So your big day is around the corner and the wedding plans are coming along nicely. However, there is one thing that is stressing you out because you still haven’t decided on the type of music to play at your wedding. Maybe you can’t decide between wedding bands and wedding DJs or your partner is more inclined towards wedding singers, wedding musicians or instrumental music, such as an orchestra or string quartets.

Either way, the wedding date is too near and you need to make a decision fast. You may have even wondered whether you need to hire music for your wedding at all. After all, you can also sing, so why not just entertain your guests yourself? If any of that sounds like what you’re going through, then you have come to the best website. By the end of this read, you might have a good idea about what to do with music at your wedding.

First of all the big question……

Do You NEED To Hire A Wedding Band Or Wedding Singer?

It all depends on what kind of music you want at your wedding. But when it comes to hiring a wedding band or wedding singer, you should consider these factors:

How much money do you have to spend?
Do you think you can afford both a wedding band and a wedding singer?
What kinds of music do you like?
Will you be able to pay for a rehearsal?
Are you willing to learn how to play an instrument?
Do you have a favourite song or songs you’d like performed?
How important is it to you that the band or singer play well together?
Can you find another vendor to handle the details?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you probably need an experienced wedding band or wedding performer. On the other hand, if you don’t feel comfortable hiring either one, then you won’t have to worry about finding one.

You can always hire a DJ instead. But a DJ doesn’t usually play music live – he or she deals with recorded music so people can hear themselves talk. They will also generally play several ‘sets’ to fill the dance floor later. If you want more than just DJ entertainment, however, a wedding band or wedding vocalist will give you what you’re looking for.

So, if you’ve decided you do need musical entertainment for your wedding event then let’s look at some of the options and what each type of musician will bring to the event.

Wedding bands

Below we’ve listed some of the benefits of having a live wedding band at your event. They include:

Sets the mood and tone for the event

Live music from a wedding band tends to bring emotion and energy to an event making it as lively and cheerful as possible. If you want your wedding to be remembered as a memorable exciting occasion that overflowed with joy, then you should consider having a band play at your wedding.

Additionally, a live band can bring an atmosphere of sophistication and elegance to the ceremony. Also, depending on the style you want for the wedding, the live band can bring a ton of energy or moderate energy at the dance floor during the reception. Do you want your guests to have a really good time and move their bodies on the dance floor? Well, a live band can make that happen for you.

Bands provide an experience that is encompassing and unique

Have you ever wondered why people prefer to go to concerts rather than relaxing at home and listening to the music on the radio? This is because, at a concert, people get to not only hear the music, but to see it, feel it, and experience it as well.

The same goes for a live band at the wedding. It will make the music come to life and your guests will definitely have an unforgettable experience. On top of that, you and your partner will also feel closer than ever watching the band as you listen to the music.

As for the guests who may shy away from the dance floor, they are also guaranteed to have a good time listening to the music.

Live music unites people

Did you know that live music can unite different kinds of people and generations? Dancing with one’s parents at a wedding is a really special experience and a live band would really facilitate this. Besides, with today’s music, it’s really rare to find music that both the older generation and the younger generation can enjoy together.

Live music in this case will put the older generation in a good welcoming mood and may be even willing to dance to a song that is particular to a different generation. Remember that the older people also desire to have a good time at a wedding and a live band will definitely make it worth their while.

Bands provide an experience that stands out

During the wedding, you and your spouse will get the first dance. How do you want to remember the moment? Is there a special song you both love that you would like to be played during the dance?

Live bands make this experience more remarkable because the musicians can tailor a song specifically for both of you. Whether it’s a subtle variation, unique flavour, or style, the band can create music that will be outstanding to your event.

Key Things To Look For In A Wedding Band

A wedding dance band should be able to play styles of music that match the mood of the reception. They should also be able to perform songs that will get guests up and dancing.
If you want to see how well the band plays, ask them to play some popular wedding songs or provide some demo recordings (video and sound) of them playing a wedding.
Consider the price of hiring a wedding dance band. You should know if the band charges per song or per hour and that they fit within your budget. Can you pay for a rehearsal if you want one?
Ask about their availability. Do they only book weddings? Or do they take requests? These things will help you determine whether or not they are worth hiring.
Check the band can provide all the equipment necessary on the night of whether you will have to arrange some gear through the wedding reception venue (house PA for example)
Check their reviews online or on social media.
Consider using an experienced agency such as A1 Star Tributes to manage the supply and appearance of your chosen type of band.

How much do wedding bands cost?

Costs for live entertainment can vary and it generally It depends on:

a) What type of music you would like
b) What size of wedding band do you want
c) How long do you want the band to play for

A good entertainment agency like A1 Star tributes can help you look at options and decide what you need and with what budget.

Wedding Bands typically cost between £500 and £5000 depending on the factors above.

Wedding Singers

There are cases where a band may not fit properly into the setting of the wedding, especially if you want a small intimate ceremony. In such cases, we recommend hiring a wedding singer. Here is why:

They can play any request

A singer tends to be more interactive with the guests at the event compared to a band or DJs. As such, they can easily play any song request that a band or DJ may not. For instance, during the father and daughter dance, the father may want a certain song played during the dance, and by making the request, the solo singer can easily improvise.

