How much do Dorset wedding bands cost?
In 2025, the average cost to book a wedding band based in Dorset was £1738, but the price will vary based on things like the number of members in the band, the cost of travel and how in demand they are. We have bands throughout the area costing from £327 for a trio, up to £25365 for the best luxury wedding bands. The cost of a band will also vary by the time of year, with peak summer months costing more than an off-peak winter wedding.
What does the price include?
Wedding bands usually provide all the equipment they'll require to perform on your big day, including a PA system and stage lighting. Once you've submitted an enquiry to us, we will get you a confirmed quote from your chosen artists, based on your exact requirements, and this will include all costs including travel.
Our online prices are based around a typical arrival time of 6pm, a finish time of midnight, with 2 x 60 minute performances. This is typical for an evening wedding party, but many bands also offer afternoon acoustic sets and jazz sets, which you can chose to add for your drinks reception or wedding breakfast.
How far in advance should I book?
The best bands will often get booked 18 months in advance, so to be sure of having the largest choice, we suggest hiring as far in advance as possible, especially if your wedding is taking place on a peak summer Saturday.
What kind of songs will my band cover?
A set list of live wedding music will include a huge range of songs, including chart music, contemporary music, and classic party hits from the 1950s through to the present day. A wedding party band is all about dancing and getting your guests on the dance floor, so bands will perform a high energy mix of songs that guests of all ages will love.
Bands typically play songs by artists such as The Killers, The Beatles, Taylor Swift, Elton John, Dua Lipa, Oasis, Ed Sheeran, Stevie Wonder, The Rolling Stones to name but a few.
You can review each band's repertoire on their profile page.
If you're looking for something a bit different, you could also consider a Motown band, jazz band or our acoustic bands and Mumford style folk bands.
What are the popular types of wedding bands in Dorset?
- Rock and Pop Wedding Party Bands
Often the main evening entertainment for weddings in Dorset, our party bands will perform a lively and dynamic set, perfect to fill the dancefloor at your evening reception. Most bands will offer a range of classic and modern rock and pop music, from the 1950s to current chart hits – tracks that the majority of your wedding guests will know and want to party to! Visit our Rock and Pop bands page
- Soul Motown Wedding Bands
With origins in RnB (rhythm and blues), jazz, and gospel music, the music that soul bands perform combine tantalising tempos and strong, heart-felt vocals. A soul band will perform songs from artists such as James Brown, Little Richard, Jackie Wilson, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and Otis Redding. Most will also perform a soulful twist on modern classics, and tunes by artists like Amy Winehouse, Bruno Mars, Beyoncé and Rihanna. View Soul & Motown Bands here
- Acoustic Bands & Roaming Bands
Whatever atmosphere you’d like to create, roaming and acoustic bands can offer a variety of engaging unplugged musical vibes, ranging from chilled-out to lively and high-tempo, and everywhere in between! These bands can be an exciting, quirky, and interactive option for your wedding. Always warm and intimate, they’re perfect for a relaxed wedding ceremony, a laidback, playful drinks reception, and a fun evening wedding reception. Unbound by cables, some bands wander among your guests as they perform. Some offer the option of ‘jukebox’-style song requests off the cuff, and exciting musical mash-ups, getting everyone involved!
- Wedding Ceilidh Bands & Folk Bands
Whether it's a traditional ceilidh band complete with a caller to direct (and explain) the dance steps, or a modern folk wedding band, if you're throwing a rustic barn wedding or a festival-style wedding, these are the perfect choice to get those dancing feet stomping.
- Upbeat Jazz
Performing classic toe-tapping jazz music for a happy, sophisticated and romantic mood at your wedding celebrations. Sometimes featuring a singer and sometimes instrumental, these bands can range in styles from Gypsy Jazz, Latin Jazz, and modern pop songs with a vintage Jazz twist.
- Dixieland Jazz
Incorporating traditional jazz, Charleston music and the sounds of New Orleans, Dixieland bands traditionally play over a 2-beat rhythm, blending trumpets, trombones, and clarinets with a rhythm section. Usually, one instrument will play a melody and the other instruments improvise around that, giving a really loose and fun performance style, perfect for a summer drinks reception.
