

Timings and flow

13) When do you arrive, set up, and soundcheck?
For most venues, arrival is 5-6 pm with a soundcheck before guests return to the room.

14) How long do you need to set up if the room has a quick turnaround?
If your venue flips the room after dinner, you need a realistic setup window.

15) Can you coordinate with the venue or planner on cues for first dance, speeches, and curfew?
You want a single smooth handover, not competing microphones.

People, professionalism and cover

16) Who will actually perform on the day and what is your dep policy?
Pros use vetted deputies if someone is ill and tell you in advance.

17) What happens if someone is sick on the day or there is an emergency?
Ask for a clear replacement plan and who manages the communication.

18) Do you carry public liability insurance and up-to-date PAT certificates?
Many UK venues require both, so ask for copies.

Pricing, extras and contract

19) What exactly is included in your quote and what costs extra?
Look for a clean breakdown: sets, PA, lighting, travel, early setup, late finish, special requests, parking.

20) What are your payment terms and cancellation policy?
You want deposit amount, balance due date, and clear force majeure terms in writing.

21) Can you send a sample contract and a reference from a recent wedding?
Contracts protect both sides. Recent feedback confirms current standards.

Red flags to watch for

Vague answers on sound limiters or venue rules
No written contract or unclear payment terms
Showcase videos that do not match the quoted line-up
Promises of extreme volume in limiter venues
Slow, patchy communication before you have even booked

Simple message you can send today

Hi [insert band name],
We love your videos and are considering you for our wedding on [insert date]at [insert venue].
Please could you confirm availability and share:
• Your recommended line-up for [insert guest count]in this venue
• What you provide for PA and lighting
• How you handle sound limiters if required
• Your standard set lengths and arrival times
• Whether you can learn [insert song request]• A full quote with any extras and your contract
Thank you,
[insert your name]

The Perfect Running Order for Christmas Parties

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 15:54:53 GMT

A great running order for your Christmas party can keep arrivals smooth, speeches tight, and the dancefloor full. Below are proven timelines you can take and use for your own party, with clear buffers for catering, awards, and live entertainment.

Use one of the ready-made schedules or mix and match to fit your venue, headcount, and entertainment choice.

Principles that make any running order work

Front-load clarity. Guests should know where to go, when things start, and what will happen next.
Guard your buffers. Ten minutes between segments prevents slip turning into chaos.
One soundcheck, one sign-off. Test mics, walk-on stings, and playlists before doors open.
Short speeches win. Aim for 10 to 15 minutes total for awards or toasts.
Keep energy rising. Reception music sets the tone, awards land the moment, then hand over to band or DJ while the room is warm.

Quick reference: who does what?

Event lead: timekeeper, liaison with venue and entertainment.
MC or host: welcomes guests, cues awards, hands over to entertainment.
Band or DJ: controls walk-in, walk-up, and walk-off music once speeches start.
Venue manager: controls lighting, noise policy, and curfews.

Standard corporate party, four hours on site

Best for 80 to 250 guests, hotel ballroom or large function space, party band or DJ.

Time	Segment	Notes
18:00	Doors and drinks reception	Background music live duo or curated playlist
18:45	Guests called to dinner or main room	Soft lighting change, raise background level slightly
19:00	Welcome from host	Hand mic checked in advance
19:05	Starters or first service	Background only
19:40	Awards part 1	10 minutes max, walk-on stings handled by DJ or band engineer
19:50	Mains served	Keep speeches off the mic during service
20:25	Awards part 2 and toast	Hard stop at 8:40 pm
20:40	Clear space for dancefloor	10 minute buffer, venue turns lights and moves tables if needed
20:50	Band set 1 (45 to 60 minutes)	Open with two guaranteed floor-fillers
21:40	DJ or playlist interval	20 minutes, keep tempo up, short comfort break
22:00	Band set 2 (45 to 60 minutes)	Aim your biggest hits here
23:00	DJ closes the night	Curfew dependent
23:30	Carriages	Announce last orders 15 minutes prior

Why this works: speeches are split to avoid a long, cold block; the first live set lands while the room is fresh; the second set and DJ finish high.

Drinks-led party, two and a half hours on site

Best for 40 to 120 guests, offices, galleries, or bars with canapés, no seated dinner.

Time	Segment	Notes
17:30	Doors and festive welcome	Roaming acoustic band or sax with tracks
18:00	Short welcome and one toast	Three minutes total, then back to music
18:05	Reception continues	Keep it light and social
18:45	Awards flash round	Five awards, one line each, walk-on stings
19:00	DJ set or high-energy duo	Push tempo, no long gaps
20:00	Close and carriages	Venue resets for next booking

Why this works: minimal speeches, high contact time for networking, quick energy lift at the end.

Large annual celebration, six hours on site

Best for 200 to 600 guests, stage, full production, showband or DJ plus live performers.

Time	Segment	Notes
18:00	Doors and reception	Jazz trio or strings, photos in foyer
18:45	Call to dinner	Lighting shift, intro sting
19:00	Host welcome	Keep to script, no open mic
19:05	Starter	Background playlist only
19:30	Awards block 1	10 minutes, tight stings
19:45	Main course	Short table games if used, no mic
20:20	Awards block 2 and CEO toast	Finish by 20:35
20:40	Transition to party	Clear dancefloor, raise lighting colour
20:50	Showband set 1 (45 minutes)	Front-load hits
21:35	DJ or DJ plus sax interval	25 minutes, maintain pace
22:00	Showband set 2 (45 minutes)	Medleys work well here
22:45	DJ finale	Requests pre-approved
23:30	Curfew and carriages	Noise policy observed

Why this works: food service never clashes with microphones; awards are punchy and upbeat; the party block is uninterrupted.

Noise-restricted or sound-limited venue

If your venue has a limiter or strict neighbours, adjust the plan rather than the ambition.

Use acoustic or roaming sets for arrivals.
Put awards in the middle when attention is high with lower volume.
Finish with a DJ or silent disco to keep energy without breaching limits.

Limiter-friendly flow, three and a half hours

Time	Segment	Notes
18:30	Doors, roaming acoustic	Engaging but controlled level
19:00	Welcome and toast	Tested hand mic
19:05	Canapés and networking	Light playlist
19:40	Awards	12 minutes, stings pre-levelled
19:55	DJ or DJ plus sax	Level capped at safe threshold
21:30	Silent disco	Two or three channels
22:30	Close	Curfew respected

Awards that do not kill the mood

Keep the total awards block under 15 minutes or split into two short rounds.
Use walk-on music for each winner and a short sting for non-winners.
Have a single on-stage mic and a floor runner with spare batteries.
The band or DJ controls stings, not the host’s phone.

Handovers that feel professional

One voice introduces each segment. Your MC hands to awards, then to the band or DJ, then thanks guests at the end.
The DJ or band leader announces the first dancefloor cue, not the CEO.
Use lighting cues to mark each shift. Warm for food and speeches. Colour and movement for party time.

Tech checklist you can paste into your run sheet

All microphones tested: host, spare, and any lectern mic
Walk-on stings loaded and labelled
Band or DJ arrival, setup, and soundcheck completed before doors
Venue confirms power, stage space, and any limiter setting
Clear curfew noted and communicated to entertainment
Last orders, coat check, and taxi prompts scheduled

Sample MC script snippets

Welcome: “Good evening and welcome to our Christmas celebration. Drinks are at the bar to your left. We will have a short welcome in fifteen minutes, then awards, then straight into music.”
Awards handover: “Congratulations to all our winners. Please stay where you are while we reset the room. Your party starts in ten minutes.”
Band handover: “Thank you. Please welcome your live band for tonight. When they say jump, you jump.”

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Late catering pushes everything. Protect a buffer before the first live set.
Awards run long. Cap acceptance remarks to one sentence and move on.
Dead air between sets. DJ or playlist covers all changeovers at a consistent level.
Crowd drifts to the bar. Dim foyer lights and push sound and light focus to the stage.

Choosing the right entertainment for your plan

Live party band if you want a big moment and a packed dancefloor.
DJ for flexibility, fast changes, and tight control of volume.
Hybrid DJ plus sax or percussion for live energy with a compact footprint.
Roaming acoustic for ice-breaking during arrivals and canapés.
Jazz trio or strings for formal dinners and client-facing events.

Book early for Friday and Saturday in December. If you are flexible on dates, Sundays to Thursdays are friendlier on price and availability.

Alternatives to a First Dance That Still Feel Special

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 13:00:40 GMT

Not every couple wants a slow dance in front of everyone and you can still create a meaningful moment without stepping into the spotlight. Below are some tried and tested alternatives that feel inclusive, natural, and still celebratory.

Group Singalong

A group singalong gets everyone involved and removes the pressure from you.

How it works
Choose a chorus everyone knows. Your singer or band leads the first verse, invites the room to join on the chorus, and you two stand together with your favourite people close by.

Good chorus choices

Sweet Caroline
I’m Yours
Shut Up and Dance
Wonderwall
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You

Make it land
Provide the chorus on table cards or a screen, seed a few confident singers at the front, and ask your act to segue straight into an upbeat track once the chorus finishes.

Toast-and-Song

You thank your guests with a short toast, glasses clink, and the music starts immediately. It feels ceremonial without the spotlight of a dance.

Tips
Keep the toast under 30 seconds, agree the exact cue with your musician or DJ, and pick an opener that suits your style. Think September, This Will Be, or a favourite from your story together.

Surprise Performance

Let friends or family deliver a short surprise that you enjoy alongside your guests.

Options that work

A sibling sings one special song with the band
A friend joins for a sax solo
A small vocal group appears from the balcony for one chorus

Keep it to two or three minutes and follow with a guaranteed crowd-pleaser so the buzz carries on.

Roaming Band

A roaming acoustic band gathers guests around you for one upbeat number. No stage. No spotlights. Just musicians moving through the room and everyone joining in. Works brilliantly in barns, courtyards, restaurants, and anywhere guests can stand close.

Candlelit Chorus

Hand out small LED candles. Lights dim. A singer or string group performs a one-minute chorus while the room lifts their lights. It is simple, elegant, and very photogenic. As the final note ends, your musician moves into the next upbeat track.

Confetti or Sparkler Moment

Create a people tunnel from your table to the dancefloor. Guests hold confetti or LED wands, your DJ drops the intro of a favourite tune, and you walk through together. When you reach the floor, the track kicks in and the celebration begins.

Ceilidh Kick-off

If you like structure without a spotlight dance, open with a very easy ceilidh led by a caller. Everyone takes part, laughter breaks the ice, and momentum builds quickly. After one tune, switch to your band or DJ.

Instrumental Start

Ask for an instrumental version of a favourite song while you greet guests around the room. On the last chorus the vocalist joins, the room lifts, and the party continues. You get the sentiment without standing still.

Duet Without the Pressure

If one of you fancies a tiny moment on the mic, sing just the chorus as a duet with the lead singer, then hand it back. Keep it short and fun. Think You’re The One That I Want or the big chorus from your favourite song.

How to Hire a Christmas Party Band That Gets the Dancefloor Moving

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 11:00:41 GMT

Whether you’ve been given the all important task of planning the office Christmas party, or you’re organising a private festive bash with your friends, one thing is always true – the music can make or break the night.

A great Christmas party band does more than just play tunes. They read the room, lift the energy, and get people dancing (even those who swore they wouldn’t). Here’s how to hire the right one.

1. Know Your Crowd

Before you start shortlisting bands, get a clear picture of who you’re booking for.

Corporate crowd? Go for crowd-pleasers and singalong classics.
Mixed ages? You’ll want a band with a broad repertoire – from Motown to 90s to current hits.
Young party crew? Think upbeat, high-energy performers who can handle pop, R&B, and floor-fillers.

The best bands tailor their sets to suit the audience. Make sure the act you choose has the flexibility to adapt.

2. Look for Experience with Christmas Parties

Not every function band is cut out for festive events. You want a band that’s:

Performed at Christmas parties before
Comfortable with Christmas classics
Able to balance festive vibes with dancefloor energy

Ask to see past videos or client reviews specifically related to Christmas bookings. If they’ve got footage of a packed dancefloor wearing Santa hats, you’re in the right place.

3. Decide on the Right Band Size

Larger bands bring more energy, more instruments, and a fuller sound – but they also take up more space and cost more. Here’s a rough guide:

3-4 piece band: Best for smaller venues or tighter budgets.
5-6 piece band: Great all-rounder. Think vocals, guitar, bass, drums, keys.
7+ piece band: Adds brass, backing vocals, or extra vocalists. Perfect for big venues and high-impact performances.

If you’re unsure, speak to the band or booking platform. At Encore, we can recommend the ideal size based on your venue and guest list.

4. Check Their Setlist (And Ask for Festive Tracks)

A top Christmas party band will blend party anthems with a few festive favourites sprinkled in. Think:

All I Want for Christmas Is You
Last Christmas
Fairytale of New York
Merry Christmas Everyone
I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day

Make sure you ask whether they can include a few seasonal tracks in their setlist – not all bands offer this by default.

5. Ask the Right Questions Before You Book

Here’s what you need to know before signing the contract:

How long do they play for? (Usually 2x 45-min or 2x 60-min sets)
Do they provide lighting and a PA system?
Will they handle background music or a DJ set between sets?
Can they learn a special song if requested?
Do they require parking, food, or anything specific from the venue?

Don’t assume anything – get it all confirmed in writing.

6. Book Early (Christmas Gets Busy)

December is one of the busiest months for live music bookings. The best bands get snapped up early – especially for Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays in December.

We recommend booking your Christmas party band by late summer to avoid disappointment.

7. Use a Trusted Platform Like Encore

Booking direct can be risky. With Encore, you get:

Vetted, professional bands
Real customer reviews
Transparent pricing
Full support in case of cancellations or last-minute issues

You also get access to hundreds of top-rated bands across the UK – all experienced in bringing Christmas parties to life.

Summary

Your Christmas party deserves more than just a Spotify playlist. A great live band brings energy, atmosphere, and proper festive cheer. Whether you’re after a soul band, pop covers, jazz swing, or a full-on party band with brass and backing vocals – the right act will keep your dance floor packed until the final song.

