25 Unique and Unusual Wedding Music Acts for the Alternative Bride & Groom

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Updated: 19th August 2024

Alternative Wedding Bands and Musicians

There's a huge demand for popular wedding bands that perform a little bit of everything, but while that's always a sure-fire win, you may like to think outside the box and have something a little bit different for your wedding.

Whether you're an alternative bride, an out-there groom or an event planner with an eye for the unusual & unique, I'm confident you'll find some quirky wedding entertainment that fits in perfectly with your big day.

You'll find everything from neo-classical guitarists and beatboxing violin players to all-American pop-punk rockers and alternative wedding bands. Check out some of our favourite alternative wedding music ideas below, and get in touch to discuss your requirements.

JJ & The Beatniks (Roaming Band)

JJ & The Beatniks are an acoustic roaming band bringing a refreshing twist to the usual wedding entertainment. With tailor-made mashups of popular songs, the band effortlessly blend genres and eras for a captivating live experience.

With the ability to roam free across the venue, there's ample opportunity to surprise guests with an intimate serenade.

Thomas - Looping Violinist

Thomas, a classically trained violinist, brings a unique twist to weddings with his live looping skills. Offering a mix of classical and modern, his live show promises to add a unique and vibrant atmosphere to the event.

Swing Beats

Swing Beats offer a time-travelling experience with their gypsy jazz renditions of popular songs, perfect for vintage-themed weddings.

Resonate (Indie Rock)

Covering songs from indie giants to rock legends, it's safe to say this indie/rock outfit are not your ordinary function band.

If you're hoping for a mini-mosh pit at your wedding or a killer band to headline your festival, then Resonate are the perfect choice! Inspired by AC/DC, Arctic Monkeys, Kings Of Leon and the like, the group blend classic rock with a modern twist.

Riptides (Festival Band)

The Riptides trio infuse weddings with a festival spirit with their lively blend of indie, folk, and pop.

From Mumford & Sons to The Killers, their diverse repertoire makes them a fantastic choice for couples seeking a lively, festival-like atmosphere.

The Retro Belles

The Retro Belles bring the golden age of 1950s rock and roll to life with their high-energy performances and velvety vocals. With their vibrant stage presence, they're ideal for couples looking to add a touch of retro glamour to their celebration.

Mariachi Experience

Immerse your wedding in the vibrant spirit of a Mexican fiesta with Mariachi Experience. Their multilingual performances and range of line-ups, from intimate trios to expansive ensembles, ensure a personalised and culturally rich musical experience for your celebration.

Grassroots Collective

Imbue your wedding with the authentic sounds of Americana with Grassroots Collective. Their blend of vocals, double bass, guitar, mandolin, and drums creates a distinct folk ambience suitable for any event size, from cosy gatherings to grand celebrations.

String Vision Duo

String Vision Duo offer a stunning electric violin show, blending classical training with an affinity for improvisation. Their ability to switch from electric to acoustic sets ensures a perfect fit for any part of your wedding day, from the ceremony music to the evening celebration.

Clementine (Loop Pedal Artist)

Using her loop pedal, Clementine layers live audio on the fly to create a depth of sound that’s similar to a small band.

Capable of setting the tone for both mellow gatherings and lively celebrations, this one-woman powerhouse is a superb choice for any wedding.

Big Blue Moon

Big Blue Moon brings the charm of 1920s swing to life, and their unique take on swing, mixing traditional tunes with modern mash-ups, ensures a lively atmosphere.

With a selection of talented vocalists, they create a speakeasy vibe, perfect for vintage-themed weddings looking to embody The Great Gatsby era.

Royal Gospel

Royal Gospel combine individual talents into a remarkable ensemble, dedicated to classic gospel, modern tunes, and unique renditions of pop songs.

With individual collaborations with artists like Stevie Wonder and Pharrell Williams, they bring a wealth of experience and passion to every performance, ideal for events seeking soulful and uplifting music.

Southlands (Country & Western)

Bring a country flair to your event with Southlands. Their engaging performances include a mix of modern country hits and country-style pop anthems. Featuring songs from Luke Combs to Carrie Underwood, they provide an unforgettable country music experience.

Surprise Waiters

Experience the thrill of surprise with The Surprise Waiters, a group of classically trained singers and West End talents masquerading as waiters.

Their combination of live music, vocal talent, and humour is designed to surprise and delight guests, providing an unusual and unforgettable experience.

Fresh Orange

Add a refreshing touch to your event with Fresh Orange - the perfect alternative to a wedding band. Offering everything from upbeat party anthems to mellow tunes, their blend of vocals, piano, and Cajon ensures an enjoyable atmosphere for all.

Funkbox

Experience the dynamic blend of Latin rhythms, funky grooves, and smooth jazz with Funkbox. Their unique style, covering hits from the last 90 years with a funky twist, is performed by professional musicians with over 20 years of experience.

The Hornmowers

The Hornmowers, a New Orleans-style brass band, bring bombastic energy to the party with their mix of soul, pop, and jazz. Their ability to cover a variety of genres, including hits from The Beatles to Taylor Swift, makes them a unique and exciting choice for any celebration.

Mix Mash (Live DJ)

Transform your event into a lively nightclub with Mix Mash, a dynamic trio of DJ, sax, and percussion. Their potent mix of Ibiza classics, retro hits, and modern anthems ensures a non-stop, vibrant dance floor atmosphere with a great deal of 'dance floor interaction'.

Duo Del Sol

Bring the essence of Spain to your event with Duo del Sol, an award-winning Spanish guitar duo with the fiery spirit of flamenco and rumba.

Their passionate performances, mixing well-known covers with original compositions, offer a unique and captivating experience.

Miami Wave

Miami Wave are your ticket to a nostalgic 80s extravaganza.

Their expertise in replicating the exact sounds of the decade offers an immersive 80s throwback experience. Perfect for those planning a wedding with a twist, their continuous mega-mix style performance keeps the party going non-stop!

Dig That Band

Dig That Duo offer a distinctively different musical experience to any other acoustic act on the scene. Their unique rhythmic and melodic approach to popular songs makes this duo particularly unusual.

Mila - Steel Pannist

Mila, an eloquent solo steel pannist, transports audiences to the Caribbean with her captivating set of soca, calypso, and popular songs.

Her global experience, including events in New York and Trinidad, has helped hone her talents for a truly authentic Caribbean experience.

Boom Shake The 90s!

Boom Shake The 90s! brings the electrifying spirit of the 90s to life, a tribute band dedicated to the decade’s best indie and dance hits.

Their polished performance, featuring a journey through various 90s genres, will captivate and energise guests for a distinctively unique wedding experience.

The Ceilidh Band

Immerse your guests in the lively tradition of Scottish Ceilidh with The Ceilidh Band. Known for their fun and energetic live show, they can effortlessly switch to Irish, English, or American styles.

At Bands For Hire, we're open to all styles of music and firmly believe that if a wedding band meets the quality threshold, they'll be a bride and groom out there looking for that very act.

The Rock Show

Did you ever spend your days flicking through Scuzz, Kerrang and MTV watching your favourite pop punk & emo bands? If this rings true, then we have the perfect band for you.

The Rock Show perfectly capture that era with their high-octane sets filled with pop punk legends like Blink 182 & Bowling For Soup as well as emo heroes Paramore & Panic! At The Disco.

At Bands For Hire, we're open to all styles of music and firmly believe that if a wedding band meets the quality threshold, they'll be a bride and groom out there looking for that very act.

If you have something untraditional in mind, get in touch, and we'll see what alternative wedding bands we have to suit you.