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Wedding bands for hire

End your reception on an epic note – exclusive live wedding bands for hire, across the UK. Watch wedding band music videos and book local acts.

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from£2,340

Party Up

  • Kent
  • 6-10
  • (188)

Party down with Party Up, the slickest soul, funk and R&B band in the South East! Featuring sax and up to three stunning vocalists, the band count Sky, Cadburys and Emma Thompson among their regular clients.

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from£995

Rockit

  • Surrey
  • 3-4
  • (253)

Amp up your party with Rockit: a sensational party band with a huge catalogue of rock, indie and pop floor-fillers from Chuck Berry and The Beatles to Billie Eilish and Ed Sheeran.

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from£1,750

Manhattan

  • Leeds
  • 5-10
  • (76)

Dynamic Motown, pop and soul band with stunning female and male lead vocals, impressive industry credentials and a playlist of soulful floor-fillers by artists such as Marvin Gaye, Justin Timberlake and Rihanna.

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from£1,250

The Sweet and Lowdown

  • Brighton
  • 4
  • (197)

Fun and totally unique party band with male and female vocals, playing retro swing, vintage jive and rock'n'roll through to 80s funk, 90s R&B and quirky takes on modern chart.

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from£1,180

Agent Smith

  • Manchester
  • 4-6
  • (251)

Exceptional party and wedding band playing everything from vintage 1950s rock’n’roll to cutting edge pop, indie and R&B. High profile clients include BT, Mini Cooper and Microsoft.

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from£1,270

The Runaways

  • Surrey
  • 4
  • (90)

Youthful, charismatic new 4-piece, channelling rock, dance, hip-hop and soul influences. The band have caught the attention of a major label – catch them now while rates are low!

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from£1,565

Superstrut

  • Essex
  • 4-8
  • (156)

Dressed to the nines and touting a crowd-pleasing, quick-fire set of R&B, garage, pop, hip hop, classic soul and funk, Superstrut will have your guests moving and hollering from the first note. Also available with female vocalists and horns.

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from£1,995

Downtown Underground

  • Manchester
  • 6-7
  • (115)

World-class pop, funk and soul function band, refreshing and recreating the classic soul sounds of the 60s, 70s and 80s, alongside soul-infused contemporary pop and R&B.

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from£1,950

The Soul Cats

  • London
  • 5-7
  • (96)

Infectiously energetic and spirited pop, soul and Motown band featuring sax and two extraordinary vocal talents – guaranteed to get your guests dancing. Chose between male or female vocals or both.

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from£2,095

PYT

  • London
  • 3
  • (57)

Live DJ band featuring soulful female vocals and soaring sax solos, and playing all your favourite tunes from 80s anthems through to this year's bangers.

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from£4,615

Soul Club

  • London
  • 6-10
  • (55)

Max out on soul and sophistication with Soul Club, a high energy show band comprising musicians who have toured with Stormzy and Dua Lipa. Expect stunning vocals and unparalleled musicianship.

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from£960

Skylight

  • Sheffield
  • 3
  • (84)

Powerful party and wedding band, ready to get your party rocking! The band have a diverse songlist which will surprise, delight and keep your guests dancing and singing along.

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from£1,160

Mastersound

  • Birmingham
  • 4-7
  • (74)

Danceable, piano-led pop and soul from the West Midlands, with both female and male lead vocals and a song list of danceable rock, soul and pop anthems from Chuck Berry to Adele.

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from£3,450

The Capricorns

  • Kent
  • 7-10
  • (76)

Stylish, globe-trotting function band featuring powerhouse vocalists and gigs for KPMG, Gucci and Jaguar alongside weddings in London and Dubai.

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from£1,335

The Crossfades

  • Gloucestershire
  • 3-5
  • (98)

With no less than three vocalists in the band, The Crossfades serve up the best vintage and modern rock, pop and indie covers with a side of crowd-pleasing charm.