Ready to find your perfect Christmas party band?
Browse bands available for your date or speak to our team for tailored recommendations.

How much does a Christmas Party band cost?

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 12:09:05 GMT

Looking for clear guidance on how much a Christmas party band costs? Here is a practical breakdown of what to expect in December, why Fridays and Saturdays cost more, and a few real-world examples so you can budget with confidence.

The quick answer

December premium: expect 10 to 30% more than standard months due to peak demand.
Weekday vs weekend: Sunday to Thursday is cheaper. Friday and Saturday carry the highest rates.
Typical December ranges for party bands:
- 3 to 4 piece: £900 to £1,600 on weekdays, £1,200 to £2,200 on Fri or Sat
- 5 to 6 piece: £1,600 to £2,400 on weekdays, £2,000 to £3,200 on Fri or Sat
- 7 to 9 piece with brass: £2,400 to £4,000 on weekdays, £3,000 to £5,000 on Fri or Sat
- 10 to 12 piece showband: £4,000 to £8,000 on weekdays, £5,000 to £10,000 on Fri or Sat
Location factor: London and the South East can sit 10 to 20% higher.
New Year’s Eve: often 1.8 to 3.0 times a standard December date.

These are guide ranges. Final quotes depend on lineup, travel, arrival times, venue access, and finish time.

December premiums explained

December is the busiest month of the year. Bands juggle back-to-back bookings, late finishes, and tricky city centre load-ins, so rates reflect this pressure. You will see the highest prices on Fridays and Saturdays from the first weekend of December until Christmas. Sundays and midweek dates are more flexible, especially in the first half of the month.

Weekday vs weekend pricing at a glance

Band size	Sun to Thu (Dec)	Fri or Sat (Dec)	Notes
3 to 4 piece party band	£900–£1,600	£1,200–£2,200	Great all rounder for 100 to 200 guests
5 to 6 piece party band	£1,600–£2,400	£2,000–£3,200	Adds keys, second vocalist or extra guitar
7 to 9 piece with brass	£2,400–£4,000	£3,000–£5,000	Bigger sound and stage presence
10 to 12 piece showband	£4,000–£8,000	£5,000–£10,000	Premium look, multiple vocalists, full brass

If a quote sits outside these ranges, check the add-ons and logistics. Early load-in, long idle time, and very late finishes can add up.

What is usually included

Most party band quotes in December include:

Performance time: typically 2 x 60 minutes or 2 x 45 minutes
Sound and lighting: suitable PA and basic party lighting
Playlist music between sets: to keep the room moving
Insurance and safety: PLI and PAT certificates
Standard arrival and finish: arrival around 5 to 6 pm, finish by 11 to midnight

Common extras: early setup, extended waiting time, additional sets, custom song requests, late finish after midnight, significant travel or accommodation, city centre parking and congestion charges.

Alternative act types and December price guides

Act type	Sun to Thu (Dec)	Fri or Sat (Dec)	Where it fits best
Professional DJ	£350-£800	£500-£1,200	Dancefloor focus, flexible genres
DJ + live sax or percussion	£900-£1,600	£1,200-£2,000	Club feel with a live edge
Acoustic duo	£300-£700	£450-£900	Drinks receptions, smaller rooms
Roaming band 3 to 5 piece	£1,100-£2,000	£1,400-£2,800	Interactive, no stage needed
Jazz trio	£500-£1,200	£700-£1,600	Stylish background and early evening
String quartet	£600-£1,200	£800-£1,600	Classy welcome sets and dinners
Christmas choir or vocal group	£800-£2,000	£1,000-£3,000	Big festive impact at arrivals

Worked examples

These are illustrative quotes so you can see where costs come from.

Example 1. Five piece party band on a Friday in Birmingham

Base Fri rate in December: £2,200
Travel and parking: £100
Early load-in at 3 pm due to venue turnaround: £150
Late finish at 1 am: £200
One special song request: £50
Estimated total: £2,700

Example 2. Jazz trio on a Tuesday in London

Base Tue rate in December: £900
Central London parking and congestion: £60
Estimated total: £960

Example 3. DJ plus sax on a Thursday in Manchester

DJ three hour set: £650
Sax add-on: £400
Estimated total: £1,050

How to keep costs under control without downgrading the experience

Pick a Sunday to Thursday date. You will get more choice and better rates.
Choose a smaller lineup. A tight 4 piece with two vocalists can sound huge.
Bundle services. Many bands offer a DJ add-on which is cheaper than hiring a separate DJ.
Reduce idle time. Avoid very early load-ins if the band then sits for hours before playing.
Limit the late finish. Midnight finishes are cheaper than 1 am.
Book local. Less travel and no accommodation keeps quotes lean.
Lock in early. Prices creep up as December fills.

Key budgeting steps

Fix your date, venue, and finish time.
Decide on lineup size and the type of show you want.
Ask for an all-in quote that lists arrival, finish, sets, PA, lighting, travel and any add-ons.
Compare Sun to Thu vs Fri or Sat for the same act.
Confirm parking, access and sound limits with the venue so there are no surprises.

Summary

Set your date, decide the scale of band you actually need, and get a clear all-in quote that matches your logistics.
If you are flexible on day of the week, you will save money.
If you want the fullest sound at peak times, plan for the premium.
Book through Encore Musicians to find the right act to make your Christmas party feel memorable rather than predictable.

Ready to price up your event
To browse top-rated party bands, compare weekday and weekend quotes, or ask for tailored options that fit your date, venue and budget, head over to www.encoremusicians.com

How to Handle a Sound Limiter at Your Wedding Venue

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 11:29:06 GMT

If your venue has a sound limiter, don’t worry – you are not doomed to a quiet evening! With the right plan, you can keep the dancefloor full, protect your venue’s licence, and avoid awkward power cuts. This guide explains how sound limiters work, what to confirm with the venue, and how to brief your band or DJ so the party feels big without breaking the rules.

What Does a Sound Limiter Actually Do?

A sound limiter measures volume in the room and reacts when the level exceeds a set threshold. Most units use A-weighted decibels [dB(A)] at a sensor mounted on a wall or ceiling. Some flash a warning light, others cut power to the stage sockets until a member of staff resets the system. Typical thresholds sit somewhere between 80 and 95 dB(A), although the figure is less important than how and where it is measured. A sensor above a hard dancefloor, near a wall or close to the PA will trip sooner than one across the room.

Get the Facts from Your Venue

Ask early and get the details in writing if possible. You want the exact limit in dB(A), whether it is measured as a peak or an average over time, the location of the sensor, which power sockets are controlled, and what happens if it trips. Confirm curfews, windows and doors policies, and whether a staff member will be on hand to reset the system. A simple floor plan that shows the sensor, performance area and power points will save a lot of guesswork later.

Design a Music Plan that Works with the Limit

The goal is not to be quiet, it is to be controlled. Ask your act to shape their setup around the room rather than fighting the limiter.

Keep on-stage volume low. In-ear monitors and sensible guitar amp levels let the PA do the work at a safe overall volume.
Tame the drums and bass. Brushes, lighter sticks, smaller kits, electronic drums or a cajón can deliver groove without spikes. Position subs away from corners and reduce unnecessary low end.
Aim sound across people, not into walls. Point the speakers across the dancefloor so bodies absorb energy, and avoid firing directly at the sensor.
Soundcheck against the sensor. A short, honest soundcheck with the room set as it will be later is the best insurance you have.

If your heart is set on big party energy, consider a hybrid format, for example a compact live band first, followed by a DJ or DJ with live sax or percussion. You will get impact when it matters and tight control later in the night.

Choosing the Right Act

Some formats naturally thrive within limiter rules. Acoustic duos and trios provide harmonies and familiar hits without heavy volume. Roaming acoustic bands bring interaction to the room and are not tied to a loud PA. Jazz, swing and soul line-ups work beautifully with brushed drums. String groups and electric strings can play modern pop in an elegant way. If you want late-night dancing with precision control, a DJ is the simplest route, and a DJ plus sax adds a great live vibe without triggering the limiter.

Layout and Room Treatment Matter

Small layout tweaks make a big difference. Keep the performance area as far from the sensor as the floor plan allows. Where possible, place the dancefloor between the speakers and the sensor so your guests become the room’s best acoustic treatment. Soft surfaces help, so curtains, tablecloths and even a rug under the drum kit or keys can reduce reflections. None of this ruins the look, and it buys you valuable headroom.

What to Do if the Limiter Trips

Stay calm. Ask the act to pause, reduce stage volume, and start again once power is restored. This is where professionals earn their fee, since they will recover smoothly, keep the mood light, and settle back into a safe level. It also helps to have backup music that can run from a battery speaker or a circuit not controlled by the limiter, if your venue permits it.

Sample Message You Can Send to the Venue

Hello [Venue],
We are planning live music for our wedding on [date]. Please could you confirm:
• The sound limiter threshold in dB(A) and whether it is peak or averaged.
• The sensor location and which sockets are controlled.
• What happens if the limiter trips and who can reset it on the day.
• Any curfews or policies on doors and windows.
A floor plan with power points would be very helpful.
Thank you,
[Names]

Summary

A sound limiter is a boundary, not a barrier.
When you understand how it is measured, brief your act properly, and lay out the room with intention, you get everything you want from a wedding party: big singalongs, a busy floor, and happy neighbours.
Book professionals who know the drill, collaborate with the venue, and let the music do what it should do, which is bring everyone together. At Encore Musicians we have thousands of professional musicians who can help bring your event to life. Head to www.encoremusicians.com today to get your party started!

What to Look for When Booking Christmas Party Entertainment

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 16:34:05 GMT

Booking live entertainment for your Christmas party can be the difference between a forgettable evening and one your team talks about well into the new year. But if you’ve never hired performers before, or you’re under pressure to “get it right”, the process can feel overwhelming.

Here’s exactly what to look for when booking Christmas party entertainment – whether you’re going all-out with a party band or keeping things more low-key with a solo act or DJ.

1. Experience with Christmas Events

Not all acts are created equal. Christmas parties have a different energy to weddings or corporate events, so look for performers who:

Have played festive events before
Know how to read a crowd
Can include seasonal favourites in their set
Understand the flow of an end-of-year celebration

Encore tip: Check the act’s reviews for mentions of previous Christmas parties. If they’ve kept a room full of colleagues dancing in December, it’s a good sign.

2. A Setlist That Matches Your Crowd

The right setlist keeps the room engaged – whether it’s background jazz during dinner or floor-fillers after drinks. Make sure the act can tailor their music to:

Your age range
Your company culture
The tone of the event (formal/ relaxed/ full-on party)
Any Christmas songs you want included

Ask to see a sample setlist before you book, and don’t be afraid to request a few favourites.

3. Professionalism and Reliability

This isn’t just about talent. You need performers who show up on time, communicate clearly, and handle logistics without handholding.

Look for:

Strong reviews mentioning punctuality and professionalism
A clear booking agreement or contract
Good communication from the start

With Encore, all acts are vetted and reviewed – so you’re not gambling on quality.

4. Suitable Equipment and Setup

Make sure the act has everything they need to perform properly at your venue. Ask:

Do they bring their own PA system and lighting?
How much space do they need?
Do they require a stage or just a clear floor area?
What are their power requirements?
How long is their setup and soundcheck?

If you’re unsure, Encore’s team can help liaise with your venue to confirm everything in advance.

5. Flexibility with Timings

Christmas parties rarely run like clockwork. The best performers are flexible enough to adapt if things overrun or change on the night.

When booking, check:

How long they’ll be on-site
What happens if the set starts late
Whether they offer background music or DJ sets between performances
If they can adjust set times around speeches, awards or food service

6. Backups in Case Something Goes Wrong

Even the best plans can go off track. That’s why it’s essential to book through a platform that offers reliable cover if a performer falls ill or something unexpected happens.

With Encore:

You get support from a dedicated bookings team
Replacement artists can be sourced quickly if needed
All bookings are covered by a secure contract

That peace of mind is worth its weight in gold during the busiest month of the year!

7. Clear Pricing with No Surprises

Avoid vague quotes and unclear extras. A good entertainment provider should give you:

A fixed price
A breakdown of what’s included (e.g. travel, equipment, number of sets)
Clear payment terms and cancellation policy

Encore’s platform gives you upfront pricing and full transparency, so there are no surprises down the line.

Summary

Booking entertainment for a Christmas party shouldn’t be stressful. Focus on acts with a proven track record, the right setlist for your crowd, and a professional attitude – and your event will feel effortless.

Whether you’re booking a band, solo singer, roaming group or DJ, Encore makes it easy to browse, compare and book top-rated acts across the UK.

How to Choose the Right Musician for Your Christmas Celebration

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 16:23:47 GMT

Whether you’re planning a corporate Christmas party, a festive drinks reception, a family gathering or an end-of-year client event, the right musician can turn your celebration from average to unforgettable.

But with so many live entertainment options out there – from solo singers and jazz duos, to roaming bands and party DJs – how do you choose the act that fits your event perfectly?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the right call.

1. Define the Type of Event You’re Hosting

Start with the basics. Is your event…

Formal – like a sit-down meal or black-tie reception?
Casual – like a pub party, staff get-together or drinks mixer?
Family-friendly – with a mix of ages and children attending?
Late-night – with dancing and high energy expected?

Knowing the style of your event helps you narrow down the vibe you’re aiming for.

Formal? Think string duos, jazz trios, or classical singers.
Party atmosphere? Go for upbeat bands, DJs, or roaming groups.
Cosy and low-key? Solo singers, acoustic duos or pianists work perfectly.

2. Think About Your Audience

Your guests should be at the heart of your decision. Ask:

What’s their age range?
Will they want to dance, or just relax and socialise?
Are you trying to impress clients, party with colleagues, or entertain friends?

For mixed age groups, opt for acts with broad setlists – bands that cover everything from Motown and disco to pop and rock work well.

For younger crowds, a DJ with live sax or percussion brings a modern twist.
For older guests or professional settings, instrumental acts and vocalists create a classy backdrop.

3. Consider Your Venue

The venue often determines what’s possible. Check:

How much space is available for performers
Noise limits or sound curfews
Whether the venue has a sound system or if the performer needs to bring one
Power supply access if you’re booking electric acts

If you’re in a small space or somewhere with restrictions, solo performers or acoustic duos are usually the safest bet.

