Band or no Band

My sister got married in 2015 and had a band at her wedding and I’m getting married in June and having the same band. They were definitely worth the money at my sister’s wedding as every song they played was a floor filler.

I'm having a band, and I can't imagine not. Yes people will be catching up, but they'll also be dancing! You could have a DJ instead, but they can be just as pricey sometimes. Or is he on about having a playlist on? This is an ok option, but bear in mind that with a band or DJ, you get the lights and all sorts, which help to create atmosphere.

I would recommend that unless you're on a super tight budget, go for a band or DJ, and my personal preference would be a band. Most bands will also do a DJ set during their break.

I went to a wedding 6 years ago, and still remember how awesome the band was!

Hope this helps! X

Edit to add that a band can be a great excuse to get away from people too! If a great song comes on, you can excuse yourself from Great Aunt Mildred, and spend 5 minutes dancing with your new husband!

We are looking at the band option, just can’t seem to find something we think are great without it being £2k plus.

the playlist option I don’t think is ever great. A dj can be great if you get a good one

Hi,

If you like jazz then why not go for a cool 4/5 piece. Go for one that plays jazz versions of popular songs though like Post Modern Jukebox to keep everyone happy.

On a cost point....

Bands can seem expensive but they are usually there for around 6 hours of your wedding day with multiple people...

...save costs on things like favours (we always see so many left on tables when rooms are being turned around! Or....mega expensive wedding cakes which are again sadly left to get hard by the end of the night!)

Couples often say that they are so glad they booked a band after the wedding day is over, so go for it!!

I would 100% go for a band. We are having 60-70 guests and for us we thought about the things that people most remember at a wedding and they were our priority - venue, food, music. These were the things we weren't willing to compromise on. I've been to some weddings with a band and some with a dj. The dj seems to be the same every time - starts off well, ends badly with awful cheesy stuff that clears the floor. Every wedding with a band that we've been at has had a full dance floor all night. I'd say if you love jazz and swing then go for it and spend the money on a band you love, it will be worth it. You can't beat live music and you only have one wedding day (well you hope to)!

You add a footnote that the party is for around 50 - 60 people - so I can understand the difficult decision to hire a full live band - experienced wedding bands can seem expensive.

I like the suggestion of finding a smaller group of perhaps jazz musicians that can adapt to play a wide range of tunes and keep the feet tapping.

Take a look at this guide to booking wedding entertainment that might give you some other ideas about how to make the evening go with a swing.

Also consider contacting local music schools - if you are in the south east or London there are even dedicated websites to find and book musicians and groups - they will be talented, enthusiastic and possibly more affordable

Music students in London often form function and party bands for to earn much needed funds by playing at weddings.

I just spotted this and thought I'd add a little comment.

Yes you could go down the route of finding music students to play for your wedding. In similar ways to a photographer their equipment might not be what you need for your wedding day (PA equipment is expensive and needs to be reliable). Also most venues will require insurances & testing certificates which again could be a last minute let down.

The other concern is that every year we get last minute calls/emails about couples being let down by student/friends bands. As they are usually only doing it for a bit of a giggle or to play during term times together if something else comes aling (bigger gig/holiday/a friends birthday). These are all actual reasons that I've been told by a stressed out couple btw!

It can work really well. But it could also be a nightmare to save a few hundred pounds!

Couldn't agree more with this and yes we photographers get the same thing.