This would make the dance even more special to the father and daughter. Therefore, if you want to add an edge to your wedding, consider hiring a singer.

The solo wedding singer provides a personalised performance

Your wedding will be full of different kinds of guests with different moods and tastes. An expert wedding singer will be able to read the mood of the audience and set the tone for the event. This means that the singer can vary their music to suit the hip active young guests and also switch to a relaxing tone that guests who want to take it slow and easy will appreciate.

Additionally, the vocal quality of a good solo singer at your wedding can really add a striking dimension to the ceremony.

A singer can offer a dual option

If you work with a talented singer who knows how to use musical instruments like the piano or guitar, then you’re in for a great musical experience at your wedding. The singer can perform at the wedding ceremony itself, as well as the ceremony. While most music is always played during the reception, the musician can also sing a special song during the ceremony if wanted. For instance, before you both say your vows. Even if you plan to have a religious wedding ceremony, this would not be a problem since the majority of religious wedding venues allow outside musicians during wedding ceremonies.

Solo singers are more flexible

Depending on your relationship or agreement with the wedding singer, they can also act as the master of ceremony for your wedding. When you need the guests to move from one location to the other, say from the ceremony to the reception, the singer can inform the guests to do so.

Additionally, as the guests shift from one venue to the other, the singer can give a performance so that people make the shift while they listen to the music. This would make the wedding seem more organised, compared to having the guests move with no song in the background.

There could otherwise be a lot of noise and distractions, making the event seem less elegant.

Key Things To Look For In A Wedding Singer

You want someone who has performed at weddings before.
They should be able to sing songs you know and love.
They should also be able to perform other music styles like country or jazz.
You may want them to be able to play an instrument. Find out if they do.
You need to make sure they will fit into your budget.
You want to make sure they are available when you need them.
Make sure they have good reviews online.
Check how long they’ve been working in the wedding industry.
You may want to use an experienced wedding music agency such as A1 Star Tributes to supply a trusted, proven singer and manage the singer’s appearance.

How much do wedding singers cost?

Again, prices vary according to the quality of the singer, whether the singer also plays an instrument, what appearance times will be and whether you wish the singer to sing at both ceremony and reception. An experienced Wedding music agency such as ours can help you decide what type of wedding singer best suits your occasion and budget.

Wedding Singers are priced between £300 and £3000 depending on what your requirements are.

Wedding Musicians (instrumental music)

Instrumental music is another option you can consider for the wedding and here is why:

This music facilitates the entrance of the bride

The best part of the wedding to play instrumental music is during the entrance of the bride. While others may prefer playing a popular song, we recommend that you consider instrumental music such as string quartets or an orchestra. This is because this moment belongs to the bride. All eyes should be on her as she walks down the aisle. A really popular upbeat song may be distracting to the guests.

Also, instrumental music is the best for setting up an emotional atmosphere. For instance, when the parent gives away their daughter at the altar. This is usually a really special moment and instrumental music can help to build up the emotions and make the experience memorable.

Sets the scene

It is normal for the bride and bridegroom to arrive at the wedding ceremony or reception after most of the guests have arrived. Before you both get there, instrumental music can keep your guests engaged and entertained, setting the scene for the special day or reception event ahead.

of course, you don’t want to arrive at your wedding and find your guests hyped up and ready to jump on the dance floor because of the upbeat music they’ve been listening to. Instrumental music is calming and relaxing and will make your guests look forward to the rest of the event, including any livelier sessions to come.

Types Of Instrumental Musicians

There are many and varied types of instrumental musicians, solo and in groups, that can perform at a wedding ceremony and/or reception. These range from string quartets, through acapella singers to Indian wedding musicians and other specialist instrumental performers. There are really too many to list but a good agency like ours can walk you through the options and associated prices. You may be surprised at what is available that you hadn’t thought of!

Key Factors To Keep In Mind When Hiring Wedding Musicians

Make sure you hire a group of professional wedding musicians that has experience playing weddings of all sizes.
Hire local musicians if possible – musicians travelling a long way may well have extra needs to musicians who are locally sourced.
Ask if they have demo recordings (music and video) that you can listen to so you can make sure they play the kind of music you have in mind.
Find out if they have any special equipment needs or tools they use to make the music sound great. Are they self-contained or will they need additional equipment at the venue?
Ask how many musicians will be attending the event if you hire them. This helps determine how much time each musician needs to spend practising.
Check online reviews to make sure the group are well thought of.
Ask about their availability and schedule.
Consider approaching an experienced wedding musician agency like A1 Star tributes to supply and manage the appearance of your chosen musicians. This can free up time to concentrate on other aspects of wedding planning.

How much do wedding musicians typically cost?

You won’t be surprised to hear (again) that the answer is – it depends. Depending on your requirements, size of the group, type of music and more. Again, well worth talking through with an agency to help you decide if in doubt.