4. Choose the Right Time for Live Music

Decide where in the evening you want live music to feature:

Arrival / drinks reception – keep it light with jazz, acoustic or instrumental sets
During dinner – background vocals, strings or harp work well
After dinner / party – this is where the dancefloor-fillers come in

For full coverage, you can book multiple sets from the same act – many performers offer acoustic sets earlier in the evening, followed by livelier performances later on.

5. Match the Music to the Mood

Make sure the act’s style fits the overall energy of the event:

Want guests singing along? Go for upbeat vocalists or roaming bands
Want guests dancing? You’ll need a full band or high-energy DJ
Want understated elegance? A solo pianist, harpist, or jazz duo sets the tone
Want festive cheer? Book acts who can include Christmas classics in their setlist

Encore acts often offer festive medleys or bespoke setlists on request.

6. Check Reviews and Videos

Always check past reviews, watch performance videos, and read bios before you book.

Look out for:

Performers with experience at Christmas events
Flexibility to adapt to different venues and crowds
A professional approach to punctuality, setup and dress code

On Encore, you can view reviews, setlists, availability and prices before you commit.

7. Book Early

Christmas is the busiest time of year for live performers. The best acts start filling up from late summer.

If you want choice and peace of mind, book by September or October, and for December weekends, the earlier the better!

Summary

Choosing the right performer for your Christmas celebration comes down to the type of event you’re hosting, the people attending, and the kind of atmosphere you want to create.

Whether you’re after background jazz, acoustic festive classics, or a high-energy band that gets the dancefloor moving, Encore Musicians has hundreds of vetted acts available across the UK. Enquire now for your perfect Christmas performer!

Why Duos Work Brilliantly for Christmas Events

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 14:00:38 GMT

When planning a Christmas event, live duos are one of the most versatile and underrated choices for festive entertainment.

Whether it’s an office party, drinks reception or festive dinner, a well-chosen duo can deliver all the atmosphere, energy and charm you need, without the hassle or cost of a larger group.

Here’s why musical duos work so well for Christmas events of all types.

1. Big Sound, Small Footprint

Modern duos often use loop pedals, harmonies, percussion and clever arrangement to create a rich, full sound that goes way beyond what you’d expect from just two musicians. Some offer a choice of acoustic or electric setups depending on your needs.

That means you can get the feel of a larger band, but with:

Less gear
Less space required
Quicker setup and pack-down
Fewer technical issues

They are perfect for venues with limited room or events with tight turnarounds.

2. Ideal for Drinks Receptions and Sit-Down Dinners

If you want live music without overpowering the room, duos are the sweet spot. They’re loud enough to create a buzz, but not so loud that guests can’t hear themselves over drinks or during speeches.

Common setups include:

Vocal and acoustic guitar
Jazz vocals and piano
Violins and loop station

You can choose upbeat background music or more laid-back festive favourites depending on the mood you want to create.

3. Budget-Friendly Without Feeling Cheap

Hiring a duo is significantly more affordable than booking a full band, especially during December when entertainment rates are at a premium.

Duos are perfect if you:

Have a limited budget
Want live music but also need a DJ or other entertainment later
Are planning multiple events and want consistency across them

With the right act, you won’t be compromising on quality.

4. Great for Smaller or Low-Key Events

Not every Christmas event is a big party. If you’re hosting a dinner for clients or a small office celebration, a duo is a perfect fit.

They bring atmosphere without overwhelming the occasion. They’re also ideal for venues like:

Restaurants
Wine bars
Conference rooms
Offices

Smaller events don’t need to feel small. A talented duo can still create something memorable.

5. Festive Setlists with a Twist

Many duos offer acoustic or jazzy versions of classic Christmas songs, giving your event a stylish, personal feel. Think Last Christmas with stripped-back harmonies, or Jingle Bell Rock with a jazz twist.

You can also expect:

Pop covers
Soul, Motown and funk favourites
Background jazz
Dancefloor-friendly acoustic hits

Some duos even offer roaming sets, interacting with guests and adding a personal touch that gets people talking.

6. Easier Logistics All Round

Hiring a duo means:

Less kit to transport
Less space needed on-site
Easier communication
Lower deposit and final fee
Quicker setup and soundcheck

When planning a Christmas event alongside food, drink, décor and logistics, keeping the entertainment simple is a massive win.

Summary

Duos punch well above their weight for Christmas entertainment. They’re compact, flexible, and far more affordable than larger groups, yet they still deliver exceptional atmosphere and musical quality.

If you want something that feels warm, personal and festive without blowing your budget or taking over your event, a duo might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Cover image: The String of Roses, acoustic duo on Encore Musicians.

How Far in Advance Should You Book a Wedding Band?

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:36:35 GMT

Booking a wedding band is one of the most exciting parts of planning your big day – but timing is everything. Leave it too late, and you risk missing out on your dream band. Book too early without knowing your venue or schedule, and you could run into logistics issues.

So, how far in advance should you actually secure your wedding entertainment?

The Short Answer

For peak wedding dates (spring and summer weekends), you should book your band 9-18 months in advance.

For off-peak weddings (weekdays or winter months), 6–9 months is usually enough – though the earlier, the better.

Why You Shouldn’t Leave It Too Late

1. The Best Bands Get Snapped Up Fast

Top-rated bands are in high demand and often take bookings over a year in advance. Waiting until 3-6 months out severely limits your options – especially if your date falls in May-September.

2. More Time to Choose the Right Act

Rushing your decision means you’re more likely to settle. Booking early gives you time to:

Compare options
Watch videos
Read reviews
Ask questions
Request bespoke setlists or song requests (think first dance!)

3. Planning Peace of Mind

The sooner your entertainment is locked in, the easier it is to build the rest of your schedule – from your first dance to the evening finish time.

Ideal Booking Timeline (Based on Wedding Type)

Wedding Type	When to Book Your Band
Summer Saturday (peak season)	12–-8 months before
Spring/Autumn weekend	9–-2 months before
Weekday wedding	6-9 months before
Winter wedding	6-9 months before
Last-minute wedding (under 3 months)	ASAP – limited availability

What If You’re Booking Last Minute?

It’s still possible to book a fantastic band at short notice – especially through platforms like Encore.

That said:

Be flexible on genre, setlists, or band size
Prioritise availability and professionalism
Act fast – don’t delay decisions

Encore’s team can help you find available bands for short-notice weddings – just get in touch here.

Questions to Ask Before You Book

Even if you’re booking early, don’t rush into it blindly. Make sure you:

Confirm your venue and whether they allow live music
Understand any sound limits or curfews
Know what time your band will arrive and finish
Check what’s included (PA system, lighting, etc.)

Summary

If you’ve booked your venue and set your date – now is the time to book your wedding band!

The earlier you book, the more choice you have and the less stress you’ll face later down the line. Whether you’re after a 3-piece acoustic band, a soul singer, or a full 8-piece party band – Encore has hundreds of top-rated acts ready to make your wedding unforgettable.

Need help finding the perfect band for your date?
Browse available wedding bands and we’ll match you with the best options.

Do I Need a Music Licence for My Event?

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 09:55:49 GMT

If you’re planning an event and want to include live music or a DJ, you might be wondering whether you need a music licence. The short answer is: it depends on the type of event, the venue, and who is attending.

Here’s a straightforward guide to help you work out whether you need one, and who is responsible for sorting it.

What is a Music Licence?

In the UK, a music licence gives you legal permission to play copyrighted music in public. For most events, this means a licence from PPL PRS Ltd, which covers both live and recorded music on behalf of the copyright holders.

When You Don’t Need a Licence

You typically do not need to get a music licence yourself if:

You’re hiring a professional venue (such as a hotel, pub, or wedding venue)
The venue already holds a PPL PRS licence
The music is for a private, invitation-only event like a wedding reception or private party

In most cases, wedding couples and party organisers don’t need to worry. Licensed venues will have it covered, and private events with no public access are usually exempt.

When You Do Need a Licence

You or the venue may need a licence if:

The event is open to the public (e.g. community events, festivals, public performances)
You are hosting the event in a private space not usually used for events, such as a marquee, field, private land or hired hall
You’re charging entry fees or selling tickets

In these cases, someone needs to ensure the correct licence is in place. If the venue doesn’t already hold one, you may be responsible as the organiser.

Who Should Sort It?

If You’re Using a Venue

Ask the venue directly. Most reputable venues will already have the appropriate music licence and will handle everything for you.

If You’re Booking a Band or DJ

They are not responsible for licensing the event. Their performance is covered by their own performance rights, but the organiser or venue needs to have the right to host live or recorded music.

If You’re Hosting a DIY Event

You may need to apply for a PPL PRS licence yourself, or at least check whether your event is exempt. Visit pplprs.co.uk for details.

Religious Ceremonies

If the music is being performed as part of a religious service, such as a church wedding or funeral, it is usually exempt from licensing.

What Happens If You Don’t Get a Licence?

If you play music in public without the correct licence, you risk:

Fines or legal action
The event being shut down
Damaging your reputation with attendees or venues

It’s not worth the risk. If in doubt, check with the venue or contact PPL PRS for clarification.

Summary

In most private event scenarios, you won’t need to worry about a music licence. But if your event is public or held in an unlicensed space, make sure someone has taken care of it.

At Encore, our musicians are fully covered to perform at any licensed event. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to help you check what’s needed.

Need help booking a band or understanding your event requirements?
Contact our team or browse available acts across the UK.

Live Music Ideas for Your 2026 Christmas Party

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 09:47:08 GMT

If you’re planning a Christmas party for 2025 – whether it’s a corporate event, a team night out, or a private celebration – live music is one of the best ways to create energy, atmosphere, and moments people won’t forget.

Forget Spotify playlists in the background; the right live act brings warmth, personality and a level of performance that you just don’t get from a speaker. Whether you want background ambiance or a full-blown dancefloor takeover, there’s something out there to suit your night.

Here are the top live music ideas for your 2025 Christmas party, plus tips on what works best for different types of events.

🎸 1. The Party Band (4-8 Piece)

Best for: Corporate parties, venues with a stage or dancefloor, high-energy events

This is a classic choice for a reason. A full party band brings presence, power, and a huge sound that gets people moving. Expect a mix of upbeat pop, soul, funk, disco and festive favourites. Many offer brass sections, female and male vocalists, or even themed attire for Christmas events.

Expect songs like:

“Shut Up and Dance” – Walk The Moon
“Levitating” – Dua Lipa
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey
“Superstition” – Stevie Wonder
“Mr Brightside” – The Killers

Why it works: Big sound, big energy, big impact. Ideal if you want to end the year with a bang.

🎤 2. Acoustic Duo or Solo Vocalist

Best for: Smaller events, drinks receptions, sit-down meals

For a more intimate vibe, an acoustic act is a brilliant way to add a touch of class without overpowering the room. Think stripped-back versions of well-known songs, maybe a few festive tracks sprinkled in.

Expect songs like:

“Last Christmas” – Wham! (acoustic version)
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – Ella Fitzgerald
“Valerie” – Amy Winehouse
“Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran

Why it works: Creates atmosphere without shouting for attention. Great for mixed-age events and low-key venues.

🧑‍🎤 3. Singing Waiters

Best for: Sit-down dinners, venues with catering, surprise entertainment

Looking for something unexpected? Singing waiters blend in as catering staff before bursting into song mid-service. It’s theatrical, fun, and genuinely memorable – especially when no one sees it coming.

Expect songs like:

“Nessun Dorma” – Puccini
“That’s Amore” – Dean Martin
“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” – Frankie Valli
“O Holy Night” – Traditional

Why it works: Shock factor. Great for formal or traditional settings where you want to inject some fun.

🎧 4. DJ + Live Sax or Percussion

Best for: Modern venues, cocktail-style parties, clubs or bars

This is a growing trend for corporate Christmas parties. A DJ keeps the tunes flowing while a live saxophonist or percussionist plays over the top – adding visual flair and energy without needing a full band setup.

Expect songs like:

“Freed From Desire” – Gala
“One Kiss” – Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa
“Jubel” – Klingande (perfect for sax)
“Intoxicated” – Martin Solveig

Why it works: Modern, slick, high-energy. Great for Instagrammable moments and venues with a younger crowd.

🎄 5. Carol Singers or Pop-Up Choir

Best for: Traditional Christmas themes, community events, festive warm-ups

Want to lean into the Christmas spirit? A small choir or carol-singing quartet sets a wonderfully nostalgic tone. Whether greeting guests as they arrive or performing mid-event, it adds warmth and seasonal cheer.

Expect songs like:

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
“O Come All Ye Faithful”
“Silent Night”

Why it works: Festive, charming, and completely on-theme. Works well as an early-evening feature.

🎷 6. Jazz, Swing or Big Band

Best for: Black tie events, drinks receptions, vintage-themed parties

Looking for something with a touch of old-school glamour? A jazz trio, swing band, or even a mini big band delivers class, rhythm and retro cool. Add in festive standards or keep it Rat Pack all the way.

Expect songs like:

“Let It Snow” – Dean Martin
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – Frank Sinatra
“Fly Me to the Moon” – Frank Sinatra
“Santa Baby” – Eartha Kitt

Why it works: Sophisticated without being stuffy. Great for welcome drinks or background during dinner.

🎶 7. 90s or 00s Tribute Bands

Best for: Themed nights, nostalgia-driven events, fun-loving crowds

A themed tribute band taps into pure nostalgia – and is almost guaranteed to pack the dancefloor. Whether it’s a Spice Girls-style girl group, a boyband tribute, or a full-on 90s throwback set, this can be a brilliant twist on a standard party band.

Expect songs like:

“Wannabe” – Spice Girls
“Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” – Backstreet Boys
“It’s Raining Men” – Geri Halliwell
“Reach” – S Club 7
“Boom Boom Pow” – Black Eyed Peas

Why it works: People love what they know. This stuff always gets a reaction.

🎤 8. Live Karaoke Band

Best for: Team bonding, small company parties, audience interaction

Also known as “rockaoke”, this is where guests take the mic and perform with a live band. Not for the faint-hearted, but brilliant if your team is up for it.

