Tips for Choosing a Live Band for Your Wedding

Choosing your evening entertainment is such an exciting part of planning your wedding. The music you pick will shape the whole night and it is often what guests remember the most. A great band can turn a fun party into a really unforgettable one. If you are not sure where to start, here are some simple tips to help you choose the right band for your day.

This guide brings together practical advice inspired by the team at FixTheMusic who help thousands of couples book bands each year, along with tips that apply whether you are planning a relaxed barn wedding in Sussex or a seafront celebration in Brighton.

Think about the vibe you want

Before you start looking at different bands it helps to picture the kind of evening you want. Some couples imagine a big party with a packed dance floor and sing-along songs. Others prefer a relaxed atmosphere where guests chat at the bar and drift in and out of dancing. You might want something folk-inspired and rustic or something modern and upbeat. Once you have a rough idea of the vibe you want it becomes much easier to focus on bands that will fit your day. A folk-style band can work really well in Sussex barn venues like Pangdean Barn. A more polished pop and soul band can feel perfect in Brighton venues like The Grand where you might want a really lively party feel.

Start simple and set a budget

Live bands can vary a lot in price so it helps to set a rough budget early on. The cost will depend on how many musicians there are and how far they need to travel. A smaller band will usually be more affordable than a large show band with lots of singers and musicians. Think about what matters most to you. If music is a big part of your vision for the day, you might want to put a bit more of your budget towards it. If not, you can choose a smaller line up and still get a great atmosphere.

Look early and check availability

Popular wedding bands often get booked a year or more in advance, especially for summer Saturdays. Once you have your date and venue, it is worth starting to look at bands even if you are still figuring everything else out. If you are getting married in Sussex, a good place to start is the FixTheMusic guide to wedding bands in Sussex. It gives you a feel for different styles and helps you see what is available locally.

Listen to them live if you can

When you start browsing bands, try to focus on videos rather than photos. A great promo photo does not always show you what the band actually sounds like. Live clips at real weddings are the most helpful because you can see how the band performs and how guests react. Picture them in your venue. A high-energy band might be perfect for a big celebration at Pelham House in Lewes. A soft acoustic trio might work better for a small Brighton restaurant wedding or a laid-back beach venue.

Check reviews and ask your venue

Reading reviews is an easy way to get a feel for a band. Look for comments about how full the dance floor was and how easy they were to deal with before the wedding. If you want more reassurance, ask your venue or planner if they have seen the band before. Other suppliers see a lot of behind the scenes moments so they can often recommend bands who set up well and keep things running smoothly.

Ask your venue about space and sound

Before you book a band, it’s important to check the practical details. Ask your venue where the band will set up and how much space they have. A four-piece band needs more room than an acoustic duo and some venues have fixed areas where musicians can perform. You should also ask about noise limits. Lots of venues in Brighton and across Sussex have sound limiters, so it is good to check this early. Find out what time live music needs to finish and share these details with any band you contact.

Plan out your evening a little

Most bands offer two sets of music. These are usually two sets of 45 minutes or two sets of an hour each. You can fit these around your timeline in whatever way feels best. Some couples like the first dance straight into the first set. Others prefer a break for evening food before the final set. If you think many guests will leave early, you might want the first set a little earlier so everyone can enjoy it. Bands normally need one to one and a half hours to set up and sound check. If your wedding breakfast is in the same room, you can ask them to arrive before guests go in or set up during a room turnaround.

Cover the important questions

When you enquire with a band it is helpful to ask a few simple things:

• Do they bring their own sound system and lights?

• Do they have public liability insurance and safety-tested equipment?

• What time they arrive and finish?

• Whether they can learn your first dance song?

• What is included in their fee?

Most professional bands answer these questions all the time, so they should be able to give you quick and clear answers.

Decide if you want a DJ as well

Some couples book only a band. Some book only a DJ. Many choose a mix of the two. A band brings amazing energy, and a DJ can look after specific requests and keep the party going when the band is on a break.

A common option is a band doing two sets and a DJ doing the warm up and the last hour. It is a nice balance if you want the big moments of live music but still want a long party.

Think about your photos

Your evening entertainment will also shape how your photos look. Good lighting from the band can make your dance floor photos look amazing. If your band interacts with guests and gets everyone involved, it often leads to some of the most fun photos of the whole day.

Book securely and get everything written down

When you find the right band, you will normally pay a deposit and sign an agreement. This protects you and the musicians. If you use a trusted platform like FixTheMusic, your payment is handled securely which gives everyone peace of mind.

Final thoughts

Choosing your wedding band does not have to be complicated. Think about the atmosphere you want for the evening listen to a few options, check the practical details with your venue and ask the band a few simple questions. When you find the right fit you will know. A great band can lift the whole night and give you and your guests a party to remember whether you are celebrating in Brighton, Lewes, Chichester or anywhere across Sussex.