The soundtrack to your celebration
From the first song to the last dance, music can shape the atmosphere of your wedding and bring your favourite people together.
Choosing a wedding band or DJ starts with the experience you want to create. Listen to real performances, discuss your favourite and off-limits songs, and check that the venue, schedule and full quote work for everyone. This guide will help you compare your options and book with confidence.
Find your sound
Band, DJ or a little of both?
01
A live band
Live musicians can bring a distinctive sound and performance. Ask about their repertoire, lineup, set lengths and breaks.
02
A DJ
A DJ can offer a broad selection and adapt the flow of recorded music. Discuss their style, mixing approach and requests.
03
A combination
Live sets and a DJ can work together. Check the handover, equipment, setup time and overall cost before booking.
Neither option is automatically right for every wedding. Think about your taste, guest list, venue and budget, and how you want the evening to feel.
01 / Listen and compare
Get a feel for their performance
Listen to recordings or watch videos of real performances, ideally with the same lineup or DJ you are considering. Ask how they read a room, what genres they cover and how they handle requests. If you can see a suitable public performance, that may help too.
Read recent reviews and ask trusted suppliers or friends for recommendations. Confirm who will actually perform at your wedding: bands, agencies and DJ companies may work with different people or lineups.
Share the atmosphere you want, from a relaxed drinks reception to a busy dance floor. Different styles can work beautifully; choose performers whose approach feels like a fit for you.
Choose music that feels like your celebration.
02 / Check the practicalities
Make sure the venue and music work together
Before paying a booking fee, tell the performers about your venue and ask the venue about amplified music, curfews, sound limiters and any restrictions on equipment or suppliers. Pass the venue’s exact requirements to the band or DJ so they can confirm whether their setup is suitable.
Discuss performance space, power, load-in access, parking and setup or soundcheck times. Ask who provides microphones, speakers and lighting, and whether equipment is needed in more than one room. If the venue requests public liability insurance or equipment safety documentation, confirm what it needs and whether the performer can provide it.
Confirm the timeline
- Arrival, load-in, setup and soundcheck
- Music for the ceremony, drinks, meal and evening
- Set lengths, breaks and music between sets
- First dance and any announcements
- Finish time, pack-down and venue curfew
03 / Make it personal
Talk about the songs that matter
Your must-plays
Share a short list of songs or artists you love and any important tracks for entrances, the first dance or other moments. Ask whether a band can learn a song, how much notice they need and whether there is an extra charge.
Your do-not-play list
Be clear about songs, genres or announcements you would rather avoid. Discuss how guest requests will be handled and how much freedom you want the performers to have on the night.
Between the sets
If you book a band, ask what happens during breaks and after their final set. Is recorded music included, does someone manage it, and can it use the same sound system?
Who makes announcements?
If you would like someone to introduce the first dance or make other announcements, agree who will do it. Give your venue, photographer and performers the same updated timeline.
04 / Before you book
Questions to ask a wedding band or DJ
Ask for an itemised quote and written agreement. Compare performance hours, equipment, travel, setup, break music and any extras rather than comparing the headline price alone.
Read the payment, cancellation and postponement terms, and ask what happens if a performer is ill or equipment fails. Policies and backup arrangements vary, so make sure you understand the specific agreement.
Your booking checklist
- Are you available, and who will perform on the day?
- Can we hear real examples and see your repertoire?
- How do you handle must-play songs and guest requests?
- What equipment and break music are included?
- Can you work within our venue’s sound and access rules?
- What are the full fee, travel costs and overtime terms?
- What happens if someone is ill or equipment fails?
The details, answered
Wedding band and DJ FAQs
Should we choose a band or a DJ?
Choose the sound and experience you enjoy, then compare venue requirements, repertoire, space, timings and full costs. Some couples choose both.
When should we book wedding music?
Enquire once you have your date, venue and an idea of your budget. Availability varies, especially for popular dates and performers.
Can we request specific songs?
Often you can, but the approach varies. Ask how requests are handled and whether a band can learn a particular song, including notice and any extra fee.
What is a venue sound limiter?
It is a device that monitors sound levels and may trigger a warning or interrupt power when a venue’s limit is exceeded. Ask your venue for its rules and share them with your performers before booking.
What happens during a band’s breaks?
Ask whether recorded music or a DJ service is included between sets, who operates it and whether any equipment or additional fee is required.
Let’s talk about your wedding
I would love to hear about the day you are planning and photograph the moments that make it yours, from the quiet beginnings to the dance floor.
Tell me about your day