Wedding Bands for hire in Dorset
Latest reviews of our Wedding Bands in Dorset
"Untold were brilliant all night, for a 50th birthday party I’d organised. We’d had good communication before the event night & the warm up background music was clearly selected from the bands I’d shared were popular with those coming to the party. The live music they played was excellent. They got the party warmed up, by interacting with us all & it wasn’t long before everyone was on the dance floor. None of us wanted it to end & I’ve had soo many messages from those who attended saying how good Untold was. Thank you, we will remember the party for years to come. "
Joanna hired Untold for a Private event (available in Dorset)
"Very good band, very good communication and throughout and excellent on the wedding day, highly recommended "
James hired Untold for a Wedding (available in Dorset)
"Major Major put on an incredible performance for our wedding, keeping the energy up over two 1 hour sets. We chose our favorites from a huge list of songs, spanning eras that meant there was something for everyone. They did a fantastic job of ordering these songs into a setlist with a great structure of high energy moments as well as a few more chill ones. They also played our first dance song, which was a magical moment for us both. There were so many compliments from all our guests on their performance throughout the night. They went above and beyond, even adding an extra song at the end. Absolutely turned our wedding reception up to 11 - would recommend in a heartbeat."
Lewis hired Major Major for a Wedding (available in Dorset)
FAQs about hiring Wedding Bands in Dorset
Take the stress out of hiring musicians with Encore
What is cheaper, a wedding band or a DJ?
The cost of a wedding band or a DJ can vary greatly depending on factors such as location, experience, reputation, and the exact services provided. However, in general, wedding bands cost more than DJs as they have multiple musicians, instruments, sound systems, and often require more rehearsal time. While DJs are a cost-effective option, live bands bring energy and atmosphere to your wedding day, enhancing the overall experience. While DJs offer a playlist, wedding bands offer a genuine, emotive performance, making your special day truly extraordinary and leaving a lasting impression on you and your guests. It’s important to note that most bands will play pre-recorded music through their PA system before and during their live shows to get people in the mood and keep the party going. Most bands provide this for free, however, some may charge a small fee. If you want a DJ service after the final live set until the end of the evening, most bands charge between £150 and £250 on average. As with all musicians, choosing a band that is closer to the venue will help reduce travel fees and overall costs, so we recommend considering local wedding bands first.
Is a wedding band worth it?
Yes, hiring a live wedding band is definitely worth it. The intimacy and intensity of live music can heighten celebrations and they interact with your guests on a more intimate level, making the occasion feel more special. Hiring a professional wedding band also ensures smooth transitions, appropriate volume levels, and a flawless performance.
What time should a wedding band start?
It's completely dependent on what you want for your day! Usually a wedding band will play for a few hours at the evening party (e.g. 7:30-10:30pm). However, lots of bands offer an acoustic afternoon set for the drinks reception or wedding breakfast (e.g. the singer and guitarist performing as a duo), or may offer a late night DJ set for a small additional charge.
How long do you need a band at a wedding?
Typically, wedding bands perform two 1-hour sets or three 40-minute sets, with a 15- to 30-minute break in between. Setup and soundcheck will take about an hour and a half for your band.
Can a wedding band play outside?
This is possible if the weather is warm enough and there is a marquee/gazebo that covers the group and protects the electrical equipment. They will also require access to a nearby power source.
How do I choose a wedding band?
Start by defining your budget and discussing your music preferences with your partner. Consider your wedding theme and venue, ensuring the band aligns with your vision. If stuck, speak to one of our experts who can provide you with tailored recommendations to suit your tastes and budget. You can look through our musician’s profiles, watching videos of them performing to see how they engage with their audience and listening 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 customisation options to make your wedding music personal to your relationship. 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.
Why are wedding music bands so expensive?
