Guide to booking wedding function bands in Cheshire

How early should I book a Cheshire wedding band?

When booking a Cheshire wedding band, timing is crucial. Most couples looking to hire a wedding band should aim to book as early as possible, especially for peak wedding dates.

If you’re planning a summer wedding on a Saturday, you will need to think about booking 12 months in advance. Some of the most popular Cheshire wedding bands may need to be booked up to 18 months before the day.

If you’re looking to book during the winter months, you can probably get away with booking six months ahead.

Whenever your wedding, if you have your heart set on a particular band, it’s always best to get in touch sooner rather than later.

What’s included in the price when I hire a Cheshire wedding band?

When you hire a Cheshire wedding band, the price you’re quoted is fully inclusive and designed to cover everything you need for live wedding entertainment. Once we've received your enquiry, we will send you a quote via email, which usually covers VAT and includes the following services:

Arrival at your location to set up and conduct a sound-check, starting from either 5pm or 6pm.
Provision of all necessary equipment for the performance, including lighting.
Delivery of two 60-minute sets or three 40-minute sets until midnight.
Playback of recorded music during intervals, through their PA system.
All travel costs (and lodging if applicable).
Provision of PAT and PLI certificates as required.
Round-the-clock support and our 5-star customer service leading up to your event date.

What happens if the band cancels or a musician is ill?

If a band member becomes unavailable before your wedding, your Cheshire wedding band will arrange a fully-rehearsed substitute musician, so your event goes ahead without compromise.
In the unlikely case the entire band is unable to perform, we’ll work hard to find a replacement band (in a similar genre and price range) from our network of Cheshire wedding bands, musicians and DJs.

Do your wedding bands have insurance and PAT-tested equipment?

Yes, all of our Yorkshire wedding bands are fully insured and have PAT-tested equipment.

How do I choose the right Cheshire band for my wedding?

Choosing the right Cheshire band for your wedding is an important part of planning your big day. The right band can set the perfect tone for your reception, keep your guests dancing, and make your celebration unforgettable.

We love nothing more than chatting about our bands (apart from seeing them play, of course!) and helping couples find the right one for them.

Drop us a message or give us a call on 0333 242 0560 and we’ll be more than happy to help you find the perfect Cheshire wedding band for you.

You can also read this handy guide on how to choose a wedding band

What music genres do Cheshire wedding bands play?

Cheshire wedding bands typically play a wide range of popular music genres to suit every style of wedding and keep guests of all ages on the dance floor. Most bands specialise in crowd-pleasing wedding reception music spanning multiple decades.

Typically, our Cheshire wedding bands perform well-known rock, pop, soul and Motown cover songs. If you’d prefer more alternative genres (and you're not a fan of the Cheshire cheese) consider hiring a brass band, ceilidh band or vintage band.

Can your Cheshire wedding bands learn our first dance song?

Yes, most Cheshire wedding bands are happy to learn and perform your chosen first dance song as part of your wedding reception.

Please give plenty of notice prior to the day so that the band can prepare your request.

If it is not possible due to time restraints or the band’s line-up being unable to do the song justice, they will play your first dance song on Spotify through their PA system.

How long do Cheshire wedding bands typically play for?

Cheshire wedding bands typically perform for a set number of hours, structured to fit seamlessly around your wedding reception.

Sets will usually consist of two 60-minute sets or three 40-minute sets, with a short interval of around 15–30 minutes.
A standard booking contract will specify a midnight finish at the latest.
If you require the band or their DJ services to play later than this, you can extend their finish time, though late fees may apply.

What time will my Cheshire wedding band start playing?

The start time for your Cheshire wedding band is flexible and can be tailored to suit your evening reception schedule.

We recommend that the band start their set at around 9.30pm in summer, and any time after 8pm in winter. This ensures the band are starting their performance after the sun has gone down, when guests are up more for a party, and more likely to want to dance.

What happens in the band's interval(s)?

During intervals, Cheshire wedding bands ensure the atmosphere stays lively with background or dance music between live sets.

Some bands can also offer a proper DJ service, using digital software to mix the songs and take requests. Check each band’s profile for more details.

You can also consider some of our other wedding reception entertainment ideas.

When do Cheshire wedding bands set up and sound check?

Cheshire wedding bands usually arrive early in the evening, around 5pm – 6pm, to set up their equipment and carry out a sound check before your reception begins.

They usually require a 60 to 90-minute window to set up and sound-check. The soundcheck component shouldn't last more than 15 minutes and is intended to check the sound levels are appropriate for the room and to balance the different instruments.

It’s convenient to close your function room to guests during this time, though if this isn't possible, don't worry – some bands can perform a ‘noiseless’ line-check if a sound-check is impractical.

Do bands provide their own sound and lighting equipment?

Yes, Cheshire wedding bands provide all of their own professional sound and lighting equipment as part of the booking.

