Live bands certainly add something to your wedding day that no dj can come close to. The right band will make sure that you and your guests have a great time and will get everyone out of their seats for the whole night. It’s also much harder to find the right band for you than it is to find a dj.

There are lots of choices and the differences can be subtle but important. Do you want a 4 or 5 piece? Brass section or not? Male or female singer? Don’t worry, we are here to guide you to finding the right band for you!

Q. How would I start finding a band?

A. There are a few different approaches you could take here. The most obvious is to ask people that you know for recommendations. Does anyone know a band who they rated highly who they can recommend to you? You may have seen a band you liked the sound of at an event or local gig. Send them a message to see if you can book them! One of the most common methods however is to search online for wedding bands in your area. A search for ‘wedding band in Leeds and Manchester’ will give you a list of likely results and you will be able to review the websites of them all to see who you like.

Q. How can a bride and groom be sure they are getting the right band?

A. Take a good look through the website of the band you are interested in. They should have photos, video and recordings for you to get a good idea of what they do. You could give them a call to check their current line up as things like this do change from time to time. Take a look at the band’s testimonials section to see if past clients have been happy with the service they received.

Q. What questions should I ask the band that I am interested in?

A. You should start by checking that the band will be playing the music that you want. Do they have the right kind of look and sound that you would like for you big day? You also need to know that they will be able to fit in with the general arrangements of the day, load in times and compliance with insurance demands of the venue. Will the band provide a ‘dj service’ on the day in between their sets? Will they be able to learn a first dance or other songs of your choice? See our full guide of ways to make the most of your wedding band

Q. How much should I expect to pay?

A. Bands vary in price and it depends how you book them. If you go direct through the band’s website and contact them directly then the price should be as low as it can be. If you book through an online agency then you will typically pay a fee to the agency too, bumping the price up by several hundred pounds. Direct, wedding bands in Leeds and Manchester would typically cost between £800 and £3000.

Q. Is there any thing else I need to know about wedding bands?

A. If your wedding or event is being held at a regular venue (hotel or restaurant) then the band will typically need to be covered with public liability insurance and their equipment should be PAT tested for safety. If the event is outside (marquee or something like that) then there may be issues to consider regarding a generator for power.

In Conclusion

Most bands will have everything you need to see on their own website. Take a look and then contact them to check any details that you need. Speaking on the phone is a good idea as you will be able to get straight to the salient points and make sure that you are booking a great band that you will be happy with!