Wedding music bands come with a higher price tag due to several factors. Firstly, their members are experienced and talented musicians who have dedicated years to perfecting their craft. The time and effort invested in rehearsals, song selection, and personalisation for each wedding contribute to their pricing. Additionally, professional bands use high-quality musical instruments, sound systems, and lighting equipment to ensure top-notch performance quality, all of which come at a significant cost. These bands offer versatility by covering a wide range of music genres and accommodating specific song requests, requiring extensive preparation and practice. Moreover, reputable bands incur expenses for liability insurance and taxes, all of which contribute to their operational costs. If the wedding venue is distant, travel and accommodation expenses further add to the overall price. When hiring a wedding band, couples are not just paying for the performance but also for the expertise, preparation, equipment, and customisation that go into creating a memorable musical experience for their special day.
What songs will a wedding band perform?
Professional wedding bands usually have extensive song lists—they're experienced musicians and will cater the songs they play to fit the mood of the night (with your input and ideas of course!). A wedding band's first priority is hitting the right tunes at the right time, getting your guests dancing, and making sure the evening is unforgettable. Unlike a pre-organised Spotify playlist, wedding bands will 'read the room', providing the right musical atmosphere to suit the moment. Make sure you tell the band the song you'd like them to play for the first dance well in advance—they might already know it, but best not to risk it!
When should I get the band to perform?
After the wedding dinner is usually your best bet. The band will normally set up during dinner, and be ready to start the party when you are. If you're after something low-key, getting the band to play background music during canapes is not unheard of—simply let them know beforehand.
Will the wedding band provide all their own equipment?
Wedding bands will come well-prepared with all their own equipment: lights, PA system, music gear, and sometimes even a sound assistant! To give them a break between their sets, they will also often provide a DJ service, which will keep the guests happy and the dancefloor moving (& perhaps, even grooving—depends on if you invited crazy uncle Albert or not).
How far in advance should I book my wedding band?
We recommend making a reservation as soon as possible because the best wedding bands frequently get booked a year (or more) in advance. However, at Encore, we manage last-minute reservations and can easily find a wedding band on short notice. If you need help booking wedding entertainment for your big day, have a look at Encore's curated collection of bands to hire for weddings or speak to one of our experts for additional peace of mind.
How to book a wedding band?
Encore is the simplest method for hiring a live wedding band. You can look through hundreds of band profiles, and customer reviews, and watch videos on our website to get a sense of how the bands perform live and engage with the audience. After you've selected a few, you can use our website to submit a request and receive quotations in a matter of hours. You can also speak with a member of our team personally, provide some information, and receive recommendations that are specifically catered to your needs.
What to look for in a wedding music band?
What to look for in a wedding band will depend on the size of your wedding, type of wedding, if you’re having an outdoor or indoor wedding, your music preferences and how much crowd interaction you’d like. Other things you might want to consider include: - How many weddings they have performed before and check the reviews on their profile. - Consider your guests' ages and musical tastes. Will there be a good mix of music for everyone to enjoy? - Do you want high-energy dance music all night, or a mix of upbeat and slower, romantic songs? With Encore, you can find all this information on the musician’s profiles and we put you in touch directly with the musicians so you can make sure the night goes exactly how you want it. Another option is to speak to one of our music experts directly who help thousands of couples looking for bands for weddings They’ll talk to you about your preferences and style of wedding and get back to you with personalised recommendations in a matter of hours.
Does wedding band play during dinner?
Traditionally, wedding bands take a break during dinner service. This allows guests to focus on enjoying their meal, have conversations, and avoid competing with loud music. However, you can book a wedding band that offers different line-up options throughout the day. For example, the two of the members can perform as a duo or trio to provide smooth background music during the dinner and then perform a livelier altogether for the party afterwards. This can also be a great cost-saving option as hiring multiple, separate musicians for one event can be expensive. Talk to one of our experts today or speak with the bands directly to find out more.
Hiring a Wedding Band in Dorset
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Popular Wedding Bands for Hire
Pop Wedding Bands
Pop wedding bands are dynamic and energetic musical groups that specialise in performing a range of popular music covers. They are experts in keeping your wedding guests entertained and on their feet all night long!
Pop bands are often chosen for weddings because they are able to perform a wide variety of songs. They can play anything from the latest chart-toppers to classic favourites. Additionally, they can also perform slow songs for the more emotional sections of the wedding, such as the first dance. This means that there is something for everyone, ensuring that all guests will have a great time.
