Booking a function band for the first time is bound to raise a number of questions. From setting up and logistics to music choices and the overall booking process, there's a lot to take in. That's why our team of wedding music experts have put together the following list of FAQs to set you off on the right foot.
How much do Dorset wedding bands cost to hire?
The price of a function band can vary depending on a number of factors, but in general, you'll find 3-piece and 4-piece bands starting anywhere from £1000 to £1500. However, if a party band is required to travel, you can expect their fee to reflect the additional expenses, travel time and occasionally accommodation costs.
We also offer a roster of high-end party bands catering for larger venues and bigger budgets. For something extra special, consider one of our 7/8-piece soul wedding bands featuring male and female vocals with a soul-shaking horn section.
What wedding band packages do you offer?
We appreciate how delicate a procedure arranging a wedding can be, and so to make things simple, we try to offer all-inclusive packages to cover everything you'll need on the day. Our quotes cover everything from travel expenses to use of the band’s lighting rig and full sound system.
Plus, to save having to book a DJ as well, all our bands prepare a DJ playlist of related music to keep things flowing between and after sets. If you’d prefer to provide your own playlist, feel free to let us know, and the band will play it through their sound system.
Below is an example of what's usually included in our packages:
- Set up and soundcheck from 5:30 pm/6 pm
- 2 x 60 minute or 3 x 40 minute live sets
- DJ Playlists throughout the evening
- Professional sound system (PA system, speakers etc.)
- Lighting rig
- Public Liability Insurance
- PAT tested equipment
Our quotes are typically based around a midnight finish, but if your venue allows music to be played later and you’d like your party band for longer, please notify us in advance so we can make the necessary adjustments to your quote.
Do your Dorset wedding bands provide a DJ service?
All of the wedding music bands we work with provide free DJ playlists throughout the evening to keep the atmosphere in full flow. However, for a small additional cost, many of our bands also offer a professional DJ service which consists of one band member taking the reins, mixing tracks and taking song requests on the night.
If you'd prefer to hire a dedicated wedding DJ, just let us know and we'll do our best to find someone that can work with the band on the night.
What type of music do wedding bands in Dorset play?
Most wedding bands for hire perform an eclectic mixture of music to cover the most popular genres. This will ensure that guests of every age are entertained and ready to dance.
Whilst we do represent a number of party bands that specialise in one specific genre, for example, indie bands, soul bands and swing bands, most bands perform a varied set list to include the following:
- Modern chart/pop music
- Indie/Rock
- Motown/Soul music
- 50s/60s rock 'n' roll
- 70s classics
- 80s pop/rock
- 90s including Britpop, 90s Dance, Garage and R&B
- Dance / Hip hop
How many musicians are there in a wedding band?
We offer an extensive roster of the very best wedding bands Dorset has to offer. You'll find everything from party duos featuring lead vocals and guitar, 3-piece indie/rock bands featuring drums, bass, guitar and vocals, as well as larger wedding bands that can be customised to suit your event.
Where in Dorset do your wedding bands perform?
Our local Dorset bands regularly perform at wedding venues across the South West including Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and Weymouth.
What time will my Dorset wedding band arrive to set up?
Most live wedding bands offer a quote based on an early evening set-up, usually from around 5:30pm - 6pm. If the band are performing in the same room as the meal and speeches, we find it's best to arrange the set-up during the turnaround to ensure disruptions are kept to an absolute minimum.
What time will my Dorset cover band start their sets?
The schedule for the evening is completely down to you and your venue's preferences. As a guide, we usually recommend starting the first set no earlier than 8:30pm/9pm to ensure your guests are suitably warmed up and ready to get the party started.
We also recommend that any evening food/buffet is served between the band's sets if possible. This will ensure the dance floor is full at all times and the atmosphere doesn't dip while the band are on stage.
How long will my Dorset wedding band take to set up?
Every wedding band has varying amounts of equipment to set up but in general, you can expect set up and soundcheck to take in the region of one hour in total. Keep in mind that some bands can take up to a 90 minutes to 2 hours and we'll always confirm details with you in advance.
The band will also need to change into their performance attire after set up so always make an allowance for this when putting together your final schedule.
How do I book a wedding band in Dorset?
Hiring a wedding band in Dorset is a super-simple process when booking through Bands For Hire.
Once you've found a wedding band that ticks all the boxes, fill out the contact form at the bottom of their profile page to send us your event location and event date.
From here, we'll double-check availability with the band and send over a bespoke quote that outlines everything included in the price. You'll be assigned a member of our team who can answer any queries you may have, so just let us know if you need to tailor your quote and we'll do our very best to accommodate.
When you're ready to book, simply send over your details by email and we'll put together a contract and deposit invoice to secure the band.