Wedding Musicians (Instrumentalists) are priced between £200 for a solo performer £20000 and more depending on what you need, the event and the size of the group, quartet or orchestra.

Wedding DJs

DJs are perfect for a large wedding ceremony with many guests and here is why.

They entertain

The primary duty of the DJ at your wedding is to offer entertainment. They will make your event lively by listening to what you want and reading the mood of the crowd.

If the DJ notices that people can seem bored at the reception, they will play exciting music that will make the guests liven up and get on the dance floor. DJs can really come in handy especially if you not only want to have a memorable wedding but also wish your guests to have a good time as well.

DJs know the right kind of music to play at any moment

A great DJ knows how to play the right combination of music at a wedding. Of course, when you hire a DJ you will give them a playlist of the songs you want to be played during the event. However, a DJ that is really good at what they do should know when to change things up.

For instance, imagine you and your guests are enjoying a slow dance on the dance floor and you are all feeling the moment. Then suddenly without any smooth transition, the DJ changes the song into upbeat music. This would definitely kill the mood for some guests and they would leave the dance floor.

Therefore, a good DJ would know how to play the right combination of music to keep your guests entertained and busy on the dance floor all through. This would create a notable and unforgettable experience for your wedding.

A DJ can be a very cost-effective option

If cost is a factor then a DJ is probably the best and most cost-effective option for your wedding event reception.

Key Things To Look For In A Wedding DJ

A wedding DJ should be able to work within your budget and provide you with a professional service.
Do some research online. Find out how many weddings they’ve worked at and how well they did.
Check if you like what you see. If you don’t, there’s no reason to keep looking.
They should also offer a phone call or meeting so you can get an idea of what their services entail. It’s best to hire a company or DJ that has experience in weddings because they will know how to handle any problems that might arise. Ask them about their experience. What do they love most about weddings? What do they hate? How often do they work?
You want to make sure that the DJ you choose has the equipment necessary to create a great party.
They should also be able to play music at different volumes throughout the night. If you’re having a big event, you’ll need someone who knows how to keep guests entertained. Finally, make sure that the DJ has a good reputation before hiring them.
Check their reviews. You want someone who has been around long enough to get good feedback.
An experienced agency with expertise in supplying suitable DJs and managing their appearance can take a lot of the hassle around booking a DJ away. This leaves you to concentrate on the big day itself.

How much do wedding DJs cost?

Wedding DJ’s can be priced from under £100 for a night up to several thousand for a very experienced or named DJ. We recommend talking through your needs with us and we will be able to walk you through options and costs.

Wedding Music Packages Including Other Roles

Beyond the musical side of the wedding, there are several other roles that can be filled at a ceremony and these can often be arranged by an agency along with the musicians. There are basically two additional roles that couples can consider for their wedding. Especially, larger weddings where these additional roles fit in quite well.

Firstly, the Toastmaster.

What Is A Toastmaster?

A toastmaster is a person who performs various duties at a wedding. He or she may be called upon to perform the following functions:

To introduce the bride and groom, family members, etc., to the guests.
To give speeches during the reception.
To make announcements for the ceremony, rehearsal, dinner, etc.
To announce each course as it is served.
To lead the guests in song, dance, or other entertainment after the meal has been completed.
To close the event with a speech.

Toastmasters can bring an extra dimension or touch of class to a wedding and their professional and practised approach can ensure the flow of the event goes very smoothly.

There is also the Master of Ceremonies.

What Is A Master Of Ceremonies (MC)

Often arranged through wedding planners but can be a family member or provided by an experienced agency.

The MC is responsible for directing the flow of events at weddings. He or she will ensure that everything goes smoothly from beginning to end. This includes greeting guests, announcing courses, leading songs and dances, making announcements, introducing the bride and groom, etc.
The MC’s main responsibility is to keep things moving along so everyone enjoys themselves without any mishaps.
If you want your wedding to go off without a hitch (especially if it is a large, multi-faceted wedding), then you could consider hiring an experienced wedding professional to act as your wedding’s MC. It will save you time and effort and allow you to focus on enjoying yourself.
An experienced MC can also help you plan out what activities will take place throughout the day, which will prevent last-minute surprises that could ruin the entire event

A good MC can make a good wedding great. However, no wedding is complete without some musical entertainment so that should always be the priority when considering what type of event you’d like to have.

Yes, We’re Finally At The End!

As you can see, there are many options and considerations that need to be taken into account when planning wedding music or entertainment. We’ve also only covered the main options here – it’s not unusual for wedding guests to be entertained by stilt walkers, fire breathers and other niche entertainment options. If you would like to have entertainment that is slightly off-piste (but highly original) then contact us and have a chat!

So, after all the above, which type of music do you think best suits your wedding? Whether you want the live band, instrumental music, DJ, or singer, you can feel confident in discussing your needs with our experienced Wedding entertainment team here at A1. We offer all types of entertainment for wedding ceremonies as well as other events. Give us a call today and talk through your plans with us – we’re happy to help guide you through the process of hiring a wedding music artist, band, instrumental group or DJ.

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