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from£1,595

Seren

  • Bedfordshire
  • 5-6
  • (37)

Think style, glitz and confidence - and every special request met - Seren have the thing that makes dance floors jump and feet frantically tap (even the feet of the tough-to-impress guests)

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from£995

Locomove

  • London
  • 3-4
  • (95)

Turbo-charged wedding party band performing danceable rock 'n’ roll, indie, 80s pop and RnB. Optional "heavy set" for die-hard rock fans, featuring artists such as Guns n' Roses and Rage Against The Machine!

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from£1,495

Mojo Brass Band

  • London
  • 4-8
  • (50)

Mojo Brass are a funky, punchy brass powerhouse made up of the UK's best up-and-coming sax players, trumpeters and drummer. Their track list blends rarer grooves with mainstream crowd-pleasers.

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from£3,995

Club Soul

  • London
  • 4
  • (44)

Max out on all your party favourites with this stunning live DJ band featuring sax, vocals and percussion. Expect high energy show-stopping performances.

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from£880

The Aviators

  • Manchester
  • 3-4
  • (25)

With a repertoire spanning six decades, this dynamic party band sings everything from Fleetwood Mac to Daft Punk, promising a hassle-free, all-inclusive celebration with top-notch PA and lighting.


Wedding band FAQs

We understand that this process may be new to you, and we're here to make it as stress-free as possible. Here are the most frequently asked questions about booking a wedding band.

What type of music do your wedding bands play?

Since weddings are mixed generation events, the majority of our wedding bands perform music from across the decades, designed to appeal to all ages and fill your dancefloor.

These bands can be broadly divided into three categories:

A typical wedding band set might include upbeat, danceable songs by artists as varied as The Beatles, Prince, Oasis and Dua Lipa.

If you're looking for something more unusual, our brass and drums bands are an increasingly popular alternative to the classic guitar band format, whilst ceilidh bands go down well with kids and grandparents alike.

Jazz & swing bands are great for a vintage themed wedding.

For more offbeat wedding band music ideas, see our alternative wedding bands.

You've sent us a quote. What does this include?

Our wedding band packages are designed to cover everything you'll need on the night. Typically your quote will include:

  • All equipment (sound, lighting etc.) necessary for the performance.
  • Set up and sound-check (60-90 minutes) in the early evening
  • A two hour performance in total, divided into either two or three "sets", with short breaks in between, and a finish by midnight.
  • Recorded music in the breaks, if you don't already have a DJ.
  • All travel and accommodation costs.
  • All relevant insurance and appliance test certificates.
  • Ongoing support right up until your event date (and emergency support on the day), from our experienced events team.
  • All fees will include VAT, unless otherwise indicated on your quote.

Do your wedding bands take first dance requests?

Most of our wedding bands and musicians will be happy to learn and perform your first dance, often free of charge, although this depends on the song.

Send us the song request as soon as you can, so we can make sure the band has adequate time to learn it.

If the band can’t perform your song live, they can play it through their PA system instead. They can either use their own device to play the track, or plug your device into their system instead.

There's a higher chance the band will know the song already if it's included on our most requested first dance song list.

Can we choose the music our wedding band will play on the night?

Have a look at the band's song list on their profile page, then compile a list of your preferred songs and send them to us.

The band will then try to include as much of your favourite wedding band music as they can on the night.

Do be aware though, that they may not be able to fulfil each and every one of your requests. This is because they may need to add or remove songs with certain tempos or dynamics, "on the fly", depending on audience reaction.

Will the band bring their own equipment?

All our live bands for weddings come fully self-contained. This means they'll bring their own sound system, microphones, backline amplifiers and instruments. This equipment is suitable for most events up to around 250 guests.

If you're expecting more than 250 guests, let us know, so we can check whether the band’s system is large enough.

Most bands will also bring lighting for both the stage and dancefloor.

Check out our wedding bands' profile page for more details, as well as other optional add-ons to enhance the show!