Expect songs like:
Anything from Oasis to ABBA to Arctic Monkeys.

Why it works: Hilarious, unpredictable and unforgettable. Creates shared memories (and probably a few blackmail videos).

👌 Final Tips for Booking Live Music in 2025

Book early – The best acts are snapped up by September. For December dates, don’t wait until Autumn.
Match the music to the venue – Small space? Go acoustic. Big stage? Go full band.
Know your crowd – Age range, music tastes, company culture – all of this affects what will land well.
Check sound restrictions – Some venues have volume limits or curfews.
Speak to the performers – They’ve done this hundreds of times. Ask what works and what doesn’t.

Need help finding the right act?

We work with the UK’s best Christmas party performers – from roaming acoustic duos to high-energy function bands. Whether you want classy background music or a full-blown dancefloor experience, we’ll help you find the right fit.

Ultimate Guide to Booking Christmas Party Entertainment

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 09:40:37 GMT

Whether you’re organising a corporate Christmas party, a festive celebration for clients, or a private event for friends and family, the right entertainment can make or break the party.

This guide covers everything you need to know about booking Christmas party entertainment in the UK – including what’s popular, when to book, how much it costs, and what to watch out for.

Why Entertainment Matters at a Christmas Party

Entertainment isn’t just the cherry on top – it’s the heart of the experience. A good performer can lift the mood, keep things flowing, and help your guests relax into the night. Whether that’s a DJ keeping the dance floor full, a live band playing festive classics, or surprise singing waiters breaking into song between courses, great entertainment leaves a lasting impression.

Most Popular Christmas Party Entertainment

Here are the most booked and best-reviewed options across UK venues:

1. Live Bands

Perfect for larger events, especially if you’re aiming for a high-energy dance floor. Many bands offer a mix of Christmas classics, modern hits, and crowd favourites. Most bands can tailor their setlist to suit your audience – whether it’s a black-tie corporate party or a more relaxed team gathering – just make sure to ask about this during the booking process.

2. Professional DJs

Ideal if space is tight or if you want a more flexible music setup. DJs often provide lighting and sound equipment too, so make sure you enquire about this during the booking process if it’s something that interests you.

3. Singing Waiters

One of the best surprise acts around, hands down. These undercover performers blend in with your catering staff before suddenly bursting into song – it’s a brilliant icebreaker and works well for more formal sit-down events.

4. Solo Vocalists

If you’re looking for something classy and low-key, a solo singer or duo can add atmosphere without dominating the event. Acoustic acts are a popular choice for drinks receptions or venues with noise restrictions.

5. Carol Singers & Choirs

Want to lean into tradition? A live choir or group of carol singers can set a festive tone right from the start. They’re also perfect for community or family events where kids are involved.

When Should You Book?

Early is best. The peak months for Christmas party bookings are September to November, but many in-demand acts are snapped up by late summer – especially Thursdays and Fridays in December.

If you’re reading this in August, now is the time to start shortlisting options. If it’s already November, don’t panic – some entertainers keep space open for last-minute events, but you’ll need to act quickly. The team at Encore Musicians are ready to help you secure the best possible music for your event, so reach out now to kickstart the process.

What Does Christmas Party Entertainment Cost?

Costs vary depending on the act type, location, travel, equipment, and demand. Here’s a rough guide:

Entertainment Type	Typical Price Range (UK)
Solo Singer or Duo	£300 – £700
Live Band (4+ members)	£900 – £2,500+
DJ (with equipment)	£400 – £900
Singing Waiters	£900 – £1,800
Carol Singers or Choir	£500 – £1,200

These are ballpark figures. A well-established act during peak season will charge more, but you’re also paying for reliability and professionalism. Our bookings experts are experienced at working within a range of budgets and are happy to chat through all possible options.

What to Ask Before You Book

Don’t just go by the highlight reel. Here’s what to check:

Availability and travel – Will they cover your location, and is travel included?
Set length – How many sets will they play, and how long for?
Equipment – Do they bring their own PA system, lights, or instruments?
Insurance and PAT testing – Venues often require this.
Performance space – How much room do they need?
Song requests – Can they tailor the setlist?
Breaks and timings – What does their performance schedule look like?

Tips for a Smooth Booking Process

Check reviews and past performances. Look for acts with solid testimonials or video clips from similar events. You can watch clips of all our musicians on our website.
Read the contract carefully. Make sure cancellation policies, payment schedules, and timings are clearly stated.
Confirm logistics. Let the venue know about the entertainment setup. Some venues have sound limiters or cut-off times.
Plan the schedule. Entertainment doesn’t always need to be after dinner. Live music during a drinks reception or between courses can work brilliantly.
Have a fallback plan. Especially if you’re relying on outdoor space or dealing with tight access for gear.

Booking Christmas party entertainment doesn’t have to be stressful. Start early, be clear about what you want, and work with performers who are experienced in festive events. The right act will elevate your night, bring people together, and leave everyone in high spirits heading into the holidays.

If you’re ready to book, or just want to explore what’s available, we’d be happy to help you find the perfect entertainment for your Christmas party. Enquire now for an unforgettable event!

How to Choose the Right Setlist for Your Wedding Reception

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 09:11:05 GMT

Music is one of the most powerful parts of any wedding reception. It brings people together, sets the tone, and helps shape the mood of the evening. A well-chosen setlist doesn’t just fill space between speeches – it creates moments, sparks memories and gets people dancing.

But how do you choose a setlist that works for everyone? One that reflects your taste, suits your guests, and keeps the energy flowing from first dance to final song? It’s a big task, but we’re here to help with our practical guide to help you build the perfect playlist for your wedding reception.

1. Start with the Basics: Who’s Playing?

Before you even start thinking about songs, confirm who’s performing. Is it:

A live band?
A DJ?
A solo acoustic act or duo?
A mix of live performance followed by DJ?

The act you’ve booked will influence the structure of your setlist. A band might do two or three 45-minute sets, while a DJ can play continuously. Acoustic performers will have a more laid-back vibe, and some acts are better at reading the room than others. Always ask your performers for guidance – most have done hundreds of weddings and know what works.

2. Think About Your Audience

You’re not just playing to yourselves – you’re playing to a mixed crowd.

Got older relatives coming? Mix in some Motown, soul or classic singalongs.
Lots of 90s kids? Britpop, R&B and cheesy dance tracks might go down a storm.
A younger crowd? Pop in some indie bangers, garage, or current chart favourites.

Aim to blend your personal taste with crowd-pleasers. The best wedding receptions have a bit of something for everyone – not just what the couple would listen to on Spotify in the car. In saying this, make sure you have your must-play songs in list for your wedding musicians, if theres a song you and your partner have dreamt of dancing to at your wedding, don’t be afraid to request it!

3. Nail the Key Moments

There are a few major moments where the right song matters. Plan these out early:

First Dance – This should reflect your story or shared taste. Whether it’s a romantic slow track or something upbeat and unexpected, make sure it suits you.
Entrance Song – Want to make a statement when you enter the reception? Pick a tune that gets everyone smiling or clapping along.
Final Song of the Night – End on a high. This could be an anthem everyone sings arm-in-arm or a slow number to bring things to a close.

4. Balance the Energy

Think of your reception like a rollercoaster – you need rises and falls, not just constant peaks.

Here’s a typical energy flow:

Post-meal lull – Start with relaxed tunes as people finish eating and chat.
First dance – Then move into your first big set with a few familiar hits.
Peak dancefloor – Drop the bangers. This is where the floor fills and stays full.
Short breaks – A couple of slower numbers can give people a breather.
Final burst – Finish with high-energy crowd-pleasers or emotional singalongs.

Good entertainers will help structure this naturally – but talk to them about how you want the night to feel.

5. Avoid the Mistakes

A few traps to avoid when picking your wedding playlist:

Don’t over-programme. Trust your band or DJ to read the crowd and adapt.
Don’t try to please everyone. That’s impossible – just aim for a strong balance.
Don’t forget transitions. Going from a slow acoustic song to drum & bass with no warning kills the mood.
Don’t leave it last minute. The best weddings are the ones where entertainment is considered early.

6. Create a ‘No-Play’ List

This is just as important as your ‘must-plays’.

Hate the Macarena?
Sick of Ed Sheeran?
Don’t want any cheesy wedding tunes?

Let your act know. It’s your day, and they’ll respect your boundaries. You can be as specific or vague as you like.

7. Collaborate with Your Performers

A good band or DJ will help shape the setlist with you. Some useful questions to ask:

Can we choose a few must-play songs?
Will you take requests on the night?
Can you adjust your set if the crowd isn’t dancing?
Do you offer a standard wedding set, or do you tailor everything?

Most bands and DJs have a tried-and-tested wedding set that blends soul, rock, pop, indie, disco and more. Use that as a starting point – then add your flavour.

8. Still Unsure? Here’s a Sample Setlist

💃 First Dance

This is the emotional high point – your first proper moment as a married couple in front of everyone. Choose something personal, or go with a timeless classic.

Popular First Dance Choices:

“You Are the Best Thing” – Ray LaMontagne
Soulful, upbeat, and heartfelt without being cheesy. A modern classic.
“At Last” – Etta James
If you want old-school elegance and big emotion, this is it.
“Perfect” – Ed Sheeran
Still hugely popular for a reason – romantic, simple, and builds beautifully.
“Let’s Stay Together” – Al Green
Soulful and warm, perfect for couples who want something smooth.
“Better Together” – Jack Johnson
Laid-back and charming for a less formal feel.
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Kina Grannis (Acoustic cover)
Understated and beautiful, especially for acoustic singers or duos.

🎉 Early Energy – Get the Party Started

Songs to lift the room after dinner and speeches, get feet moving and break the ice.

Songs to kick off the dancing:

“Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Universally fun, easy to dance to, and sounds great live.
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” – Whitney Houston
This song always gets people smiling.
“Shut Up and Dance” – Walk The Moon
Modern indie-pop energy – huge for weddings since 2015.
“Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
Safe, energetic, and appeals across age ranges.
“Valerie” – Amy Winehouse
Instantly recognisable, upbeat, and a live band staple.
“I’m a Believer” – The Monkees
Great for older guests, instantly singable.
“September” – Earth, Wind & Fire
Timeless groove – makes people move regardless of age.

🕺 Peak Dancefloor – Big Bangers

This is where the dancefloor is full and the energy’s maxed out. Go bold.

Big crowd-pleasers:

“Mr Brightside” – The Killers
Absolutely guaranteed to get shouted back by everyone.
“Sex on Fire” – Kings of Leon
Perfect for big guitar band energy and group singalongs.
“Proud Mary” – Tina Turner
That tempo change still hits – works every time.
“Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi
Guitar riffs, air grabs, and everyone screaming the chorus.
“Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen
Endlessly joyful, works brilliantly with or without live vocals.
“Dancing in the Dark” – Bruce Springsteen
Great live guitar number for classic rock lovers.
“Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift
Crowd-friendly pop that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

💓 Breather Ballads – Reset the Room

These slower songs give guests time to catch their breath, grab a drink, or cuddle up.

Popular mid-evening slow numbers:

“Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran
Still a staple. Romantic, safe, and ideal for acoustic renditions.
“Stand by Me” – Ben E. King
It’s a classic for a reason.
“All of Me” – John Legend
Big ballad energy – emotional and familiar.
“Make You Feel My Love” – Adele
Great vocal showcase if you have a powerful female singer.
“Your Song” – Elton John
Beautiful lyrics and always well-received.
“Let’s Get It On” – Marvin Gaye
Adds a cheeky touch for couples who don’t want to go too slow.

🥂 Late Night Anthems – Keep It Going

At this stage, it’s full-on party mode. You want dancefloor dominance, feel-good energy, and singalong moments.

Late-night stormers:

“Take On Me” – A-ha
80s synth magic, surprisingly huge on wedding dancefloors.
“You Make My Dreams” – Hall & Oates
Quirky, upbeat, and gets people bouncing.
“Don’t You Want Me” – The Human League
Call and response perfection for groups.
“Sweet Child O’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses
For the couple that loves a bit of rock edge.
“Freed From Desire” – Gala
When the energy peaks – this one goes off live.
“Relight My Fire” – Take That ft. Lulu
Great for UK weddings – nostalgic and punchy.
“Mr Saxobeat” – Alexandra Stan
For that unexpected injection of Euro-dance energy.

🎤 Final Song – End on a High

This is the moment that ties everything together. It should feel like a group hug in musical form.

Perfect closers:

“Don’t Look Back in Anger” – Oasis
Crowd sings it for you. Unbeatable finale if your guests are on board.
“Sweet Caroline” – Neil Diamond
It’s cheesy. It’s obvious. It’s perfect. It’s just … So good, so good, so good!
“Never Forget” – Take That
Big arms round shoulders moment.
“500 Miles” – The Proclaimers
Bouncy, stupid, joyful – the ideal final burst of energy.
“Hey Jude” – The Beatles
Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-naaaa. Everyone knows it. Everyone sings it.
“Time of Your Life” – Green Day
Bit of nostalgia and a softer wind-down.

👌 Final Tips for Using This Setlist

Tailor it. Every wedding is different – pick what fits your taste, your crowd, and your energy.
Talk to your band or DJ. They’ll know how to structure the night and make seamless transitions.
Have a few backups. If a song kills the energy mid-flow, they’ll want to pivot.
Don’t overthink it. People remember how they felt, not whether you nailed the tempo shift between track 6 and 7.

Ready to build the perfect soundtrack for your wedding?

We can help you find the right DJ, band or acoustic act who can turn this setlist into something truly unforgettable. Just tell us your vibe, your guest list, and your budget – and we’ll help match you with the right performer for the job.

How to Hire Musicians for a Funeral Service

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 15:40:07 GMT

Planning a funeral or memorial service is never easy, and choosing the right music can feel like a daunting task. However, music can play a vital role in setting the tone and bringing comfort to those in attendance.

This guide aims to help you understand how to hire the right musicians, whether you’re looking for a soloist to sing a favourite hymn or a string quartet to perform a moving classical piece. Keep reading for our 7 key points to take into consideration.