From £1,100
Soul & Motown Wedding Bands
Wedding Soul & Motown bands bring the infectious energy and iconic tunes of the Soul & Motown eras. Soul & Motown bands play a mix of fun dance songs, emotional ballads, and powerful vocals.
Soul and Motown bands are great for weddings. Their music is lively and can get even shy guests dancing. The energy, passion, and rhythm in their music are infectious.
From £1,500
Jazz Wedding Bands
Make your wedding unforgettable with a jazz band. Jazz music has smooth melodies, catchy rhythms, and cool improvisations that add sophistication, elegance, and a chill vibe to any occasion.
The versatility of jazz bands allows them to provide laid-back soundtracks during the drinks reception, and lively performances for the wedding reception to get everyone on their feet. Jazz bands can add that extra touch of class and charm to your wedding day which will make it stand out from the rest.
From £1,000
Rock Wedding Bands
To make your wedding memorable, think about hiring a rock band to entertain your guests with their energetic performance.
Rock bands are known for their powerful music and exciting guitar solos that will make your special day even more fun. Rock bands usually focus on a specific type of rock music, like classic or alternative rock. But they can also play songs from different styles and time periods, so everyone can enjoy the music.
From £1,000
Indie Wedding Bands
Indie wedding bands can add a unique and fresh touch to your wedding celebration. With heartfelt lyrics, catchy melodies, and acoustic sounds, they can create a relaxed and intimate atmosphere for your guests. Indie bands are a popular choice for weddings since they offer stripped-back performances that create a cosy vibe.
From £1,000
Ceilidh Wedding Bands
Ceilidh music, (pronounced 'kay-lee') from Scotland and Ireland, is lively dance music with high energy. Ceilidh bands play lively dance music such as jigs and reels. They encourage everyone to get up and dance at your event, regardless of their dancing ability or age.
Ceilidh bands also come with a caller who guides everyone through the dance steps, ensuring that everyone can join in and have a good time.
From £979
Why Us?
For musicians, by musicians
Most of the Encore team are musicians and we ensure our musicians are paid fairly. We also work hard to provide great music experiences for our clients and offer excellent support to everyone.
Unmatched selection of top-tier musicians
As the largest platform for booking musicians in the UK, we have an extensive collection of musicians. Being musicians ourselves, we carefully vet every musician so that you can be confident in their quality and professionalism.
Peace of mind
Encore offers free Basic protection for bookings paid with card or bank transfer. This ensures you get a full refund if the musician cancels.
For extra peace of mind, you can purchase Encore Cover for a small fee, starting at £15. This cover provides support outside of normal hours and ensures a replacement artist of equal or better quality. It also covers up to 10% of the cost if the replacement act is more expensive.
For extra peace of mind, you can purchase Encore Cover for a small fee, starting at £15. This cover provides support outside of normal hours and ensures a replacement artist of equal or better quality. It also covers up to 10% of the cost if the replacement act is more expensive.
The world’s most sustainable way to book live music
Encore is a climate-positive workforce. We offset every musician’s transport emissions, plant a tree with every booking, and offset the carbon footprint of our staff. With Ecologi, we have planted wetlands in Morotaola and helped restore the rainforest in Mozambique.
Transparent pricing and direct communication
At Encore, we believe in transparent pricing. We provide all-inclusive quotes so you don't have to worry about any hidden fees.
And once you've submitted an enquiry to your chosen musician(s), you will receive quotes in a matter of hours, saving you precious time.
Local Wedding Bands near you
Wedding bands are designed to bring your big day to life - whether you're looking for some relaxed acoustic music, or upbeat rock and pop bands, we've got the perfect musicians for you. Our wedding bands can cater for each point in your day, regardless of whether you're looking for wedding ceremony musicians or even a headliner for your evening party. We've been trusted by thousands of couples to deliver their wedding entertainment, so let us take the weight off your shoulders.
A guide to hiring Wedding Bands
Take the hassle out of hiring Wedding Bands with Encore Musicians
