The Ultimate Guide to Booking a Jazz Band

Thinking of booking a jazz band to provide the soundtrack to your wedding or event? Flexible and fun, we think a jazz band is a great choice for just about any event. But before you sign on the dotted line, we think you should read our guide below. 

The great thing about jazz is that it encompasses so many different styles and eras, making it super varied - but also super confusing for those new to the genre. Before you decide on a jazz band you need to know exactly what you’re booking and what it will sound like. For example, would you like modern day hits performed in a jazzy style, 1940s lindy hop or mellow cocktail hour vibes? 

If you’re not sure, don’t sweat it. We’ve described the main jazz styles below and the different line ups available, plus we’ve consulted with some of our very own amazing jazz bands who gave us their best advice and helpful hints along the way. 

Before we even begin to consider music styles, it’s important to tackle the basics of booking a band in general. Before confirming a band, you need to consider the following: 

Your venue – does your venue have space for the band? Do they have volume restrictions? The answers to these questions will impact the band you choose. 

Budget – a 10-piece band with lots of brass instruments will be less purse-friendly than an acoustic duo so decide on a budget before you start browsing bands. 

Performance times – what time can the band arrive? Can the band or parts of the band play at different points during the day? Some members of larger bands can perform smaller sets during the ceremony or drinks reception for an additional cost. 

Extras – check if the band will provide their own lighting and any other special effects that might add extra wow-factor to their performance. 

For a more comprehensive guide to booking a band, read our A-Z guide. 

Whether you’re new to jazz or just need a little refresher, we’ve outlined what makes each of the most popular jazz bands unique below. 

Swing Jazz

Swing, or big band, jazz evokes the spirit and glamour of the 1930s and 1940s, complete with horn sections and snappy rhythms. Shaped by the likes of Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and Count Basie, these big band ensembles were designed to keep guests on their feet and swinging all night long. 

This style of jazz is a crowd‑pleaser at weddings and parties, with tunes all generations are likely to know - think Frank Sinatra’s Fly Me to the Moon and Louis Armstrong’s Mack the Knife. 

For a more modern take on the swing sound, look for a jazz band that can perform contemporary hits with a swing jazz vibe. Throw in some of the old classics for an eclectic evening of music that will offer something for everyone. Alex of Post Modern Swing Club agrees: 

“Having a jazz band that can play a variety of styles is really useful, or at least is able and prepared to put a few more modern numbers in their set to help keep everybody at an event happy.”

Traditional Jazz 

Traditional jazz, or Dixieland as it’s also known, takes us back to the vibrant New Orleans of the early 1900s. Characterised by a lively and upbeat tempo and the improvisation of multiple musicians at once, Traditional Jazz has a layered and interesting sound. 

Influenced by ragtime, soulful blues, brass bands and even gospel music, Dixieland Jazz will give a happy and unmistakably vintage vibe – perfect for cocktail hours or wedding reception drinks. 

This style of jazz can also be a great choice for events where the band needs to move around, Dom of Cellar Door Jazz explains: 

“Roaming musicians can be tricky or impossible if the band has a drummer, so consider that before asking the band to move around. Maybe go for a New Orleans 2nd Line style brass band, as they are designed for marching!”

Gypsy Jazz 

Gypsy Jazz, or Jazz Manouche, originated in France and channels the acoustic brilliance of Romani guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stéphane Grappelli. Moving away from the brass dominance of other jazz styles and focusing on strings, particularly guitars and violins, Gypsy Jazz has a distinctive sound. Expect a strong driving rhythm with swing and Latin influences and fast improvisational melodies. 

Gypsy jazz sets are lighter in setup and volume but big on charm – perfect for outdoor drinks or festival style celebrations. 

Cool Jazz 

Emerging from the intensity of the bebop style in the late 1940s and 1950s, Cool Jazz offered a softer and more relaxed style. Characterised by its relaxed tempo, subdued tones, and sophisticated arrangements, it’s perfect for more formal events or cocktail hours. 

Artists associated with Cool Jazz include Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, and Chet Baker. 

If you’d like to incorporate some more mellow jazz into your event, for example during a wedding ceremony, many bands offer this vibe as well as some of the livelier stuff later on: 

“While most jazz bands have a carefully curated repertoire, many (ours included) are happy to adjust their set to match the mood of the event. Starting with mellow background jazz and transitioning into upbeat swing and danceable classics works well for many occasions” says Jessica of The Velvet Tones. 

The style of jazz isn’t the only thing you need to consider; line-ups are also key: 

“A trio with vocals, double bass, and guitar (or keys) works beautifully for an intimate setting, creating a sophisticated and timeless ambiance. Larger ensembles, featuring drums and brass, tend to suit bigger venues or events where a livelier atmosphere is desired. It’s always good to check what line-up options are available to match the event’s scale and energy" says Jessica of The Velvet Tones. 

Jazz bands generally include what’s known as a rhythm section (drums, piano, bass, guitar) and horns (saxophones, trumpets, trombones). These two elements can be combined in a variety of ways and added to with vocals or instruments specific to the jazz subgenre. Here are some typical line-ups explained: 

Jazz Duo - Minimal but still impactful, a duo often consists of piano and saxophone, or piano and double bass. Light on setup and easy on your budget, duos offer gentle accompaniment that’s ideal for ceremonies or relaxed cocktail hours when you need an elegant soundtrack that doesn’t take over. 

Jazz Trio - A trio typically consists of piano, double bass, and drums. A tight but full‑bodied ensemble, this line-up can lay down rich harmony, swing, and rhythm. A versatile choice, a jazz trio may be appropriate for background sets during receptions or for more intimate dances. Trios may include vocals or guitar in place of piano, or in gypsy jazz style, two acoustic guitars with violin or bass for a more stripped‑back, melodic vibe.

Jazz Quartet - Adding a horn or vocalist elevates a trio into a quartet with, most commonly, piano (or guitar), bass, drums plus saxophone, trumpet, or singer. That extra voice brings melodic character and flexibility, enabling both mellow lounge vibes and livelier sets with greater dynamic energy. It's a great all‑rounder that can softly set the mood at dinner, then switch it up for dancing.

Big Band – A larger line-up that features multiple horns as well as the rhythm section and vocals. A big band set-up is perfect for large venues and more generous budgets and will give some serious wow-factor. Able to take on lively sets and a wider range of songs, a big band offers the most flexibility. They can also be booked as a whole for the evening party and trimmed down to a duo or trio during the more subdued parts of the day. 

Feeling inspired and ready to book? Head over to our Jazz Bands page and see what our amazing musicians can do.