1. Understanding the Tone and Purpose of the Music

The music at a funeral or memorial service should reflect the personality, beliefs, or wishes of the person being remembered. Start by thinking about:

Who was their favourite artist? Did they have a favourite song or genre?
Are there any cultural or religious traditions to take into account?
Is the service going to be formal, reflective, uplifting or spiritual?

In some cases, families opt for hymns or classical pieces, while others prefer more modern songs that had personal meaning.

Examples:

Ave Maria performed by a vocalist and pianist
A cellist playing The Swan by Saint-Saëns
A favourite pop or rock song performed acoustically by a soloist or a group.

2. Choosing the Right Type of Musician

There’s ‘no one size fits all’ when it comes to live funeral music. Popular choices include:

1. Solo Vocalist

This option is perfect for performing hymns or requested songs and is often accompanied by piano, guitar, or backing track.

2. Instrumental Soloist (e.g. violinist, cellist, harpist)

This would be an elegant and understated option – perfect for moments of reflection or background music during the arrival and exit.

3. Small Ensemble or String Quartet

This would create a fuller sound, which would be suited to larger venues or for more formal services.

4. Pianist or Organist

This option is often provided at church services. If not, one can be hired to perform both traditional and contemporary music.

3. Consider the Venue

Before booking, check with the venue about:

Sound limitations or amplification rules
Space available for performers
Access to a piano or power supply if needed
Timings – for example, pre-service, during the ceremony, or as guests exit

If you’re hosting a memorial in a non-traditional venue (such as a garden, community hall or crematorium), it’s important to discuss logistics with the musicians early on.

4. Choose Experienced & Professional Performers

Funeral and memorial services require musicians who are:

Punctual and self-sufficient
Able to perform sensitively in emotional settings
Flexible with last-minute changes
Comfortable with religious or non-religious ceremonies

When you book through Encore Musicians, you’ll have access to both vetted, experienced professionals and our wonderful customer service team.

5. Discuss Music Choices in Advance

Speak with your chosen musicians about the pieces you’d like played, and when in the service they should be performed.

Typical points in a service for live music include:

Arrival of guests (traditionally soft background music)
Opening of the ceremony
Reflection or quiet time
As the coffin is carried or lowered
Closing and exit

If requested with enough notice, many musicians would be happy to learn a new piece of music.

6. Budget and Booking

Fees will vary depending on the number of musicians, location, and length of performance. As a rough guide:

Soloists: £200–£300
Instrumental duos: £300–£600
String quartets or small ensembles: £600+

When booking with Encore Musicians, you can view prices up front, read reviews, and communicate directly with performers.

7. Last-Minute Bookings

It’s not uncommon to be arranging music at short notice. Encore has musicians across the UK who can often step in with 24-48 hours’ notice. If you’re under pressure, we can help source someone quickly who is professional, prepared, and respectful of the occasion.

Live music offers a deeply personal way to honour someone’s memory. It brings beauty and reflection to a difficult day, and helps to bring people together in shared remembrance.

If you’re unsure where to start, the team at Encore Musicians can guide you through the process and connect you with the right musician for your needs. Whether it’s a solo violinist, a gospel singer, or a classical pianist – the right music can bring peace, connection, and comfort.

Need help finding the right musician?
Find musicians for your event today.

250 Best Bridal Entrance Songs to Walk Down the Aisle (2025)

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 09:36:38 GMT

Suddenly, it all goes silent.

“Please stand for the entrance of the bride.”

Everyone glances over their shoulders with anticipation.

The music begins, and then she appears…

The bride’s entrance is one of the most unforgettable moments of the day – and the right song makes it even more powerful. Whether you’re going for a traditional feel or a modern twist, the right track will set the tone, stir the emotions, and stay in everyone’s memory.

At Encore, we’ve helped thousands of couples choose their perfect wedding music. For 2025, we’ve refreshed our ultimate list of bridal entrance songs with trending favourites, timeless classics, and a few under-the-radar gems you might not have considered.

🎵 Best Bridal Entrance Songs for 2025

Here are 90 updated favourites – romantic, emotional, and full of that perfect “walking down the aisle” energy:

Lover (First Dance Remix) – Taylor Swift
Until I Found You – Stephen Sanchez
Ceilings – Lizzy McAlpine
Stick Season – Noah Kahan
Evermore (Piano Version) – Taylor Swift
You Are the Reason – Calum Scott
One and Only – Adele
Sweetest Devotion – Adele
Turning Page – Sleeping At Last
When I Found You – Jasmine Rae
The Night We Met – Lord Huron
Heaven – Niall Horan
She’s in Love with the Boy – Trisha Yearwood
Let It Go – James Bay
Everything – Michael Bublé
The Best Part of Me – Ed Sheeran
Rewrite The Stars – James Arthur & Anne-Marie
I’m Yours (Live Acoustic) – Jason Mraz
XO – Beyoncé
I Get To Love You – Ruelle
Golden Hour – JVKE
How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
My Person – Spencer Crandall
I’m With You – Vance Joy
This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole
Fall Into Me – Forest Blakk
Best Part – Daniel Caesar & H.E.R.
I Love You – Billie Eilish
Home – Edith Whiskers
I Choose You – Sara Bareilles
Love You Anyway – Luke Combs
Latch (Acoustic) – Sam Smith
All of Me – John Legend
Love Like This – Ben Rector
Grow Old – Florida Georgia Line
Back to You – Selena Gomez
The Bones – Maren Morris
Can’t Help Falling In Love – Kina Grannis
From the Ground Up – Dan + Shay
Hold My Girl – George Ezra
Beyond – Leon Bridges
Marry Me – Train
Yours – Ella Henderson
Better Place – NSYNC
That’s When I Knew – Alicia Keys
Glow – James Blunt
I Do – Aloe Blacc
Like I’m Gonna Lose You – Meghan Trainor & John Legend
I Won’t Give Up – Jason Mraz
You Make It Easy – Jason Aldean
Lost in the Light – Bahamas
Tenerife Sea – Ed Sheeran
Just You and I – Tom Walker
Heaven – Calum Scott
Forever Like That – Ben Rector
If You Love Her – Forest Blakk
Kiss Me – Dermot Kennedy
Everything I Do – Bryan Adams
This I Promise You – *NSYNC
Speechless – Dan + Shay
Come What May – Moulin Rouge
All This Time – OneRepublic
Only One – Kanye West ft. Paul McCartney
Perfect – Ed Sheeran
Dancing in the Moonlight – Toploader
Love Never Felt So Good – MJ & JT
Yours – Russell Dickerson
Daylight – David Kushner
You and I – Wilco
The Luckiest – Ben Folds
You Set My World on Fire – Loving Caliber
Beautiful in White – Shane Filan
You Are Mine – Spencer Combs
She Is Love – Parachute
Love Someone – Lukas Graham
Carry You – Ruelle
She – Harry Styles
Love You For A Long Time – Maggie Rogers
All My Life – K-Ci & JoJo
Angel – Jack Johnson
I Do – Jessie James Decker
Forever Like That – Ben Rector
Falling Like the Stars – James Arthur
Be My Forever – Christina Perri ft. Ed Sheeran
Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur
If You’re Not The One – Daniel Bedingfield
Yours (Wedding Version) – Russell Dickerson
I Will Follow You – Toulouse
Forever and Ever, Amen – Randy Travis
In Case You Didn’t Know – Brett Young

🎻 Best Classical Bridal Entrance Songs for 2025

25 timeless pieces – romantic, regal, and emotionally rich:

Canon in D – Johann Pachelbel
Arioso – J.S. Bach
Clair de Lune – Debussy
Air on the G String – Bach
Arrival of the Queen of Sheba – Handel
Gymnopédie No.1 – Erik Satie
Ave Maria – Schubert
Prelude in C – Bach
Trumpet Voluntary – Jeremiah Clarke
Meditation from Thaïs – Massenet
Flower Duet – Delibes
Intermezzo – Mascagni
Gabriel’s Oboe – Morricone
Spring – Vivaldi
O Mio Babbino Caro – Puccini
The Swan – Saint-Saëns
Serenade for Strings – Tchaikovsky
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – Bach
Wedding March – Mendelssohn
Ave Verum Corpus – Mozart
Lachrimae Antiquae – Dowland
Romeo & Juliet Love Theme – Tchaikovsky
Pavane – Fauré
Ombra Mai Fu – Handel
Nuvole Bianche – Ludovico Einaudi

🎬 Best Bridal Entrance Songs from Movies and Musicals for 2025

Cinematic, dramatic, and full of storytelling power:

Maestro – The Holiday
Glasgow Love Theme – Love Actually
A Million Dreams – The Greatest Showman
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – 10 Things I Hate About You
The Secret Wedding – Braveheart
Tale As Old As Time – Beauty and the Beast
Beyond the Sea – Finding Nemo
Rewrite The Stars – The Greatest Showman
I Wanna Grow Old With You – The Wedding Singer
Bella’s Lullaby – Twilight
No Time To Die – Billie Eilish
So This Is Love – Cinderella
Love Me Like You Do – Fifty Shades of Grey
A Thousand Years – Twilight
Come What May – Moulin Rouge
Falling Slowly – Once
Married Life – Up
When She Loved Me – Toy Story 2
La Vie En Rose – A Star is Born
Let It Go (Piano) – Frozen
Enchanted – Taylor Swift
The Shire – The Lord of the Rings
How Far I’ll Go – Moana
Evermore – Beauty and the Beast (2017)
All I Ask Of You – Phantom of the Opera
My Girl – Father of the Bride
The Lake – The Notebook
You’ve Got a Friend in Me – Toy Story
Stars and Butterflies – Pride & Prejudice
Sentimental Walk – Love Affair
Time – Hans Zimmer
He’s a Pirate – Pirates of the Caribbean
Kiss the Girl – The Little Mermaid
Ten Minutes Ago – Cinderella
When You Wish Upon a Star – Pinocchio
Some Enchanted Evening – South Pacific
End Credits – About Time
Falling in Love – Only You
Love Theme – The Godfather
Moon River – Breakfast at Tiffany’s

🎧 Modern Bridal Entrance Songs for 2025

Fresh tracks from the last year or two – full of emotion and perfect for 2025:

Promise – Laufey
Better Place – NSYNC
Until I Found You – Em Beihold & Stephen Sanchez
Heaven – Niall Horan
Ceilings – Lizzy McAlpine
Everything I Wanted – Billie Eilish
Golden Hour – JVKE (piano version)
Rich Man – Hearts & Colors
I’m With You – Vance Joy
Light Me Up – Ingrid Michaelson
Beautiful Things – Benson Boone
I See the Light – Mandy Moore & Zachary Levi
Runaway – AURORA
Saturn – Sleeping At Last
Be Mine – Ofenbach
Wildest Dreams (Acoustic) – Taylor Swift
Love You Anyway – Luke Combs
From the Start – Laufey
Love in the Dark – Adele
Cool About It – boygenius
Wild Horses – Birdy
Open Arms – SZA
Falling Behind – Laufey
Heaven is Here – Florence + the Machine
I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing (Acoustic) – Music Travel Love
When I Say I Do – Matthew West
Vienna – Billy Joel
I Get to Love You – Ruelle
When God Made You – Newsong
Let It Go – James Bay
I Choose You – Ryann Darling
Everglow – Coldplay
Conversations in the Dark – John Legend
Yellow – Kina Grannis
Cowboy Like Me – Taylor Swift
Yours – Ella Henderson
Godspeed – James Blake
Sweet Symphony – Joy Oladokun ft. Chris Stapleton
One Life – James Bay
That’s When I Knew – Alicia Keys
Always You – Sophie Zelmani
Say Yes – Lukas Graham
Be My Baby – Ariana Grande (cover)
Found You – Ross Copperman
Like Real People Do – Hozier
Wedding Song – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
All of the Girls You Loved Before – Taylor Swift
Love You for a Long Time – Maggie Rogers
Stand By Me – Florence + the Machine
Marry You – Bruno Mars
Dream – Priscilla Ahn
Everything Has Changed – Ed Sheeran & Taylor Swift
Look At Me – Carrie Underwood
Take Me Home – Jess Glynne
Let It Happen – Tame Impala
House With No Mirrors – Sasha Alex Sloan
Ever After – Bonnie Bailey
The Promise – Tracy Chapman
Good Riddance (Acoustic) – Green Day
Northern Wind – City and Colour
Trust – Brent Faiyaz
Hold My Hand – Lady Gaga
Magic – Coldplay
Bloom – The Paper Kites
You’re Gonna Live Forever in Me – John Mayer
Light – Sleeping at Last
Weightless – Natasha Bedingfield
Come Home – Sons of the East
Sunday Best – Surfaces
Let Me Love You – Ne-Yo (acoustic cover)
Better Together – Jack Johnson
You Make My Dreams – Hall & Oates
Lifetime – Justin Bieber
Gravity – Sara Bareilles
Slow Dancing in a Burning Room – John Mayer
Next to Me – Emeli Sandé
The Only Exception – Paramore
Be Alright – Dean Lewis
Sweet – Cigarettes After Sex
Wait – M83
Lovers’ Carvings – Bibio
Blue – Beyonce
Honest – Kodaline
Open – Rhye
Only Love – Ben Howard
You Found Me – The Fray
I’ll Be – Edwin McCain
Come Away With Me – Norah Jones
Just the Way You Are – Bruno Mars
Come Through – H.E.R.
Here With Me – Marshmello ft. CHVRCHES
Falling – Harry Styles
Moon – Kanye West
Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi
Every Time I Close My Eyes – Babyface

Need Help Choosing?

Whether you’re hiring a string quartet, pianist, harpist, or full wedding band – Encore can match you with live musicians who can perform any of these tracks live, tailored to your ceremony space and setup. Live music makes all the difference.

If you want a hand choosing the perfect piece, just get in touch. We’re happy to help make your entrance unforgettable.

A Guide to Choosing the Right Wedding Band for Your Big Day

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 10:37:35 GMT

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.

Wedding Party Songs

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 16:35:21 GMT

Choosing wedding party songs can be overwhelming. With so many options out there, finding the right song for each moment of your wedding that will fit with your tastes as a couple can feel impossible.

