Wedding Bands

Most professional wedding bands sit somewhere between about $2,500 and $8,000 depending on the number of musicians, the length of the set, travel and the date. A four-piece for a three-hour reception is the most common booking. The band will quote for your exact date and venue; nothing here is a fixed price.

A duo or trio suits an intimate reception under about 60 guests. A four or five piece with a dedicated singer is the standard for 80 to 200 guests. Larger bands with a horn section suit big rooms and dance-heavy crowds. Room size and noise limits matter as much as guest count.

Often, yes. Many bands offer a solo or duo acoustic set for the ceremony and canapés, then the full band for the reception. Ask about it in your enquiry; it is usually cheaper than booking two separate acts.

A typical reception booking is three 45-minute sets or two 60-minute sets with breaks, with a DJ playlist or the band's own playback between sets. Most bands can extend by agreement if the venue allows.

Power (usually two standard circuits), a flat performance area of roughly 3 by 4 metres for a four piece, and somewhere dry and shaded if outdoors. Most bands bring their own PA and lighting. Check the venue's noise limit and finishing time before you book.

Popular bands book Saturdays in spring and autumn 9 to 18 months ahead. Six months is workable for most dates; under three months means fewer choices, not no choices. Enquire early and you get first pick.

Bands work from their own repertoire and will take requests for key moments: the entrance, first dance, parent dances and the last song. Most will learn one or two special songs. Sending your must-play and do-not-play lists early makes the night run smoothly.