Your Ultimate Guide To
Wedding Entertainment

“Live music is such an amazing part of your day. Don’t forget to enjoy it and be a part of it. I spent too much time on my wedding day fretting about the small stuff when I should have been on the dancefloor! It’s the good times with my mates and family – and each other! – that were really the most important thing to me.”

Gwen and Tom

“You want music that’s personal and meaningful for your ceremony – so look for tracks you love when you search, and specify song choices with your musicians beforehand.”

Kieran and Liam

“Rather than playing your first dance through an iPod, ask your band if they can play it live. It really makes a difference. Our song wasn’t on the band’s repertoire, so they charged us a small fee to learn it. Worth every penny!”

Gill and Rich

“We didn’t realise our civil wedding ceremony couldn't feature music with any religious references. If in doubt, ask your artists for song inspiration – our gospel choir helped guide us with a selection of non-religious music that worked beautifully for our service.”

Louise

Also see our Civil Ceremony Music Ideas article

“Make sure your evening entertainment is in the same room as your bar. I’ve been at weddings before where it feels quite flat and quiet when everyone’s queueing for the bar, and I didn’t want that. I wanted everyone in the same room, having a laugh and a dance and joining in with the party!”

Lily and Peter

“If you want your guests to happily chat during your drinks reception, let your artists know that you are looking for a ‘background’ set – something more chilled out, with a volume and set up to match. Our acoustic band were just perfect.”

Lauren and Carl

“Ask your ushers to gather guests together for your first dance, so everyone’s there for your big moment. It means everyone is part of your moment, the photos look full…and mainly it means you can get everyone to join you on the dancefloor if nerves get the better of you after the first minute!”

Lottie and Rich

“Make sure your evening food is not being served at the same time your band are due to play. No matter how amazing the music, food will always win! Our times slipped so the band’s first set wasn't really watched or made the most of. Their second set was brilliant. It's our only regret because everyone loved them!”

Claire and Andrew

“If you plan on paying your artist in cash on the day, arrange for one of your trusted groomsmen to do it, or your dad (or someone else with inside jacket pockets) - preferably before the drinks start flowing!”

Ellie and Josh

“Don’t be afraid to mix things up – most classical artists we looked at could play an eclectic mix of styles, not just the usual! We met in Ibiza so we chose a string quartet that could play a few dance anthems as well as classical pieces! It made the music really special.”

Anna and James