Here at Encore, we provide wedding bands for thousands of couples each year and are well-versed in curating wedding playlists. Below we have broken down the best wedding songs for each section of the wedding and across genres. From wedding party walk-in songs to country wedding songs, Encore has you covered.

Best Wedding Entrance Songs for Wedding Party

If you’re looking for a wedding song to walk down the aisle to, see below are top recommendations.

“Marry You” by Bruno Mars

“A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay

“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley

“All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles

“When We Were Young” by Adele

You can listen to the rest of the playlist here:

Find Musicians

Wedding Party Recessional Songs

If you want to find the perfect song to celebrate your first steps as a couple, see below our top wedding recessional songs to help you go out with a bang.

“This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole

“Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder

“Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane

“Beautiful Day” by U2

“Best Day of My Life” by American Authors

You can listen to the rest of the playlist here:

Wedding Party Reception Entrance Songs

Want to make an entrance? Here are our favourite wedding reception entrance songs to help you get the party started.

“Walk This Way” by Run-DMC and Aerosmith

“Jump (For My Love)” by The Pointer Sisters

“Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon

“Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrel

You can listen to the rest of the playlist here:

Classic Wedding Party Songs

If you want timeless songs that have stood the test of time, see below for our favourite classic wedding songs:

“You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates

“Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion

“Endless Love” by Lionel Richie

“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli

“Your Song” by Elton John

You can listen to the rest of the playlist here:

2023 Wedding Party Songs

Want something fresher? Here are our top 2023 wedding song recommendations:

“I, Carrion (Icarian)” by Hozier

“Smaller Acts,” by Zach Bryan

“We Might Even Be Falling In Love” by Victoria Monet and Bryson Tiler

“Nervous,” by John Legend

“Nonsense,” by Sabrina Carpenter

You can listen to the rest of the playlist here:

Country Wedding Party Songs

If you country lover, here are the best country wedding songs for you:

“I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton

“You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain

“Your Man” by Josh Turner

“It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill

“Keeper of the Stars” by Tracy Byrd

You can listen to the rest of the playlist here:

Bollywood Wedding Party Songs

If you’re looking for Bollywood songs for your wedding, here are our top picks:

“Gerua” (Dilwale)

“Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham)

“Suraj Hua Maddham” (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham)

“Samjhawan” ( Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania)

“Ban Ja Tu Meri Rani” (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham)

You can listen to the rest of the playlist here:

Irish Wedding Party Songs

If have Irish roots or just love Irish music, here are are top recommendations for Irish wedding songs.

“Galway Girl” by Steve Earle

“When You Say Nothing At All” by Ronan Keating

“A Rainy Night in Soho” by The Pogues

“My Lagan Love” by The Dubliners

“From Eden” by Hozier

You can listen to the rest of the playlist here:

Inspired? Browse through our collection of wedding bands who can bring your favourite wedding songs to life.

International Women’s Day: Survey, Webinar and Resources

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 17:13:59 GMT

Over Two-Thirds of Female Musicians Report Discrimination Due to Their Gender

Over two-thirds (68%) of female musicians in our survey reported experiencing discrimination or bias in the music industry due to their gender (compared to 10% of male musicians).

Aesthetics Over Ability: The Double Standard

Furthermore, we found that six in ten (64%) of female musicians feel pressured to conform to gender stereotypes to succeed in the industry.

Within this, the most prominent theme that emerged is the pressure to prioritise appearance over musical talent. A staggering 55% of respondents highlighted the expectation to conform to a hyper-feminine image, often involving elaborate outfits, makeup, and heels. This constant pressure to prioritise aesthetics overshadows their musical prowess, reducing them to mere visual spectacles.

Female musician – “People want you to be dolled up to the nines when men can just turn up in jeans and a t-shirt.”

Female musician – “Women are expected to dress sexy, with nice outfits, and makeup etc, men are not required to do this.”

Female musician – “Fit in with a look, wear makeup, be slim, shave, do it for presentation etc, get sexy shots, present on stage in an overt way.”

Female musician – “You wouldn’t get booked for certain things unless you dress to look “sexy”.”

On the other hand, only 21% of male musicians reported feeling pressured to conform to gender stereotypes to succeed in their careers. Within these responses, this seems to be due to homophobia rather than sexism where LGBTQ+ male musicians feel they can’t be their authentic selves.

Male musician – “I don’t think as a queer male I could dress or feel safe dressing in genderqueer outfits”

Male musician – “Often felt really uncomfortable to be my LGBTQ self on gigs. Once a drummer and bass player said they would walk off stage if I acted flamboyantly on stage.”

Sexual Harassment: A Pervasive Obstacle

The survey identified sexual harassment as the biggest obstacle faced by female musicians, with a troubling one in three (30%) reporting it as their most significant issue. This pervasive issue creates a hostile environment that discourages female participation and undermines their artistic journey.

Female musician – “Being asked to do sexual acts to male patrons to get access to better career prospects”

Female musician – “Many people – both audience and bookers – hitting on me, making sexual advances and touching inappropriately”

Female musician – “Clients saying they want to book you then pester you with inappropriate messages.”

Female musician – “I have been sexually harassed by men in the industry several times”

Beyond the Stereotypes: Fighting for Recognition

The survey also revealed a concerning prevalence of gender stereotypes. A significant portion (28%) of female musicians reported instances where their expertise and opinions were disregarded simply because of their gender. From being denied opportunities to facing dismissive attitudes from male counterparts, these experiences highlight the deep-rooted biases that hinder their progress.

Female musician – “Quite often people will think I don’t know what I am talking about when it comes to music equipment and sound.”

Female musician – “I’ve also had a lot of older male boomers and fixers talk over me whilst I am speaking or asking someone else something and just interrupt me mid-conversation, repeatedly, on various sessions, these people also will not look at me when they are talking to me, only making eye contact with other males in the room.”

Female musician – “Being talked over or overlooked or not being taken seriously by male musicians and music professionals”

Exclusion and Other Challenges

The survey paints a picture of exclusion and other challenges. One in six (16%) female musicians cited a lack of opportunities as their biggest obstacle, while over one in seven (14%) reported unequal pay as their most significant problem.

Additionally, nearly one in 10 (9%) reported facing situations where their gender played a direct role in being denied opportunities. Other comments addressed the lack of gender-neutral language (“sound woman”) and the pressure to conform to certain behaviours during rehearsals.

Female musician – “Not wanting to book me as a female artist as they thought I’d be more hassle.”

Female musician – “People wanting an all-male band.”

Female musician – “Had male pianists booked over me based on gender.”

Female musician – “Getting paid less because supposedly I deliver less of a performance than men as I’m a solo guitarist-singer.”

Possible Solutions: Building a More Equitable Future

The survey also offered valuable insights into potential solutions. Several respondents emphasised the need for stricter regulations against harassment, alongside workshops and resources to empower women and build their confidence.

Female musician – “If something serious happens, like abuse or harassment, there is way too much of a fear of losing your career opportunities by speaking up. This must be addressed.”

Female musician – “If there was some women’s union that we could report the incidents to and there be real consequences to the prejudice we experience.”

Furthermore, promoting female representation in leadership positions and creating more gender-neutral opportunities were identified as crucial steps towards creating a more inclusive industry.

Female musician – “More grants and spaces that enable women to develop their confidence and overcome imposter syndrome that many (not all) men don’t face.”

Female musician – “I think that there needs to be more support for women in some of the professional aspects, to help them fit into a male world. Things like the way males just push themselves forward for opportunities or send cold call emails in a way that I don’t think women would – there should be support to help women do things like this.”

Methodology

A total of 105 of our musicians were surveyed. The sample consisted of 60 female participants, 41 male participants, and 4 preferred not to say.
The survey was open to all genders, but only females and males responded, so we only have their results represented.
Participation in the survey was entirely voluntary, and participants’ anonymity and confidentiality were strictly maintained throughout the process.

Final thoughts

By providing our female and gender-diverse musicians a voice, we hope to foster a culture of respect and inclusivity, and ultimately we can create a music industry that truly celebrates the diverse tapestry of talent it encompasses.

We are going to use these findings to implement changes on our platform that make Encore a more inclusive place for all musicians. If you missed the survey, please feel free to get in touch with any suggestions.

International Women’s Day Webinar and Interviews

You can find the links to our series of interviews and live webinar for International Women’s Day below.

Interview with Manisha Chana (Encore CFO)

This interview covers financial tips for female and gender-diverse musicians.

Interview with Abbie McCarthy (Radio/TV Presenter DJ)

This interview discusses gender stereotypes and experiences for female and gender-diverse musicians in particularly male-dominated sections of the industry.

Webinar with Vick Bain (former president of the Independent Society of Musicians and founder of The F List for Music)

The webinar covers sexual harassment, resources for female and gender-diverse musicians and solutions for a safer and more inclusive industry.

Resources:

The F-List, Directory of Female Musicians

A not-for-profit organisation supporting & celebrating nearly 6,000 female musicians based in the UK.

Shesaid.so

Founded by Andreea Magdalina in 2014, Shesaid.so is a global community of women and gender-diverse musicians from all corners of the sector, music industry including record labels, artist management companies, and booking agencies, through to technology platforms, creative agencies, composers, artists and more

The Cat’s Mother

Founded by Natalie Wade and Niki Evangelou, The Cat’s Mother is a network of hard-working, established women in the music and creative industries offering free consultancy sessions, a networking space, and career guidance for young aspiring creatives aged 18-25.

Women in Music

A section of the Musicians Union’s website which includes regularly updated content and guidance including grant information and legal advice.

Keychange EU

A global network that offers talent development programmes for women and gender-expansive artists. Keychange also has a pledge for festivals, music organisations and companies to achieve gender balance with 500 businesses having already signed up.

Spring Budget 2024: Self-Employed Musician Tax Calculator

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 11:25:12 GMT

In light of Hunt’s Spring Budget announcement yesterday, many of you may be wondering how this impacts you and your finances, particularly those of you who are self-employed.

At Encore, 91% of our musicians are either self-employed, employed and self-employed or freelance and to help them get a better grasp of how this budget will impact them we’ve created this handy calculator below.

The calculator asks you to enter your annual profits and then will calculate your National Insurance contributions and combined Tax and National Insurance before the 6th of April and 6th April 2024.

Self Employed Musician Tax and National Insurance Calculator

Enter Your Annual Profits (£):

Results

National Insurance Before 6th April 2024: £0.00

National Insurance After 6th April 2024: £0.00

Total Income Tax: £0.00

Combined Tax and National Insurance (Before 6th April 2024): £0.00

Combined Tax and National Insurance (After 6th April 2024): £0.00

National Insurance Contributions:

Class 4 National Insurance (Before 6th April 2024):
No contributions are made on the first £12,570 of profits.
Profits between £12,570 and £50,270 are subject to a 9% contribution rate.
Profits above £50,270 are subject to a 2% contribution rate.
Class 4 National Insurance (After 6th April 2024):
The same thresholds apply as before, but the rates change.
Profits between £12,570 and £50,270 are subject to a 6% contribution rate (reduced from 9%).
Profits above £50,270 continue to be subject to a 2% contribution rate.

The total National Insurance contributions before and after the specified date are calculated separately based on these rules.

Income Tax:

Personal Allowance: The calculator subtracts the standard personal allowance (£12,570 for the tax year 2023/24, this can change annually) from the annual profits to determine taxable income. If the annual profits are less than the personal allowance, the taxable income is zero.
Tax Bands: The taxable income is then allocated into different tax bands:

Basic rate (20%) – £12,571 to £50,270: Charged on taxable income up to a certain threshold.
Higher rate (40%) – £50,271 to £125,140: Charged on taxable income above the basic rate threshold up to a higher threshold.
Additional rate (45%) – over £125,140: Charged on taxable income above the higher rate threshold.

The calculator sums up the tax from each band to determine the total income tax due (although this hasn’t changed in the budget).

Top Tips for Hiring a Wedding Singer

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 16:02:05 GMT

Your wedding day deserves a soundtrack that reflects your love story and sets the mood for celebration. A talented wedding singer can elevate the atmosphere, keep the energy flowing, and create lasting memories for you and your guests.

But with so many options available, finding the right singer can feel overwhelming so Encore Musicians, the UK’s largest musician bookings platform has put together this list of top tips when looking for wedding singers for hire.

Top Tips for Hiring a Wedding Singer

Know Your Style and Budget:

Musical Preferences: Discuss your musical tastes with your partner. Do you want soulful classics, energetic dance music, or a mix of genres?
Budgeting: Be realistic about how much you can allocate to the singer. All of our singers will list a rough price guide on their profile or you can submit an enquiry and get quotes back in a matter of hours.

Finding the Perfect Fit:

Previous Performances: All our singers have videos of their past performances on their profile. This allows you to get a sense of their stage presence and audience interaction.
Ask the Right Questions: It’s really important that you and your chosen wedding singer are on the same page about the kind of performance you want. You can find FAQs on each of the singer’s profiles but when speaking with the singers make sure you talk about the song list you want, the amount of audience interaction, the dress code, and any song requests.
Detailed Enquiries: In your initial communication, clearly state your wedding details, desired performance duration, and any specific requests (e.g., song list, special equipment).

Additional Considerations:

Song Requests: Discuss your favourite songs with the singer and inquire about their flexibility in accommodating special requests.
Technical Aspects: Ensure your venue has the necessary equipment (e.g., sound system). If the singer doesn’t provide it, factor in the rental cost.
Professionalism: Look for a singer who is reliable, punctual, and maintains a professional demeanour throughout the process.

Wedding Singers for Every Vibe

Finding the perfect wedding singer is all about aligning their musical style with the atmosphere you want to create for your big day. Here’s a breakdown of range of styles and the vibes they typically suit:

1. Acoustic Wedding Singers:

Vibe: Intimate, romantic, elegant, rustic, or boho-chic.
Perfect for: Smaller weddings, background wedding ceremony music, walking down the aisle, or couples who prefer a relaxed and unplugged atmosphere.
Style: Often soloists (or duos) with guitars, pianos, violins, or other acoustic instruments. They perform a blend of soft pop, folk, country, jazz, or even classical music.

