Discover how to choose a wedding band that matches your style, budget, and celebration vibe.
You’re getting married – congratulations! But if you’ve never planned a wedding before, the process can feel overwhelming. From venues and catering to entertainment, it’s hard to know where to start.
Luckily, you’ve stumbled across our blog and you’re in good hands! At Electro Swing Project, we can help with everything from wedding planning and on-the-day management to recommending the best wedding bands, suppliers, and venues.
But first, let’s focus on one of the most important parts of the celebration – the live band for your wedding.
Music sets the tone for your entire wedding day. It’s what guests will remember long after the last dance. Choosing the right wedding band can truly make or break the experience, so here’s our easy step-by-step guide to finding the perfect one.
Step 1
Decide What Kind of Music You Want
Start by thinking about the type of music that reflects your personality and the atmosphere you want to create.
Two of the most popular genres for weddings are Swing Bands and Party Bands, but there are plenty of other options too.
1. Do you want a band that plays all genres?
If you want a mix of classic hits from the 60s to modern-day chart-toppers, you’re likely looking for a wedding party band, also known as:
These type of music bands for weddings tailor their setlist to your preferences and can adapt their style to fit the mood of your evening.
2. Prefer a touch of vintage class?
If sophistication and glamour are your style, a Swing Band or Big Band might be your perfect match. Think Michael Bublé, Robbie Williams, or the timeless Rat Pack sound – smooth, classy, and effortlessly elegant.
3. Or want a mix of both?
If you love both vintage swing and modern beats, look no further than Electro Swing Project – a fresh, exciting fusion of big band music and modern hits.
Imagine hearing Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood” seamlessly mixed with The Jackson 5’s “Blame It On the Boogie” – it’s an instant crowd-pleaser that gets everyone on the dance floor.
What makes this act extra special is its flexibility. Electro Swing Project can perform as a 3-piece band up to a full 9-piece ensemble, delivering that full big band sound at a fraction of the price thanks to their use of live loops and samples.
Knowing your musical style is the first step to narrowing down your search and avoiding endless scrolling through music bands for weddings online!
Step 2
Set Your Budget
Having a clear budget helps you make smart decisions.
For a professional live band for wedding events, expect prices to start around £5,000 for a 5-piece band including full PA (sound equipment). From there, you can scale up or down depending on your needs.
If your budget allows, consider going big, a 9-piece band delivers an unforgettable sound and visual impact. Prices typically range between £7,000 and £12,000, depending on the lineup and travel.
After all, it’s your wedding day – what better excuse to splash out on a spectacular wedding band?
Step 3
Consider Location
If you’re looking to keep costs down, consider booking a band local to your venue. Travel costs for musicians can include van hire, mileage, and accommodation – so local bookings often save £300–£600.
Bands usually charge additional fees for long-distance travel or overnight stays, so choosing nearby acts can make a big difference without sacrificing quality.
Step 4
Check the Band’s Credentials
Training and experience matter. A truly professional wedding band should include musicians who are not only talented but also well-trained and reliable.
Look into the band’s background. Musicians who trained at top institutions like the Royal College of Music, Royal Academy of Music, Trinity College of Music, or Guildhall School of Music are likely to be among the best in the country. Other fantastic schools include the Royal Northern College of Music and Leeds College of Music.
Also, check how much real performance experience they have, not just how many weddings they’ve done, but the quality of the venues and events. Performing for major brands or with well-known artists can be a good sign of professional calibre.
Bonus tip: Always ask for live performance videos or recent client testimonials. A great wedding party band should sound just as good live as they do in their promo videos.
Step 5
Use a Trusted Music Agency or Recommendation
Booking through a reputable agency gives you peace of mind.
Good agencies carefully vet and audition their acts before adding them to their roster, so you know the band meets professional standards. They also offer secure contracts and deposit protection.
When using an agency, look for:
- A clear and transparent booking agreement
- Deposit protection and cancellation policies
- Backup musicians or acts in case of emergencies
- Communication with your venue about setup and logistics
We highly recommend Musicians Inc, who specialise in wedding entertainment and represent musicians trained at London’s leading conservatoires. Their roster features some of the most talented performers in the UK.
Why Choose Electro Swing Project for Your Wedding
Experience the Ultimate Live Band for Weddings
If you’re looking for a live band for wedding celebrations that’s professional, exciting, and totally unique, we’d love to perform for you.
Every member of the Electro Swing Project is a graduate of one of London’s top music colleges. We tailor every set to your event – whether you want a modern party band, an electro-swing fusion, or both.
We can also provide acoustic acts for earlier in the day and DJ sets for the evening, scaling from a three-piece to a nine-piece band to suit your venue and budget.
Based in London, we do charge a small travel allowance for weddings outside the city, and overnight stays may be required for long-distance events. But we always aim to keep costs fair and focus on creating the most fun, memorable experience for your special day.
From rooftop receptions to countryside manors, our performances have filled dance floors across the UK, and we’d love to make your wedding one of them.
Final Thoughts
Making Your Wedding Music Stress-Free and Memorable
Choosing the music band for your wedding doesn’t have to be stressful. Once you know your music style, budget, and priorities, everything falls into place.
Whether you go for the timeless sophistication of swing or the energetic beats of a modern party band, your guests will remember the joy and atmosphere that live music brings.
So take your time, explore your options, and when you’re ready – get in touch with us. We’d be honoured to bring the soundtrack to your celebration.