How much does a wedding band cost?

Wedding band prices range from approximately £750 for a band with 3 members, to upwards of £3000 for 9- or 10-piece line-ups featuring brass sections and backing vocalists.

The median (typical) price paid for a wedding band in 2022 was approximately £1350, for a band with four members.

Keep in mind that the "from" prices listed on the website are starting prices and reflective of an off-peak (winter or midweek), event (with no travel or accommodation costs added). Send us an enquiry, including your venue location, so we can send you an accurate quote.

How long do wedding bands play for?

A standard live wedding band performance is two hours, split over 2 x 1-hour or 3 x 40-minute sets with short intervals.

But bands can play for less time, or longer (usually for an additional cost) if it suits your event better.

Will I need to book a wedding DJ as well?

Not necessarily – all our wedding bands for hire will play recorded music during their interval, through their PA, free of charge. This means they'll be able to keep the music going until closing time.

Many bands are able to upgrade to a more advanced service using virtual DJ software so that they can mix songs and take your guests’ requests.

If you have specialised music requests, require extra lighting, or you're planning a very late finish, we'd recommend booking a professional wedding DJ.

When will the band arrive and set up?

Bands performing at a typical evening wedding party would normally arrive at around 5pm or 6pm. They would then take 60-90 minutes to unload their equipment, set up and soundcheck.

Most wedding bands will aim to begin their first set anytime from 7.30pm, after the first dance. But we recommend they start later than this if possible, particularly in summer.

Feel free to ask us about any specific timing requirements you may have. For example, you may need the band to avoid sound-checking during dinner or speeches.

How much space does a live wedding band need?

As a rough guide, a 3-piece wedding band will require a space measuring approximately 3m wide x 3m deep. Add an additional square metre of width for each extra band member.

A raised stage always helps a live wedding band make a bigger impact but this isn’t essential. The performance space mainly just needs to be flat and dry!

Before you speak to your venue, you might like to check out our handy venue checklist. This contains all the questions worth asking your venue before you book a band for a wedding, from sound limiters to curfews.

What else do we need to provide?

Just make sure that the band has access to a power supply on the day, and a minimum of two separate domestic power sockets to plug into.

Please also make sure your wedding band has the food and refreshments that they need on the night. Bands performing in the evening will require a hot meal to keep their energy levels up!

Depending on the venue, some bands will also need reserved parking or a secure changing room. Check the band's profile for more details.

We’ve found a wedding band we love! How do we book?

Great! If you would like to book a band and you've already received a quote from us, simply email or call us on 0333 242 0560.

We'll draw up a secure booking contract between you and the act immediately.

You’ll need to pay a deposit by credit or debit card to secure the band, with the rest payable nearer, or on, the event date.

How far in advance should I book my wedding band?

The majority of wedding bands and musicians tend to get booked up between 6 and 12 months in advance, but the best bands are snapped up even earlier.

For that reason, we recommend starting your search as early as 18 months before your wedding. This is especially important if you're planning a Saturday wedding between April and September.

If you're planning an off-season wedding (between October and March) or a weekday wedding, you can probably afford to start looking a bit later.

Should I hire a band or a DJ for my wedding?

Budget and space permitting, we’d always recommend hiring a wedding band over a DJ.

Live music has a way of unlocking emotions and strengthening social bonds. It creates a unique and inclusive atmosphere that you and your guests will remember for years.

Bear in mind that if your wedding band or musician can't cover a specific song or genre, most can play recorded music through their PA between sets, and some even offer their own DJ service.

For example, you could ask a swing band to play chart music before, between or after their live sets.

That said, there are of course situations where a DJ might be the better option.

What is a sound limiter and is it a problem?

Many venues have sound limiters installed. These are designed to cut off the power to the band when the music or the crowd’s applause exceeds a certain volume, which can damage band equipment.

First, check whether your sound limiter can be turned off for the performance.

