How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Band in Yorkshire
Choosing the right wedding band can make all the difference in creating an incredible atmosphere on your big day. Yorkshire is home to a vibrant music scene, so you’re in luck with many talented bands to choose from! Here’s how to find “the one” (besides your fiancé) when it comes to wedding music:
Frankly Jazz - High Row’s Most-Booked Big Swing
1. Start Early (Especially for Yorkshire Hotspots): Popular bands get booked up fast – often 9–18 months in advance for peak summer dates. In Yorkshire, wedding season venues like rustic barns or stately homes are in high demand, and the best local bands’ calendars fill quickly. Once you have your venue and date, begin your band search so you don’t miss out on your top choice.
2. Define Your Musical Style: Think about the vibe you want. Is it a classy jazz ensemble during dinner? A high-energy indie rock band to fill the dance floor? Make a short list of genres or even specific songs you imagine at your wedding. Yorkshire couples span all tastes – from Motown in Leeds to folk in the Dales – so there’s no one-size-fits-all. Knowing your preferred style will help narrow the field to bands that match your vision.
3. Set a Realistic Budget: Live music costs can vary. Have an idea of your budget early on and see what fits. For example, a local acoustic trio might cost less than a 7-piece showband with horns. (Remember that in general DJs are more budget-friendly, often around £800–£2,000, whereas live bands typically start around £1,200+ for a basic lineup.) Decide what portion of your budget you want to invest in entertainment – many couples say music is one of the most memorable parts of the day, so it can be worth it!
4. Do Your Research: Once you have a few band names, do some digging. Watch videos of their performances (most bands have demos or YouTube clips). Listen to audio samples. Read reviews from other couples on their website or Facebook. A band might look great on paper, but seeing them perform – even if on video – will give you a feel for their energy and talent. If you’re local, see if they have a public gig or showcase you can attend. Nothing beats hearing them live to know if they’ll get your crowd going.
5. Consider Venue Logistics: Keep your venue in mind. How big is the space and what are its acoustics? A cosy country inn in North Yorkshire might be overwhelmed by a 10-piece band, while a large hotel ballroom in York could handle a bigger sound. Also check if your venue has any sound limiters or volume restrictions (common in some historic venues). Confirm with both the venue and band that they can work within those limits. (No one wants the power cut mid-chorus!) If the venue is small or has noise rules, you might opt for a smaller band or acoustic setup to suit.
No Rest For The Funk - Highrow’s Most-Booked Funk Band
6. Look for Experience and Professionalism: Wedding experience matters. A band that regularly performs at weddings will understand the flow of the day – from timing their setup to tweaking the setlist if dinner runs late. Ask how many weddings they’ve done or if they’ve played at your venue before. An experienced band will also likely handle emceeing small announcements if needed and will read the room to keep guests dancing. Reliability is key – you want a group that will show up on time, dressed appropriately, and coordinate with your schedule.
7. Discuss Repertoire and Flexibility: Make sure the band’s typical setlist aligns with songs you love (and see if they’re open to must-play or do-not-play requests). Most bands will learn your first dance song if it’s not already in their repertoire – but ask in advance. If you have diverse tastes or a multicultural wedding, see if they can accommodate special songs (for example, a Yorkshire wedding that also includes some Bollywood hits or an Irish jig). A great band will be willing to personalize their playlist for you – within reason.
8. Meet or Chat with the Band/Agent: Once you’ve zeroed in, have a conversation (in person, phone, or Zoom) with the band leader or agency rep. This is your chance to gauge how responsive and enthusiastic they are. You can ask all your detailed questions (we have a whole blog post on important questions to ask – see below!). Pay attention to how they communicate; a professional will be organized and friendly. If you’re using a local entertainment agency (like High Row Music), they can guide you to a band that fits your style and budget, and handle the logistics for you.
9. Check the Fine Print: Before signing, read the contract. Note the deposit required, cancellation policy, how long they’ll play and how breaks work, what happens if a band member is ill, etc. Ensure all your specific agreements (like learning that first dance song) are written down. Also, find out if they need any equipment or setup help from the venue – most bring their own PA and lighting, but double-check. (Most wedding bands include sound equipment and will liaise with your venue about space and power needs.)
10. Trust Your Instincts: Finally, go with the band that not only ticks the boxes but feels right. You should be excited imagining them at your wedding. If a group is slightly pricier but gave you goosebumps in their demo, they might be worth the stretch. Or if you felt a great personal connection when chatting with the band leader, that’s a good sign. On your wedding day, you want to feel confident that your music is in good hands so you can relax and enjoy.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect band to rock your wedding in Yorkshire (and maybe even get Uncle Bob to bust out his signature dance moves!). Start early, do your homework, and soon your only problem will be sore feet from dancing all night. Good luck, and happy band hunting! 🎶
(Source: Remember to book early – top bands can get booked over a year out. Budget ranges are based on industry averages.)