How to Hire a Wedding Band That'll Wow Your Guests

When it comes to music for a wedding, most couples go either one of two routes: a DJ or a live band. Each option has its pros and cons. For couples who want very specific or studio songs played, a DJ may be the right choice. But for those who want a specific energy or a certain genre or cultural music played, hiring a live band may be best for your wedding day.

"Live bands provide much more than just music—you get that live performance energy and interaction that makes for an unforgettable experience for you and your guests," says Daryl Soo, guitarist and manager of Funk Almighty, a Chicago-based funk and R&B wedding band.

If you're looking to hire a band for your wedding celebration, there are some additional considerations to take into account. In this article, we'll provide guidance on finding your perfect match, including musical style, timing and cost considerations.

• When to Hire a Wedding Band
• How Much Does It Cost To Book A Live Band?
• How to Choose the Right Band for Your Wedding
• How to Hire the Right Band for Your Wedding
• How to Coordinate With Your Live Band After Booking

When to Hire a Wedding Band

Live wedding bands tend to book up faster than DJs. Some live bands, like Funk Almighty, can book up to a year in advance, so if you're considering a live band, Soo says it's best to start looking early in your planning process. You should still be able to find bands with availability three or six months out, though.

How Much Does It Cost To Book A Live Band?

Live bands will generally cost more than a DJ, since there are typically more players in a band and learning specific songs can call for additional prep time. According to The Knot Real Wedding Study, the average couple spent $3,900 on a live wedding band, but they can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $10,000. The cost of a live wedding band depends on factors like the band's size and experience, the wedding location and playing time. For more details on cost considerations, check out our DJ vs. live band cost breakdown.

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How to Choose the Right Band for Your Wedding

When choosing the wedding band for your wedding celebration, first consider your and your spouse-to-be's musical taste. Are you devoted Deadheads, committed country fans, or do you just want a nice spread of contemporary and classic hits? Finding a band that reflects your personal tastes will make for an infectious celebration.

"The night is a mix of your taste and your guests'," says Soo. "Look for a band with a genre that not only reflects you and your partner's taste in music, but can also provide a great experience for your guests."

The Knot Marketplace provides a comprehensive list of live wedding bands to help kick off your search. Look up videos on YouTube or the band's website or social media pages, or ask them directly for videos. If time and schedules allow, you may even be able to attend one of the band's shows to see how they perform live.

How to Hire the Right Band for Your Wedding

In addition to choosing the right style of music, there are several other considerations to take into account when booking a live wedding band:

Type of Band

Some bands, like Funk Almighty, perform together as one unit, while other bands may include many musicians who perform interchangeably under an umbrella name. Consider how important it is for the exact lineup you've researched to be present on the big day.

Years of Experience and Training

Consider how many years of wedding experience you want the band to have. You may be dedicated fans of a great local band, but consider whether the band having prior wedding experience is a mandatory for you. Training is another key factor; must your band consist of classically trained musicians, or does experience alone suffice?

Playing Time

Determine how long you would like the band to play for—the ceremony, reception or both? How about cocktail hour? Consider how many hours of playtime and different setups you'll need.

Venue Requirements

Ensure that the band's equipment and setup can fit within your venue and check on any restrictions or noise ordinances. Most bands will be able to work with specific parameters, but be aware of anything out of the ordinary you may need to bring to their attention.

In addition to asking about the band's availability on your wedding date, ask about their performance rates and whether they can accommodate your venue's requirements. Be sure to check out our list of questions to ask a wedding band before scheduling calls.

How to Coordinate With Your Live Band After Booking

Once you've booked your band, here are some key considerations to think of on the actual wedding day:

Song Choice

Like a DJ, it's often best to give your band a 'do not play' list, rather than a 'to play' list. "If you provide the genre, a good band should be able to play what you want to hear," says Soo. That said, live bands will be more than happy to accommodate renditions of songs you hold special—just give them ample time to learn anything new.

Breaks

Like other vendors who spend the bulk of your wedding day with you, the band should get a dinner break, plus additional breaks throughout the night. Soo says Funk Almighty takes a 15-minute break every hour, which helps them bring maximum energy while they're performing. Most bands will provide DJ'ed music during their breaks, so no need to worry about awkward silent pauses.

Attire

If there is a particular theme to your wedding or color you'd like the band to adhere to, make sure to give them plenty of notice ahead of time.

Booking a live wedding band comes with some additional considerations, but can make for a fun and unforgettable experience for you and your guests.