Budget guide · MusicWhat a wedding costs
Wedding Music and Entertainment Costs
Music is the cost most directly tied to how the evening feels, and the one guests remember most clearly after the food.
- Illustrative planning range
- £600 – £3,000
- Suggested budget allocation
- 4–8%
Illustrative planning ranges, rather than national averages or supplier quotes. Costs vary by date, location, guest numbers and the services you choose; confirm prices with each supplier.
Behind the quote
What drives the cost.
- Band size, and whether they bring their own sound and lighting
- Number of sets and total playing time
- Travel and accommodation for the band
- Whether you need ceremony and reception music too
Where the savings are
Ways to spend less.
- A DJ for the evening and a single musician for the ceremony
- A smaller band with a strong front person beats a large mediocre one
- Local acts avoid travel and accommodation costs
- Use a playlist for the drinks reception
Before you book
Questions to ask.
- Do you bring your own PA and lighting?
- How long are the sets and what happens between them?
- Do you have PAT certificates and public liability insurance?
- What do you need from the venue?
Common questions
How much should we budget for music?
UK couples typically spend between £600 and £3,000, which is around 4–8% of a total wedding budget. Where you land inside that depends mostly on band size, and whether they bring their own sound and lighting.
How can we spend less on music?
A DJ for the evening and a single musician for the ceremony. A smaller band with a strong front person beats a large mediocre one.
What should we ask before booking?
Do you bring your own PA and lighting? How long are the sets and what happens between them?