All our bands ask for is a flat, and sheltered performance area in which to perform, and access to standard domestic power sockets.

That said, if you're expecting more than 250 guests or you're hosting a large outdoor event, get in touch, so we can ensure that the act’s PA equipment is powerful enough.

The performance area should be 4x3 meters for a typical 4-piece band. Allow an extra metre's width per band member.

Read up on the other 20 questions you should ask your wedding band before booking.

Can Cheshire wedding bands work with venue sound limiters?

Yes, many Cheshire wedding bands are experienced in working with venue sound limiters and noise restrictions. In most cases, a sound limiter shouldn’t stop you from having the music you want at your wedding.

The first thing you need to do is find out the limiter's threshold in decibels. If it's set to a threshold below 95 decibels, let us know immediately, as some bands will struggle to keep within this range. Some bands will be able to substitute live drums for electronic drums, which will bring down the overall level of the band.

If the threshold is in the range of 80-85dB, things can get a little more tricky. In this instance you may need to book a duo or acoustic set-up.

Can your Cheshire wedding bands play outdoors?

Yes, many Cheshire wedding bands are able to perform outdoors at weddings, weather permitting. Outdoor wedding entertainment can be just as lively as an indoor reception, provided the band has adequate shelter and access to power for their equipment.

Feel free to get in touch and enquire about any specific requirements that your chosen band may need.

Can you provide background wedding musicians in Cheshire?

Yes, you can hire background wedding musicians in Cheshire to create the perfect atmosphere for your ceremony, drinks reception, or wedding breakfast. These musicians complement the evening entertainment provided by Cheshire wedding bands, adding elegance and style to key moments of your day.

The bands listed on this page are ideally suited to after-dinner dancing at evening receptions, but we also have Cheshire function bands for your ceremony or drinks party.

Hire a wedding singer to set the right tone for your bridal entrance or one of our jazz bands for toe-tapping swing music during your reception or wedding banquet.

Our string quartets, harpists, pianists and classical guitarists will create a joyous atmosphere whilst you sign the register, pose for photos or sip martinis.

Do we still need a DJ if we hire a Cheshire wedding band?

In most cases, you won’t need to hire a separate DJ if you book a Cheshire wedding band. Many wedding bands can provide recorded music during breaks or between sets, covering all your evening entertainment needs.

However, there are some circumstances where it might be worth hiring a DJ as well as the band:

If you're planning on finishing very late, it might be more cost-effective to hire a separate DJ than pay the whole band to stay on.
If you have specialised tastes or beat-matching is particularly important to you, a DJ might be the best option for you.
If neither of these apply to you, the band can play recorded music through the PA system from their own device, or a playlist chosen by you on yours.

Do your Cheshire wedding venues take song requests?

Yes, most Cheshire wedding bands are happy to take party song requests to make your wedding reception truly personal. You can choose your favourite songs in advance to help create the perfect playlist for your special day.

We want to help make your day as unique as you are, so please check out the song list of your chosen band and select the songs you’d most like to hear on the day. While your Cheshire wedding band will do all they can to ensure your requests are played, they may need to switch things up as they go depending on audience response.

Rest assured, the band’s main focus will be on ensuring you and your guests have the best time and keep dancing all night long.

How can we save money on our Cheshire wedding band?

There are several ways to save money when hiring a Cheshire wedding band without compromising your wedding entertainment. Planning ahead and choosing the right options can help you get the best value for your live music. Take a look at our suggestions below:

Before you book more musicians for afternoon background music, check whether members of your wedding band can provide this – it'll save you additional costs, such as travel.
If you haven't yet set your date, consider booking a midweek or winter celebration to take advantage of the most competitive rates.
Always consider hiring a band from your local area, to save on travel and accommodation costs. We have bands based in most major towns and cities across the UK.

Here are six more ways to save money on your wedding band.

Whereabouts in Cheshire have your function bands performed?

Nestled between the hills of North Wales and the beautiful landscape of the Peak District, Cheshire is a stunning place to host your wedding.

Our Cheshire function bands have performed in every corner of this county, including: Warrington, Chester, Crewe, Runcorn, Widnes, Ellesmere Port, Macclesfield, Northwich, Wilmslow, Winsford, Congleton, Sandbach, Nantwich, Poynton, Neston, Middlewich, Alsager and Knutsford.

Our bands have performed in all major local venues, including: Colshaw Hall, Heaton House Farm, Sandhole Oak Barn, Thornton Manor, The Ashes Barns and Country House, Mottram Hall, Crewe Hall and Pryors Hayes Golf Club.

For a wider choice of local entertainment options, you can also check out our wedding bands in the West Midlands and our wedding bands in the North West.

2689 epic wedding parties in Cheshire...

Since 2008 we've provided bands and musicians for thousands of wedding receptions throughout Cheshire, from Warrington to Wigan.

Cheshire wedding bands