2. Pop & Rock Wedding Singers:

Vibe: Energetic, fun, party-oriented, and crowd-pleasing.
Perfect for: Lively receptions to get the party started.
Style: Soloists, duos, or full bands covering popular hits and love songs from various genres like pop, rock, dance, and even current chart toppers.

3. Soul & Motown Wedding Singers:

Vibe: Sophisticated, stylish, and timeless with a touch of classic elegance.
Perfect for: Couples who love soulful classics and want to create a classy and sophisticated atmosphere.
Style: Often soloists or bands specialising in covers of iconic soul and Motown artists like Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder.

4. Jazz & Swing Wedding Singers:

Vibe: Romantic, nostalgic, and vintage-inspired.
Perfect for: Elegant weddings with a touch of vintage charm or Gatsby-esque themes.
Style: Soloists, duos, or small ensembles performing classic jazz standards, swing tunes, and even modern takes on these genres.

Encore’s Top Wedding Singers

Here are our hand-picked collection of the UK’s top wedding singers:

Lovely Hudson

Lovely is well-known for her energetic and captivating live performances, as well as her exceptional singing skills. She is from the Philippines but at 19, Lovely made an appearance on Thailand’s Got Talent, where she left the judges impressed with her rendition of Rihanna’s ‘California King Bed.’

After Thailan’s Got Talent, Lovely became the lead singer of her own band, which played in a prime tourist spot in Phuket for over four years.

Steven Forshaw

Ste is an accomplished vocalist and guitarist who performs an extensive range of popular hits from various genres and eras. Whether you’re looking for upbeat tunes to get the crowd dancing or a more laid-back vibe for a relaxed atmosphere, Ste has got you covered.

With over a decade of professional experience in the music industry, Ste has fronted the successful wedding and function band, Hope Street Busking Band, and has also written and performed his own successful projects.

Ste is also available to perform solo or as part of a duo – guitar/piano or guitar/percussion – or as part of a full band if you’d like to take it up a notch.

David Barnes

After taking part in the popular TV show ‘The Voice UK’, David Barnes won the hearts of the nation.

Having spent 25 years as a musician, he has become a principal vocalist in the famous stage show ’80’s Mania’ which is known for its tribute to the iconic 80’s era. Every weekend, David entertains thousands of fans by playing 80s hits in major theaters across the UK.

Georgia Thursting

Georgia is a talented singer who loves to perform a variety of music genres such as pop, RnB, rock, and country classics. Whether you want to sing along or dance, Georgia can provide a fun and exciting performance that will engage your guests.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, she also has experience providing background music at restaurants, 5* hotels, and weddings.

Nick Pritchard

Nick Pritchard, an international Jazz and Swing Singer, is a highly sought-after artist due to his exceptional talent in blending Jazz, Swing, and Rock ‘n’ Roll.

He has featured in several shows, including ‘A Jazzy Tale’ at Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Festival, ‘The Sound of Bond’ at Dubai Opera House, and played the role of ‘James Bond’ in ‘London Never Dies’ theatrical production, where he performed alongside the London Cabaret Club at Soho Garden in Dubai.

He is also available to perform with his band, the Nick Pritchard Jazz Band.

Final thoughts

Remember, this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many talented singers for weddings who can blend genres or adapt their style to your preferences.

Check out our large and varied collection of wedding singers for hire and find your perfect match today.

Wedding Band or Soloist? Deciding What’s Best for Your Wedding

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 17:04:10 GMT

Music plays a vital role in a wedding but when it comes to choosing the entertainment, a crucial decision arises: live wedding band or soloist?

Every year Encore Musicians help countless couples choose the perfect wedding entertainment for their special days, so we’ve become experts at deciding whether a live wedding band or a soloist is the right choice for your wedding.

Below, we’ll explore the unique advantages of both wedding bands and soloists, as well as tips to help you decide.

Advantages of a Live Wedding Band

Wedding bands are one of the most popular options for wedding receptions and for good reason. Below we’ll explore some of the top reasons of why they’re so well-loved.

High-Energy Performances

Live wedding bands create an electrifying atmosphere with their live performances. The raw energy of multiple musicians playing together, combined with their interaction and stage presence, is contagious and encourages guests to dance and celebrate. It’s the difference between listening to a recording and being swept up in the excitement of a live concert.

Diverse Repertoire

Live bands for weddings often offer more diverse setlists than soloists. They can seamlessly transition between genres, playing everything from classic ballads for your first dance to upbeat party anthems that keep the energy flowing throughout the evening. This ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy, regardless of their music preferences.

Enhances the Live Music Experience

While soloists can also produce powerful sounds, the multiple musicians in a band create a fuller sound with greater depth and complexity. This can be particularly beneficial for creating a more immersive and powerful listening experience.

Likewise, the interaction and harmonisation between band members and the spontaneous vibe of a live band make for unforgettable performances.

Engaging Performances

Bands often have a stronger stage presence creating a more visually engaging experience for the audience. Similarly, the audience interaction that wedding bands offer, such as singalongs or dedications, can be a fun way to get your loved ones involved.

Disadvantages of a Live Wedding Band

While wedding bands are premium wedding entertainment, they do have some drawbacks.

Investment in Experience

Hiring a wedding band is typically more expensive than booking a soloist, as you’re paying for multiple musicians and their equipment. This might not be ideal if you’re working with a tight budget.

The cost of a wedding band can vary drastically, however, depending on factors such as travel distance to the venue so speak to one of our experts today to find a local wedding band in your budget.

Space Considerations

Wedding bands require more space for their equipment and performance compared to a soloist. This might be a concern for smaller wedding venues or venues with specific layout limitations.

Ensure the venue can comfortably accommodate the wedding band and dance floor without feeling overcrowded. Discuss space requirements with both the venue and potential bands to avoid any logistical challenges on your wedding day.

Limited Flexibility

This will vary from musician to musician but wedding bands usually are not as flexible in accommodating last-minute requests compared to soloists who can adapt their setlist on the fly.

Advantages of a Solo Musician

Cost-Effective

Hiring a soloist is generally more affordable than booking a live wedding band, making it a budget-conscious option for couples. This also means you can use those savings and put it towards other areas of your big day that you might want to invest in, such as the decor or catering.

Adaptable to Space

Soloists require minimal space, making them suitable for smaller venues, outdoor weddings, or intimate gatherings where space is limited. They can also adjust their performance style and volume to suit the venue’s acoustics, ensuring appropriate sound levels for conversation and enjoyment. This adaptability provides greater flexibility in choosing your wedding drinks venue.

Intimate Atmosphere

The main draw of a soloist is the intimate and romantic sound they can create, that can fill a space without overwhelming it. Their performances are more personal and focused, perfect for smaller weddings or weddings with a laidback vibe.

Disadvantages of a Solo Musician

Limited Musical Variety

While talented soloists can offer a diverse range of music, they naturally have a narrower musical range compared to a wedding band. This might restrict the variety of genres and styles offered during your event, potentially limiting the options for high-energy dance music.

While talented soloists can offer a diverse repertoire, they naturally have a narrower musical range compared to a band. This might restrict the variety of genres and styles offered, especially for high-energy dance music. If you desire a wider range of musical selections or frequent genre transitions, a band might be a better choice. Consider the overall mood and desired energy level you want to create for your wedding.

Lower Energy Level

Soloists, although skilled, may not generate the same level of high-energy excitement as a band. This could impact the overall vibe of your big day, especially if you’re looking for a lively wedding reception with energetic music. Evaluate the performance style and repertoire of potential soloists to see if they align with your desired level of energy and engagement.

Less Engaging Performance

Solo performances might lack the same level of audience interaction and visual engagement compared to a wedding band. This could affect the overall entertainment value for some guests who enjoy the interactive experience of a live band.

However, it’s worth mentioning, that some soloists are skilled performers who can still engage the audience through their musical storytelling, personal anecdotes, or even incorporating audience participation elements like singalongs or interactive music quizzes.

How to Choose What’s Right for You: Live Wedding Band vs. Soloist

Choosing between a live wedding band and a soloist for your wedding depends on several key factors:

Wedding Size

Larger weddings (100+ guests): A live wedding band is ideal for filling the space with sound and creating a lively, energetic atmosphere that encourages guests to dance.
Smaller weddings (50-100 guests): A soloist can provide a more intimate and personalised touch, while still catering to diverse musical preferences.

Venue Size and Acoustics:

Larger venues with good acoustics: A wedding band can thrive in this environment, allowing them to showcase their full musical potential.
Smaller venues or venues with challenging acoustics: A soloist might be a better choice due to their adaptability and minimal space requirements. Consider factors like soundproofing and potential echo when making your decision.

Musical Preferences and Budget:

Diverse musical tastes and a desire for high-energy dance music: A live band for your wedding offers a wider musical spectrum and can seamlessly transition between genres, catering to a broader audience. However, this typically comes at a higher cost.
Specific musical preferences and a tighter budget: A soloist can be a cost-effective option while still offering a diverse repertoire and the ability to tailor their performance to your specific requests.

Desired Level of Customisation and Audience Engagement:

High level of customisation and audience interaction: A wedding band allows for collaboration on the setlist, personalisation, and dynamic stage presence, creating a more interactive experience.
Focus on specific requests and a more intimate setting: A soloist can cater to your specific song choices and provide a personalised performance, while still engaging the audience through their musical artistry.

Wedding Theme and Overall Vision:

Formal or elegant wedding: A soloist with classical or instrumental music can complement the sophisticated atmosphere.
Festive or vibrant wedding: A wedding music band with a diverse repertoire can create a lively and celebratory mood that aligns with the momentum of the day.

Final thoughts

Ultimately, the choice between a wedding band and a soloist depends on your priorities and budget. If you prioritise a vibrant, interactive, and customisable experience with a wider musical range, booking a wedding band might be the perfect fit.

However, if you’re looking for a more cost-effective option with greater flexibility for smaller spaces and a focus on personalised attention, a talented soloist could be a great choice. Consider your preferences, venue limitations, and budget to make the decision that best compliments your special day.

Inspired? Check out a collection of professional wedding bands here today or for soloists, our wedding entertainers page.

Top Trends in Wedding Band Music for 2024

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 12:59:58 GMT

With wedding season around the corner, Encore Musicians, the UK’s largest wedding entertainment marketplace, has delved into their data to predict the hottest trends in wedding band music for 2024.

Based on an analysis of over 2,300 song requests from newlyweds in 2023, Encore Musicians paints a vibrant picture of what couples will be dancing to this year.

2023 Trends and 2024 Predictions for Wedding Band Music:

Nostalgia Reigns Supreme

2023: Last year, data revealed a strong preference for songs from the 2008-2017 era, reflecting the coming-of-age years for many couples tying the knot.
2024 Prediction: This trend is expected to continue in 2024, with couples likely to gravitate towards music that evokes cherished memories and resonates with their personal love stories. Expect to hear a resurgence of popular tracks from the late 2000s and early 2010s alongside timeless classics.

Ed Sheeran’s Enduring Appeal

2023: Ed Sheeran dominated the scene in 2023, claiming the title of both most popular artist and most requested first dance song with his iconic ballad “Perfect.”
2024 Prediction: While Ed Sheeran’s popularity is undeniable, we may see a slight shift in his dominance as couples explore a wider range of artists for their special day. However, his music is still likely to be a popular choice, particularly for romantic moments like the first dance.

3. The Power of Timeless Classics

2023: Queen emerged as the second most popular artist, with their energetic anthems proving perfect for lively receptions. Classic love songs like Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” also remained popular choices for first dances.
2024 Prediction: The enduring appeal of timeless classics is here to stay. Expect to hear iconic artists like Queen, ABBA, and Elvis Presley continue to grace wedding day playlists and reception dance floors in 2024.

Other Trends in Wedding Band Music

Above we explored the overarching trends shaping wedding band music in 2024, based on Encore Musicians’ data analysis. Now, let’s delve into specific song and artist predictions that are likely to set the dance floor alight this wedding season:

Rising Stars & Genre-Bending Blends

Look out for rising stars like Giveon and Tems, whose soulful vocals and contemporary R&B sound are gaining traction.

Genre-bending artists like Doja Cat and Olivia Rodrigo might also find their way onto wedding playlists, with their ability to seamlessly blend pop, R&B, and alternative influences. We also see a rise in requests for Motown bands who can sing old-school classics, as well as, modern hits.

Reimagined Classics & Modern Love Songs

Expect to hear fresh takes on classic love songs by artists like Harry Styles and Dua Lipa, who often infuse their music with vintage influences.

Modern love songs from artists like Dermot Kennedy and Lewis Capaldi are likely to resonate with couples seeking heartfelt and relatable lyrics.

Throwback Hits & Party Anthems:

Popular tracks from the late 2000s and early 2010s by artists like Lady Gaga, Maroon 5, and Black Eyed Peas are predicted to make a comeback, bringing a touch of nostalgia to the dance floor

Upbeat party anthems from Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson, and Calvin Harris are sure to keep guests moving throughout the night.

Regional & International Influences

Don’t be surprised to hear a sprinkling of regional and international music choices, reflecting the rise of global artists in the top music charts of 2023. Latin music giants like Bad Bunny and J Balvin might make an appearance, alongside K-Pop hits of Bollywood classics, depending on the couple’s preferences.

Artist Tributes & Themed Sets:

Themed sets or tributes to iconic artists like Queen, ABBA, or Michael Jackson can add a unique touch to the celebration. Another option is to consider incorporating live acoustic sets or roaming musicians during cocktail hour or the ceremony for a more intimate and personalised feel.

Encore’s Top Wedding Bands

Encore Musicians has the largest selections of live wedding bands in the UK. See below some of our top wedding music bands in the UK for the 2024 wedding season.

The Covered

The Covered is an energetic, multi-award-winning wedding band that specialises in thrilling, dance-floor-filling pop, rock, soul, and funk hits from all decades. They also offer a 6 to 8-person lineup and are flexible with requests so you can have the wedding playlist of your dreams!

Kid At The Back

Kids at The Back is one of the most varied wedding bands around, with a repertoire of over 500 songs ranging from rock and pop classics to funk and jazz standards.

Rebels & Records

Rebels and Records’ diverse musical background creates a unique blend of catchy pop, driving rock, timeless Motown and soul, backed by years of live performances and professional studio recording. Individually, the band members have secured airtime on national radio stations, received critical acclaim and played in some of the world’s best venues, such as the iconic Abbey Road Studios.

