Hiring a band certainly isn’t something you do every day, so the chances are, you’re going to be pretty new to this. When searching for your dream band online you’ve probably been overwhelmed with the amount of options out there. But where do you start? How do you choose the perfect band from the hundreds available and what does all that different terminology mean?
Don’t worry, we’ve answered any questions you may have so that you can go ahead and book your band with confidence. (If we’ve still not answered your question, then please free to get in touch and we’ll be happy to help!)
When Should I Book My Band?
Our answer to this is always – as soon as possible! It might seem too soon but our most popular bands get booked up around two years in advance. That’s not to say that there won’t be amazing bands available after this – it just means your options become more limited the closer it gets to the date of your event. As a general rule we would recommend booking at least year in advance if possible to give you a great range of bands to choose from.
What Type Of Bands Are Available?
There are so many different types of band to choose from! Whether you’re looking for a folk acoustic band, a soul and Motown band, a rock and pop band or even a swing and jazz band, you’ll find one that you fall in love with. While you’re here why not check out the incredible range of bands available?
Looking To Hire A Live Band?
How Much Does A Band Cost?
This will depend on the size of your band and where the band are located. In general each individual musician charges £250-£350 plus their travel costs. This makes an average 4 or 5-piece band cost around £1400-£2000+. But bands come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from single performers with backing tracks to huge stage-bursting acts that obviously cost a bit more. Be assured that whatever your budget, you’ll find an act that will keep your guests excited to dance all night! Feel free to find out more about the cost of live bands or read on to answer more of your questions.
Would A DJ Be A Better Choice?
Should you hire a wedding band or a DJ? We firmly believe that live music hits harder and creates an unrivalled atmosphere that a recording simply can’t replicate. However, if you’d prefer original tracks or would like your guests to be able to make requests, hiring a DJ might be a better option for you. It’s often thought that a DJ will be cheaper than a live musician. There are plenty of solo and duo acts available who’ll whip your crowd into a frenzy and create an unforgettable atmosphere for the same price as a DJ.
How Can I Tell If The Band Is Good Or Not?
What makes a great live band? Unless you’ve decided to hire a band you’ve heard at your mate’s wedding or at an event you’ve attended, it’s likely that you will have never heard them perform before they take to the stage at your own function. It’s rarely possible to hear a live performance of any band prior to your event, but the videos on their profile will give you a really good idea of how the band sounds and looks when they perform. In fact, as with any band, they’ll probably sound even better live than in the recording!
All the bands at Entertainment Nation have been hand-picked and vetted by our experts so you can book, safe in the knowledge that you’re hiring a quality act.
What Do I Need To Check Before I Hire A Band?
There are a few questions you need to ask your venue before you hire a band, but the most important are:
- How much space is available for the band? – You don’t want to hire a band then realise that there isn’t enough space for them all to perform!
- Are there any sound restrictions? – Some venues have restrictions on the noise levels they allow and might ask your band to play using a sound limiter. This isn’t usually a problem as most bands are able to do this easily, but it’s important to find out if restrictions are in place so you can book a suitable band. Our guide to booking a band for a venue with a sound limiter will tell you more about it.
- When is curfew? – Most venues will pull the plugs at midnight but many offer a 1am finish if you want to party late into the night. If you’re lucky enough to secure such a venue, try to find a band who offer a late finish.
What Is Included In My Quote?
It’s safe to say that pretty much everything is included! Nearly every band will include the following in their quote:
- Two hours of performance time, either as 2×60 mins or 3×40 mins sets.
- Fully PAT tested PA and lighting equipment
- A DJ playlist service to fill the gaps between sets
- Travel expenses
- Public Liability Insurance
- 5-6pm arrival time and set up
- Midnight Finish
A lot of bands will offer add ons such as:
- Acoustic daytime sets
- Roaming band option
- 1am finish
- Early set up (before 5pm)
- DJ upgrades – Find out more about DJ services!
What Do I Need To Provide For The Band?
Being in a band often requires extremely long days away from home. Often, band members won’t have managed to eat anything before taking to the stage so we politely request that you provide them with a hot meal. Nothing fancy – just not the remnants of your buffet! This will ensure they’re all fired up and can put on their best performance for you and your guests.
Why Should I Book Through An Agency?
There are so many different reasons why booking your function band through an agency like Entertainment Nation is a sensible idea. In brief these are:
- You’ll have access to a huge selection of the best wedding musicians in the UK.
- Entertainment Nation have an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot so you can be assured of great service.
- You can get friendly, expert support with any stage of your booking when you need it.
- Your booking is safe and secure.
- At Entertainment Nation a portion of the cost of your booking will go towards planting trees and reducing carbon emissions.
- You can view videos of each band before you book.
How Do I Get Started?
The first thing you need to do is find your band! Once you’ve found your dream act, fill in the enquiry form on their profile with the date of your event and we’ll get back to you with availability and a fully comprehensive quote as soon as possible. Our friendly advisers are here to help you every step of the way and are also available to call on 0800 53 000 35 if you’d rather speak to them instead. So get searching! The perfect band awaits…
