16 Wedding Theme Ideas and the Best Live Music to Match
From boho to disco, explore themed wedding ideas with the perfect soundtrack to match.
- By Adam Mezzatesta
- blog
- Updated: 02nd June 2025
Struggling to find the right soundtrack for your big day? One of the easiest ways to narrow down your options is to start with your wedding theme. Whether you’re planning a laid-back boho affair or a full-blown 70s disco, your live music choice plays a huge role in setting the tone. From vintage jazz and soul to indie rock and sax-led dance acts, we’ll guide you through the perfect musical pairing for every wedding style.
1. Festival Theme: Mumford-Style Folk Band
If you’re dreaming of a laid-back, music-filled celebration under the open skies, a festival wedding is the way to go. Think hay bales, fairy lights, and a ‘no shoes required’ dress code.
A Mumford-style folk band is the ultimate soundtrack for this kind of day - rustic, lively and guaranteed to get your guests dancing. With acoustic guitars, banjos, double bass and harmonies, they’ll bring the feel-good energy of your favourite summer festival. Perfect for tipi weddings, glamping fields or woodland clearings where the music takes centre stage.
2. Parisian Romance: Café-Style Jazz Band or Accordionist
For couples drawn to vintage charm and effortless style, a Parisian-inspired wedding offers just the right blend of romance and flair. Picture wrought iron chairs, candlelit tables, and champagne flowing as the sun sets over a courtyard or garden.
The soundtrack? A café-style jazz band or solo accordionist playing smooth, melodic tunes with a touch of nostalgia. From French classics to jazz standards, the music creates a warm, intimate atmosphere, perfect for outdoor ceremonies, and garden receptions with a European twist.
3. Urban Chic: Soul or Motown Band
For couples after a sleek, modern celebration with just the right amount of swagger, Urban Chic hits the mark. Think city venues with exposed brick, polished floors, statement lighting and minimalist styling with bold, luxe touches.
To bring real soul to the space, a live Soul or Motown band is the perfect fit. With rich vocals, tight rhythm sections and a setlist packed with timeless hits from the Motown era, they’ll have your guests on their feet from the first note. From Stevie Wonder to Bruno Mars, it’s polished, powerful and packed with feel-good energy - ideal for an effortlessly cool city wedding.
4. 50s Theme: Rock 'n' Roll Band
Channel the spirit of the jukebox era with a 1950s-themed wedding and a live Rock 'n' Roll band to match. Think Elvis, Chuck Berry, and Buddy Holly tunes that’ll have your guests twisting, jiving and swinging from the first note. With upright bass, vintage mics and retro suits, a dedicated 50s band brings serious authenticity and energy to the party.
5. Ibiza Dance Party: Sax DJ Combo
If your perfect night involves cocktails, neon lights and hands in the air, why not bring the White Isle to your wedding? An Ibiza dance party theme is all about sunset vibes, summer energy and non-stop beats.
A Sax DJ combo is the ultimate way to recreate that Balearic buzz - live sax weaving through house anthems, deep grooves and euphoric drops. Whether you’re on a rooftop, in a tipi or a stylish venue with room to move, this setup brings a cool, contemporary edge that feels more like a club night than a wedding.
6. Country Barn Dance: Country Band
If you're after a laid-back wedding with boots, bale seating and a real party atmosphere, a barn dance theme is a fun and unique choice.
A live bluegrass or country band is the heartbeat of the night - think banjos, fiddles, acoustic guitars and foot-stomping rhythms to get everyone moving. From stripped-back Americana to full barn dance sets with a caller, it’s a lively, inclusive vibe that keeps guests on their feet.
7. Boho Chic: Acoustic Folk or Harpist
Bohemian weddings are laid-back, romantic and effortlessly stylish. Inspired by nature and the free-spirited 60s, they’re all about soft florals, earthy tones, and mismatched touches that feel personal rather than polished.
To complete the mood, choose live music that feels just as organic. A harpist adds a touch of elegance for the ceremony, while an acoustic duo or roaming band brings warmth and charm to the rest of the day. Whether you’re walking through meadows or dancing barefoot under the stars, Boho weddings pair perfectly with raw, stripped-back sound.
8. Vintage Theme: Swing or Postmodern Jukebox Band
A vintage wedding is all about timeless charm and old-school elegance. Think antique touches, lace dresses, and venues with character - be it a historic manor house or a rustic village hall dressed with bunting and soft lamplight.
To capture the spirit of the day, nothing beats a swing band or a Postmodern Jukebox-style act. From 1920s jazz to reworked modern hits with a retro twist, they’ll bring glamour, nostalgia and a lively sense of occasion. Perfect for guests of all ages, and even better if you're planning a first dance with a bit of flair.