If not, don't panic - most live wedding bands can perform within the limits of a sound limiter set to 95dB or higher.

If your venue's limiter is set to a lower threshold than this, let us know so we can check this isn't a problem with the band. We may need to suggest an acoustic act, or a band who can use an electric drum kit.

Who are the best wedding bands and musicians in the UK?

The best wedding bands and musicians in the UK can be found on, ahem, Function Central!

We've spent years handpicking the most talented bands from all corners of the UK and gathering them together in one place.

To be accepted onto our books, acts must meet the strictest standards of quality and professionalism. We monitor feedback closely and only retain bands who consistently achieve a 5-star performance rating.

If you're finding the choice of bands too overwhelming, browse our top 10 most requested wedding bands for 2023, or read our guide to choosing a wedding band.

Why should I hire a local wedding band?

By hiring a local wedding band, not only will you save on travel and accommodation costs, but you'll also reduce the carbon footprint of your event.

It's important to keep in mind that most musicians charge for their travel time as well as fuel expenses. So costs can quickly spiral, especially if a band has several members travelling in separate vehicles.

Additionally, bands performing evening sets at venues which are more than two and a half hours away may require accommodation.

Use the "region" filter menu at the top of this page to find wedding bands in your local area.

What other ways can I save money on my wedding band?

  • Book off-peak. If you haven't yet set your wedding date, consider booking a midweek or winter wedding to take advantage of the most competitive rates.
  • Go for a smaller line-up. For the best value, consider a 3-piece band (featuring a singer/guitarist, bass player and drummer). It's worth browsing our duos instead – some of these perform to backing tracks, meaning you can still dance to them.

Top wedding band music genres

Soul Band Hire 2

Soul wedding bands

Soul, Motown, funk and R&B bands, playing everything from Marvin Gaye to Lizzo.

Wedding Jazz Bands for Hire

Jazz wedding bands

Swing, blues, dixieland or bebop – hire a jazz band for mellow background music or dancing.

Brass Band London

Brass wedding bands

We have oompah bands and dixieland bands as well as brass and drums bands for dancing.

Mumford Indie Folk Band Hire

Festival wedding bands

Hire an indie folk wedding band in the style of Mumford & Sons or The Lumineers.

Rock Pop Function Band Hire

Indie rock wedding bands

Rock, pop & indie bands playing upbeat anthems across all eras, to dance to.

Unusual Alternative Wedding Band Entertainment Hire

Alternative wedding bands

Alternative wedding bands and musicians to surprise and delight your guests

Acoustic Wedding Bands | Function Central

Acoustic wedding bands

Hire an acoustic wedding band for a more rustic vibe, or to keep noise levels under control in sound limited venues.

Wedding Reception Musicians for Hire

Wedding reception musicians

Background musicians for your drinks reception or breakfast, from acoustic duos to jazz, steel pan and classical.

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Find local wedding bands, UK wide

Function Central is the leading UK wedding band hire agency. Use the menu below to find outstanding local bands for weddings nationwide.

Hiring a local wedding band can save money on travel and accommodation costs.


Read reviews for our live wedding bands

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Wedding band music advice

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The easy way to hire UK wedding bands

  • Handpicked live wedding bands for hire, across the UK
  • Comprehensive booking contracts for your peace of mind
  • Expert advice on choosing wedding music bands
  • 24/7 emergency support and wedding band cover
  • Five-star rating on Trustpilot

Need background wedding music?

Wedding music isn’t just about the final party. If you're looking for background music to accompany your drinks reception or wedding meal, try our jazz bands, acoustic musicians or singers. Our steel pan bands are popular for outdoor receptions.

We can also provide wedding ceremony musicians such as harpists, string quartets or classical guitarists, for your bridal entrance, exit or the signing of the register.

If you've already hired a live band for your evening party, check whether they offer background music options. It'll save you the cost of booking a separate act. Read more about getting value from your wedding music band.

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