Question 1

What is cheaper, a wedding band or a DJ?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Is a wedding band worth it?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What time should a wedding band start?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

How long do you need a band at a wedding?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Can a wedding band play outside?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

How do I choose a wedding band?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Why are wedding music bands so expensive?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What songs will a wedding band perform?

Accepted Answer

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!

Question 9

When should I get the band to perform?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Will the wedding band provide all their own equipment?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 11

How far in advance should I book my wedding band?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

How to book a wedding band?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

What to look for in a wedding music band?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

Does wedding band play during dinner?

Accepted Answer

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.