Wedding Bands for Hire Near Me

On average, wedding bands cost $2000-$3000 for 4 hours. The exact price can depend on several things, including your location, how long you want them to perform, the size of the band, and their overall experience and skill level.

Larger wedding bands will often charge more because they need to give each band member an adequate cut. When researching pricing details, keep in mind that travel costs may also be included. If your budget doesn’t allow for a full band, there are several other affordable wedding performer options available on GigSalad!

Wedding bands are most commonly booked for a total of 4 hours. Most bands play in 30-45 minute sets with 5-15 minute breaks in between, so be sure to plan for that. One way to keep your guests entertained is to hire an emcee and/or DJ to cover those lulls in the live music.

Cover bands generally play a variety of songs from slow love ballads to upbeat and fast-paced music that encourages your wedding guests to get on the dance floor. Some wedding music bands might specialize in a specific genre or era, while others will do a variety of hits from oldies to classic rock to modern pop music. Browse profiles and inquire about the band’s setlist to make sure you find the band that best matches what you want for your wedding.

Bands for weddings come in all shapes and sizes. If you’re planning a rustic wedding, an acoustic band might be the best fit. For a large reception with a big dance floor, consider a dance band to get your guests moving. If you want to keep things more low-key and classy, a jazz band would be great for your wedding reception. Whatever your wedding vibe, GigSalad has the best wedding musicians near you!

Anytime you are hiring a band, you should start as early as possible. Bands that specialize in weddings often book months ahead of time, so it can be good to start your search 6-9 months before your big day. Some couples wait until about 3 months out to secure their wedding entertainment, but just know the longer you wait the fewer choices you might have.

Most bands come fully equipped with speakers, amps, mixers, mics, and stands along with their instruments and gig kit. If your wedding venue has its own sound system and stage lighting, be sure to discuss those details with the musicians in advance and include them in the booking agreement.

Bands will handle their own setup and tear down, but it’s your responsibility to ensure they have adequate time and space to do so. If a stage needs to be built or a performance area cleared, that should be done well before the band arrives.

Depending on the size of the wedding band, you will want to allow for at least 45 minutes for setup and 15-25 minutes for a soundcheck. To make this process as efficient as possible, you should discuss the venue parameters with your musicians in advance. Outline details like parking, loading entrances, and electricity sources.

Go over the wedding day schedule with the band to determine the best time for them to set up for the reception. This may be during the wedding ceremony if the two locations are separate, or it might need to be done earlier in the day.

Most wedding reception bands will require a stage or dedicated performance space, the size of which will depend on the size of the band. A live band’s goal is to put on a good show, so they’ll need room to move around and perform. Before you book a wedding band, discuss the band’s needs and spacing requirements so you can plan accordingly when mapping out your venue setup.

A question every couple asks as they start their wedding planning — live band or DJ? Both are excellent options and the decision may come down to availability, budget, and just personal preference. While DJs have a smaller setup and larger catalog of songs, live bands bring an extra level to their entertainment which can create a more unique experience for you and your guests.