Upbeat Street

Award-winning, lively, high-energy wedding band Upbeat Street consistently provides a warm, attentive level of service to ensure that every event is one that you and your guests will remember.

Along with both female and male vocals, this gifted ensemble also has experience in a variety of musical genres, including pop, rock, indy, disco, jazz, soul/r&b, and musical theatre.

The Cheers

Formed in 2012, The Cheers, is a five-piece wedding band that features lead vocals from both male and female singers. The band offers various line ups to suit any wedding reception venue – from the traditional four-piece group featuring drums, bass, and electric guitar for male or female vocals to the powerful eight-piece featuring four vocalists and the sultry sound of a saxophone.

Indigo Delight

A female-fronted wedding band with a lot of R&B, Hip-Hop, Pop, and Soul in their set list, Indigo Delight specialises on urban vibes. The band will work the crowd to guarantee a filled dance floor throughout the evening. They understand that every wedding is unique and will attempt to meet all customer requests to the letter.

Brown Sugar

As seen on The Voice. Professional 4-piece soul/pop/R&b and Motown covers band that tours regularly with great artists, including Olly Murs.

The band currently hold many residencies across central London live music venues such as Boisdale, Quaglinos, The Arts Club – Mayfair, 100 Wardour Street and countless bars/pubs and clubs.

Find the perfect wedding band for you

Remember, these are just predictions, and the beauty of your wedding music lies in choosing songs that hold special meaning for you and your partner. Encore Musicians boasts a diverse roster of wedding bands for hire across various genres and eras, ensuring you book a wedding band that will make your special day, even more special.

If you have any questions about hiring a wedding band check our Wedding Band Hire Guide where we answer all the frequently asked questions or speak to one of our experts today.

Unique Wedding Band Ideas

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 16:27:21 GMT

At Encore, we understand that every couple wants their wedding day to be special and unique. That’s why we offer a diverse selection of live wedding bands for hire, ensuring that you can find the perfect wedding band to make your special day even more special.

Our diverse lineup of bands will keep your guests dancing all night long, whether you’re looking for a romantic acoustic duo for your ceremony, a lively brass band to liven up your drinks reception, or a fun ska band to keep everyone entertained throughout the evening. See below our collection of top unique bands for weddings.

Acoustic Wedding Band

Two Tone Acoustic Duo

Acoustic wedding bands are perfect if you want a relaxed and dreamy vibe for your special day. The softer volume of acoustic instruments creates a more intimate and personal atmosphere, allowing for peaceful background music that doesn’t interrupt conversation.

The unplugged nature also lends itself beautifully to outdoor ceremonies and smaller venues, enhancing the natural beauty of the surroundings. Additionally, the vocals of acoustic bands are clearer and more prominent, highlighting the emotional impact of your special songs.

Acoustic bands are also surprisingly versatile, covering a wide range of genres and eras. From contemporary pop to classic folk, jazz standards to indie hits, they can tailor their setlist to match your musical preferences and are perfect for bohemian-themed weddings and backyard ceremonies.

Encore’s top picks:

The True Colours Band

Based in the Southeast, this 4-piece acoustic band performs folky acoustic sets from favourites such as The Lumineers, Taylor Swift, and George Ezra with female and male lead vocals, perfect for a cosy, intimate vibe.

Daisy Chute Band

Daisy Chute Band are true professionals and have played sold-out venues like the Royal Albert Hall and Cadogan Hall and huge festivals around the UK and US, such as Glastonbury and Latitude.

The John Adams Band

With an acoustic live lounge vibe, the John Adams Band is perfect for smaller, more intimate weddings.

Brass Wedding Bands

The New York Brass Band

Big and bold wedding brass bands are a great choice if you want to make an impression. The powerful sound of trumpets, trombones, tubas, and (sometimes) saxophones creates an infectious energy that gets people moving and keeps the party going. Wedding brass bands are especially ideal for vintage-themed weddings or larger weddings as their sound travels well.

Though known for their larger-than-life sound, brass bands can also perform softer, more intimate pieces for the ceremony or cocktail hour. This versatility allows them to cater to different sections of your wedding seamlessly.

Encore’s top picks:

Big Smoke Brass

Unlike anything you will have heard before, Big Smoke Brass challenges stereotypes of wedding brass bands by performing powerful, high-energy renditions of modern pop songs. They typically perform as 4 trumpets, a sousaphone and drums but can adapt their lineup to suit you and your wedding venue’s needs.

No Limit Street Band

With over a decade of experience, No Limit Street has provided top-tier entertainment with credits including appearances with Take That, supporting Diplo in London and Mark Ronson in Berlin.

Dizzy Brasscals

Dizzy Brasscals’ members are all world-class musicians in their own right and have toured/recorded with artists including Craig David, Lily Allen, and Paloma Faith, as well as, having performed at major UK festivals including Glastonbury, Creamfields, Wireless and Bestival.

Folk Wedding Band

Encore’s folk band- Rachel and Dominic

Folk music has more range than most people are aware of. You can start with slow, romantic tunes such as Mumford & Sons “I Will Wait” and Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” and then end the night with lively gigs that will get everyone up on their feet. Folk wedding bands also often encourage audience participation through singalongs which is a fun way to get your guests involved.

Like acoustic bands, our folk music wedding bands are perfect for those looking for a cosier feel and a particularly suited to outdoor, barn or rustic-themed weddings,

Encore’s top picks:

Filkin’s Drift

Filkin’s Drift, experienced artists in their own right, mix traditional and contemporary elements, blending fiddle and guitar with close vocal harmonies.

Dragonsfly

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Dragonsfly is a lively Celtic and world folk dance band that is celebrating its 20th year this year. Along with folk tunes and songs from Armenia, Macedonia, Israel, India, and many other nations, their extensive and diverse set list also includes French and Breton music.

Corwin & Grace

Corwin Zekley, a fiddler and composer, and Grace Fellows, a pianist and songwriter, can play both traditional Celtic music and modern pop songs. Corwin & Grace have performed countless weddings and ceilidhs and have a versatile sound that ranges from lively and dramatic to romantic and soft.

Soul & Motown Wedding Bands

The Alleycatz

A true crowd-pleaser, you can’t go wrong with the infectious rhythms of a soul wedding band performing feel-good classics by The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder. Our soul and Motown bands guarantee to provide energetic performances with powerful vocals that will keep your dancefloor full.

The beauty of soul & Motown also lies in the versatility of the genre. Our bands can seamlessly transition between soulful, romantic ballads to upbeat dance tunes, making them perfect for wedding ceremonies all the way through to the reception.

Encore’s top picks:

StepNSoul

StepNSoul doesn’t just provide beautiful harmonies but also intricate choreography and an unrivalled stage presence. Formed in 2012, this soul wedding band combines soul music with pop, R&B, reggae, rock and blues, meaning there’s something for all your guests to enjoy.

Soul in the Belfry

Soul in the Belfry are a 5 piece pop, soul wedding band with Soul, R&B, Funk and Disco classics with a sublime selection of modern Pop songs. Whether you’re looking for a soulful rendition of a timeless favourite or a fresh take on a current chart-topper, this band delivers a truly unforgettable musical experience.

Soul75

Soul75 is an exceptional soul wedding band. Fronted by Richard Staines, a professional bass player who has played hundreds of shows since establishing himself on the UK live music scene, and the other members have performed with Stevie Wonder, will.i.am, Burna Boy, and Peter Gabriel.

Mariachi Wedding Bands

Mariachi Loco

Whether you have Mexican heritage or simply love the vibrant energy of their music, Mariachi bands know how to get the party started! Known for their colourful uniforms, lively rhythms, and passionate vocals, mariachi bands know how to get even the shyest dancers on their feet.

While most people associate mariachi music with upbeat rancheras, our mariachi bands have broader repertoires that include boleros, country music, and popular hits. Mariachi bands are also ideal for outdoor weddings due to the acoustic nature of their music or for couples who want a festive atmosphere.

Encore’s top picks:

Mariachi Los Soneros

Mariachi Los Soneros is a group of gifted and adaptable musicians that plays real folk and pop music that captures the spirit of their native Mexico.

Although Los Soneros specialises in traditional Mexican music, they can play anything from foot-stamping Mexican rancheras to soft, romantic boleros. So, whether you’re looking for a full-blooded Mexican fiesta or some calm, emotional romance, they’ll set the tone and make your event unforgettable!

Los Mariachi Bros

With Los Mariachi Bros you get some of the most charismatic musicians who perform with high energy and enthusiasm. This mariachi wedding band performs traditional Mariachi songs, as well as, Reggeaton hits to the latest Pop tunes in Mariachi Style.

Mariachi Loco

With 24 years of experience in London, Mariachi Loco provides some of the best traditional Mexican folk music around. With their professionalism and dedication to their craft, the band’s priorities are always to keep you and your audience entertained.

Alternative Rock Wedding Bands

If you’re looking for a bit of edge, consider an alternative wedding band to shake things up. Imagine high-energy covers of your favourite indie anthems, electrifying guitar solos, and enough power to keep the party going all night long.

At Encore, we have a range of alt-rock wedding bands who can perform everything from Nirvana to Oasis to Green Day. Perfect for couples who want a modern and unconventional wedding.

Encore’s top picks:

Coming Up Roses

Combining elements of folk, grunge and shoegaze and with influences such as Wolf Alice and The Joy Formidable, Coming Up Roses is one of our top alternative wedding bands for hire.

They have become known as one of the most exciting live bands in the area since their formation in 2018 thanks to their catchy melodies, upbeat songs, and engaging audience interaction. Coming Up Roses has also performed at festivals and international showcases such as Fred Perry Subculture, Canadian Music Week, and Music Matters Live.

AMPED UP

This alternative wedding band will have all of your guests up and dancing, playing everything from hit songs from the Killers and Arctic Monkeys to current singles from James Bay, George Ezra, and The 1975.

Discovered

Discovered are one of the best alternative wedding bands in the UK. This female-fronted four-piece band has 11 years of experience and has performed at over 500 weddings over their 11-year tenure.

Country Wedding Bands

Country music is a great choice to complement your special day as it often tells stories of love, family, and tradition. For your ceremony or first dance, slower ballads and traditional country music songs can add a touch of romance and sentimentality.

At Encore, we have country music wedding bands that offer acoustic sets or duos for ceremonies, creating a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Additionally, country music bands are often more affordable compared to other types of bands such as showbands or orchestras, making them a budget-friendly option.

Encore’s top picks:

Headington Hillbillies

An established country music wedding band with experienced professional musicians and a full repertoire of country-style favourites and barn dance hoe-downs.

The Chiltern Hillbillies

A vibrant and entertaining 5-piece performing classic and contemporary upbeat country music featuring artists such as Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson, Darius Rucker, and Eagles.

Country Bound

Country Bound offers energetic country songs that are sure to get everyone moving. With a few classics tossed in for good measure, the playlist consists mostly of contemporary country music. Country Bound covers some modern pop songs in a country style, so there’s something for everyone.

The band, which comes in three to six-piece lineups, is known for its amazing harmonies and backup vocals, which add that extra something special to their sound.

Ceilidh Wedding Bands

Encore’s Triple Scotch Ceilidh Band

Unlike traditional wedding bands, Ceilidh wedding bands offer a unique and interactive experience that your guests won’t find anywhere else. Their high-energy music and traditional dances will leave a lasting impression and make your wedding stand out from the crowd and ideal for couples who want a rustic-themed wedding or outdoor reception.

Ceilidh dances are designed for everyone to participate, regardless of age or dancing experience. The band usually explains the steps beforehand, and the simple, repetitive patterns are easy to pick up.

Encore’s top picks:

Ceilidh With Us

Triple Scotch is a Scottish ceilidh band that is widely regarded as one of the best in the UK, and is available to play at special events. With over 15 years of experience, Triple Scotch has performed at numerous high-end events all over the UK and Europe, delivering unforgettable and energetic ceilidh experiences.

Triple Scotch has played for top companies, political parties, universities, major charity fundraisers, and weddings. The band is well-equipped to entertain seasoned dancers, first-time ceilidh-ers, and everyone in between. Therefore, whatever your previous experience with ceilidh is, Triple Scotch is the perfect choice for your event.

The Jacobites

With over 30 years of combined experience, The Jacobites are a fantastic ceilidh wedding band based in Edinburgh that offers professional ceilidhs for weddings, festivals and events.

Wraggle Taggle

Wraggle Taggle Ceilidh Band is one of the most well-liked, adaptable and professional traditional Ceilidh bands. With years of expertise playing traditional music at corporate occasions, festivals, weddings, clubs, schools, and acoustic settings, they can be hired as a duet, trio, or six-piece, amplified or acoustic, with or without a caller.

Oompah Wedding Bands

Oompah bands offer a unique and engaging experience compared to typical wedding bands. Their vibrant costumes, energetic stage presence, and audience interaction contribute to a lively and memorable celebration. Some wedding oompah bands even offer interactive games or contests, further engaging your guests and adding a playful element to the celebration.

While known for traditional oompah music, many bands offer diverse repertoires including popular hits, classic dance tunes, and even contemporary pop songs played in their signature brass style. This allows you to personalise the setlist to cater to your desired atmosphere and ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy

Encore’s top picks:

Deutsch Blasmusik

With a modern twist, Deutsch Blasmusik is a classic Oompah band! Their speciality lies in combining offbeat pop songs with traditional German music in a funny and delightful way.

This accomplished oompah band covers polkas, waltzes, Beyoncé, and Barbie Girl songs! They engage the audience with activities and songs such as a yodelling competition, a traditional Munich dance performed at the tables, and numerous drinking games (if desired!).

Jager Maestros

The Jager Maestros are a traditional German Oompah band with a modern twist. This band, which features nine of the best brass players in the nation and an incredible stand-up comedian as the frontman, takes audience members on an exciting journey that includes games and Oktoberfest drinking songs as well as modern classics performed in an Oompah fashion.

Final thoughts

Inspired? Check out our live bands for weddings hub for the UK’s largest and most diverse collection of wedding bands for hire.