9. Classic English Wedding: String Quartet
For a wedding steeped in timeless elegance, nothing beats a stately home setting. Picture sweeping lawns, ornate interiors, and a beautiful marquee overlooking the gardens. It’s refined, romantic and made for a string quartet.
Live classical music sets the tone from the moment guests arrive, whether it's Pachelbel’s Canon during the ceremony or light classical favourites during the drinks reception. For dinner and beyond, a versatile ensemble can mix traditional pieces with contemporary arrangements to keep the atmosphere graceful and engaging.
10. Tropical Theme: Caribbean Steel Band
Bringing the beach to your wedding? A tropical theme is perfect for couples who want bold colours, palm leaves, and a laid-back, feel-good vibe. Whether you’re getting married outdoors or transforming a venue with exotic touches, the mood should be sunshine-soaked from start to finish.
A Caribbean steel band is the perfect match - joyful, rhythmic and instantly uplifting. From Calypso and Reggae classics to steel-drum versions of pop hits, their sound creates an unmistakable holiday atmosphere. Ideal for daytime drinks receptions or setting the tone before the evening party kicks off.
11. 70s Disco: Classic Disco & Funk Band
If you’re all about glitter balls, flared trousers and dance floor anthems, a 70s disco wedding is your time to shine. Think bold colours, retro décor and a venue with space to strut your stuff under the lights.
A classic disco or funk band is essential for this theme - tight grooves, big vocals and all the floor-fillers you’d expect from the era of Chic, Donna Summer and Earth, Wind & Fire. Whether you're throwing shapes or pulling out the hustle, this is your chance to bring Studio 54 to the big day.
12. Art Deco: 1920s Jazz Band
Step into the Roaring Twenties with an Art Deco wedding, where bold geometrics, metallic accents and vintage glamour take centre stage. Think champagne towers, feathered details and a dress code worthy of The Great Gatsby.
A 1920s jazz band is the perfect finishing touch, adding a touch of old-school sophistication to your celebration. From hot jazz and Dixieland classics to sultry swing numbers, the live soundtrack will transport your guests straight to a speakeasy dance floor. Ideal for vintage venues, black-tie receptions or anyone who loves a bit of razzle dazzle.
13. Romantic: Solo Violinist or Classical Ensemble
Soft lighting, flowing fabrics and delicate florals - romantic weddings are all about timeless beauty and heartfelt moments. Whether you're exchanging your vows in a historic house or celebrating in a candlelit barn, the atmosphere is intimate and filled with emotion.
A solo violinist or classical ensemble is the perfect musical match, setting a graceful tone from the moment guests arrive. Ideal for ceremonies, drinks receptions or a serene start to dinner, live strings bring elegance, emotion and just the right amount of drama to your day.
14. Whimsical: Gypsy Jazz Band
Whimsical weddings are made for daydreamers - full of colour, charm and magic. Picture garden parties with mismatched china, quirky details and fairy lights strung between trees. It’s carefree, creative and full of personality.
A gypsy jazz band brings the perfect touch of spontaneity and swing. With toe-tapping rhythms, acoustic guitars and soaring violin lines, their sound is joyful, stylish and slightly offbeat.
15. Modern Industrial: Indie Rock Band
Exposed brick, steel beams and moody lighting - modern industrial weddings are all about stripped-back style and city-edge attitude. Perfect for warehouse venues, rooftop spaces or anything with a bit of grit and atmosphere.
An indie rock band is the natural fit, bringing raw energy and a live music feel that’s more gig than reception. From cool covers to crowd-pleasing anthems, they’ll keep the night buzzing and the dance floor full. Ideal for couples who want a wedding with style, substance and a killer soundtrack.
16. Celestial: Electric String Quartet
If your love feels written in the stars, a celestial wedding theme is the perfect way to celebrate it. Think midnight blues, silver accents, and a sky full of fairy lights. Whether you’re on a rooftop or in a candlelit hall, the vibe is dreamy, dramatic and otherworldly.
An electric string quartet adds a stunning, cosmic touch, blending classical elegance with a modern, cinematic edge. Performing everything from reimagined pop ballads to atmospheric instrumentals, they’ll give your wedding a soundtrack that feels ethereal and unforgettable.
Ready to choose your wedding theme?
Your wedding theme is more than just a visual style - it’s the thread that ties your day together and helps guide all those little decisions along the way. Whether you’re going all-in or just using it as a loose influence, it can be a brilliant way to shape the mood and feel of your celebration.
Of course, the real magic comes from the people you love and the atmosphere you create - and nothing sets that tone quite like live music. Whether you're after a laid-back acoustic set, a high-energy party band or something a little different, the right soundtrack makes all the difference.
If you're not sure where to start, we’re here to help. Get in touch and we’ll help you find the perfect band, musician or DJ to match your day and your style.
