How Much Does a Wedding Band Cost in 2025?
Get the lowdown on wedding band costs in 2025 and how to maximise your entertainment budget.
- By Sam Berry
- blog
- Updated: 20th March 2025
If you're recently engaged and looking for live music to entertain your guests, a professional wedding band could be the perfect way to kick off your evening.
In 2025, the average price of a wedding band in the UK is £1200 - £1800, but this can vary depending on several aspects, such as the season, travel costs and the number of musicians in the band.
With the 2025 summer season on the horizon and 2026 dates going fast, now is the time to get your wedding entertainment budget in order.
What Affects the Price of a Wedding Band (and How to Save)
A number of variables can impact the cost of a wedding band, and understanding these can also help you get the best deal.
1. Band Size and Line-Up
More musicians = more cost. A 4-piece band typically costs around £1200–£1800, based on £300–£450 per musician. Opting for a trio or duo can help keep your budget in check without compromising on energy or professionalism.
Save money by hiring a trio or duo to reduce costs while still keeping the energy high on the dance floor.
2. Seasonality and Availability
Fridays and Saturdays in the summer are the busiest times for every wedding band, so there’s rarely room for negotiation. Off-peak months like January, February and March are generally quieter, which means some bands may quote slightly lower than they would in high season. If you’re planning a last-minute wedding, you might also find a more competitive rate from a band that still has availability.
Save money by booking an off-peak date or keeping your plans flexible to take advantage of late availability.
3. Travel Costs
Hiring a local band can significantly reduce travel expenses and potential accommodation fees. Diesel and travel time are factored into quotes, especially if the journey adds multiple hours to the day for each band member.
Save money by booking a band based near your venue to avoid extra costs for fuel and overnight stays.
4. Arrival and Finish Times
With travel time included, a band can often expect to work a 12-hour day. Most quotes are based on a standard arrival around 5:30pm to 6pm and a finish by midnight. Earlier set-ups or later finish times will usually increase the cost.
Save money by sticking to standard arrival and finish times to avoid additional charges for early set-up or late-night performances.
5. Performance Time and Flexibility
Most bands perform two sets of around an hour, though some offer 2 x 45 minutes or 3 x 45-minute sets. If you have specific timings in mind, just let your band know and they may be able to offer a suitable package.
6. Accommodation Needs
If the band are based 3–4 hours away, they may need to stay over in a hotel, and this is also considered when calculating a quote.
Save money by choosing a band close to your venue to avoid the extra cost of overnight accommodation.
7. Band Experience and Demand
Being a wedding musician is similar to any other job or business. If a band has been performing for many years and is in high demand, they’re likely to charge more to reflect their experience and reputation.
Save money by considering newer or less established bands with great reviews and sample videos, who may offer excellent value at a lower price point.
TipSave money on your wedding music by asking your wedding band if they can offer a package deal to include daytime music and DJ sets.
Wedding Band Prices by Line-Up
The number of band members plays a major role in wedding band pricing. The more professional musicians in the band, the more people there are to pay.
Whilst there are no strict rules, let's take a look at what line-up you can expect to get for your budget.
Solo Wedding Musician: £300 - £500+
If you're planning an intimate occasion or are working with a limited budget, a solo wedding musician could be just the ticket. From acoustic singer/guitarists to professional vocalists with backing tracks, there are numerous options to consider.
Many wedding musicians offer packages to cover different parts of your day, including the ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast and wedding reception. Head over to our wedding singers page to browse our roster of talented acts.
Duo: £500 - £800+
A duo typically includes a singer and guitarist, often with added keys, loop pedal or backing tracks to create a fuller sound to get your guests dancing.
Many duos can also add on additional musicians, such as a sax player or percussionist. This is a fantastic addition visually and will certainly add to the overall atmosphere.
3-piece Band: £1000 - £1400+
The power trio is perhaps one of the most sought-after line-ups on offer. Often featuring vocals, guitar, bass and drums, a trio has the same punch as many 4-piece bands but with one less band member to pay. If you want to get your guests dancing, a rockin' 3-piece band won't let you down.
4-5-piece Band: £1300 - £1800+
The most popular wedding bands in the wedding industry feature four or five musicians. The perfect combination of vocals, guitars, bass, drums and keys means your band will be fully equipped to deliver a diverse set of classics that will appeal to wedding guests of all ages.
6-8 piece Band: £2000 - 3000+
By increasing your budget, you'll now have the option to add a sax player or full horn section to your band. With six or more members, you can expect a vibrant performance that will be sure to make a strong impression. Just remember to check space and sound limitations with your wedding venue before booking.
What extras do wedding bands offer?
If you have the budget, many wedding bands offer a range of extras for a small additional cost. Depending on how much of your wedding budget you're looking to spend on entertainment, you may find music throughout the day is the perfect way to enhance your special occasion. Some of the extras offered by wedding bands include:
Ceremony Music: £250+
Many wedding bands offer a range of options to cover your ceremony, such as an instrumental guitarist, pianist or acoustic duo.
Drinks Reception Music: £400+
An acoustic wedding duo is the perfect way to entertain your guests once the formalities of the ceremony are over. With a mix of genres ranging from jazz and folk to indie-rock singalongs, it's a sure-fire way to keep your guests entertained.
DJ service: £150+
In addition to providing live music in the evening, many wedding bands offer an optional DJ service for a more comprehensive evening of entertainment. Often at a significantly lower cost compared to hiring a separate DJ, the band's DJ will use a laptop to mix and take song requests for a more interactive and personalised night of entertainment.
Looking to Hire a Wedding Band?
Browse our impressive range of wedding bands based across the UK.
Start your search!
Now that you're in the know, it's time to start your search. At Bands For Hire, we represent only the best wedding bands across the UK covering a wide range of budgets. Take a look at our wedding bands page to get started, and drop us an email with any queries.