- Rat Pack and Swing Bands
If you’re looking for a cool, modern vintage wedding theme, Rat Pack singers and swing bands are ideal. Equally smooth and glitzy, these bands will cover Rat Pack classics by Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Junior and Dean Martin, and – with one foot in the jazz camp – they will also perform a range of timeless hits spanning the last 70 years, including music by Louis Armstrong, Nina Simone, and Glenn Miller - which you and your guests will love! You can choose to have the full, big band experience to raise the roof, or opt for a toned-down version, according to the vibe you’d like to create at your wedding.
Will the band learn my first dance?
Depending on the band you choose, yes - in most cases professional wedding bands offer this service, although they sometimes charge for it. For fantastic first dance song ideas, please see our "50 First Dance Songs" blog.
How long will they play for?
You can expect 2 x 1 hour sets of incredible wedding entertainment, though many bands can perform longer if required. The best musicians will be flexible and fit in with your drinks reception or wedding party. They will also provide a playlist of music through their PA system in between their sets.
Standard prices are based on a midnight finish, but a later finish can be arranged for an extra cost.
Will I also need a DJ?
Most bands will provide a playlist of background music between and after their sets, and this can be adapted to suit your tastes. You may find this is enough to fill the gaps between the band's performances. It will be played through their PA system, and you'll already have the band's stage lighting to light the dancefloor.
Some bands offer a manned DJ service where a band member will proactively take requests and mix tunes, just like a regular DJ. This service typically costs much less than hiring a separate DJ, but keep in mind that most bands don't have a professional DJ in their line up, and they're unlikely to have as much lighting as a professional DJ.
If you want the music between the band's sets to be as important as their live show, or if you want a DJ to perform into the early hours after the band finishes performing, then it's worth considering hiring a separate wedding DJ to look after that for you.
How long does it take the band to set up and sound check?
Set up and sound check usually takes around 90 minutes. The band would typically arrive around 6pm to load-in, then taking 60-90 minutes to set-up and sound check.
How much space and what other requirements will they need?
As a guide
- A 3-piece band requires 3 x 3 metres
- A 4-piece band will require 4 x 3 metres
- 5 and 6-piece Dorset bands will need around 5 x 3 metres
- 7-piece bands and bigger will require 6 x 4 metres or more
The band will also require a minimum of 2 x double plug sockets (13 amp) near to where their equipment is set up.
A secure dressing room would be greatly appreciated.
A hot meal and refreshments are also something to consider. You could put soft drinks in their changing rooms or set up a bar tab, and then arrange a hot meal early evening or part of your evening buffet.
Also take a look at "Hiring A Wedding Band: How You Can Ensure Everything Runs Smoothly"
Can the band play outside?
In most cases yes - but be aware it's vital they have robust shelter in case of inclement weather.
You should take the following points into account if you want your band to perform outdoors:
- The band's equipment mustn't get wet
- Any cover should be at least one meter wider than the space they're performing in
- You need to be able to cover them from the sides so rain can't blow onto their equipment
- If they have to move after they've already set up, this will cause a big delay
Do you have local bands near me?
Yes we have a fantastic range of local bands in Dorset and the surrounding areas. Use the search form on our website to see the most popular bands first, then click 'nearest me' to order by distance. We cover the entire Dorset area including Blandford Forum, Bournemouth, Bridport, Christchurch, Dorchester, Fortuneswell, Gillingham, Lyme Regis, Poole, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Swanage, Wareham, Weymouth, Wimborne Minster.
I have questions or would like a personal recommendation, can someone help?
Yes of course - our friendly staff are happy to make personal recommendations for local bands that will meet your needs. We can guide you through all of your options, and support you through the booking process. We'll help you to find a band to match your style of wedding, your musical tastes and your budget. How ever long it takes, we want you to find the best bands for your special day. With over acts to chose from, we're Dorset's best choice for wedding band hire.
What security will I get if I book with Alive Network?
You'll benefit from a secure contract and 24/7 emergency cover. If the worst happens and unforeseen circumstances prevent your band from being able to attend your wedding day, we'll be available to support you in sourcing an emergency replacement, even at very short notice.
You'll also receive speedy personal support and advice from your dedicated entertainment coordinator, from the time you enquire right up to your big day.
We work with professional bands, all of whom are strictly vetted and monitored to ensure quality and reliability. With over 60,000 five star customer reviews, our recommended bands and musicians will make your wedding a day to remember, for all the right reasons.
With more than 26 years experience hiring bands for over 186,000 happy couples, you can also take confidence from the fact you're hiring through the UK's most trusted wedding entertainment agency.
I'm in a band, how do I join your agency?
Great - we're always looking for the best wedding musicians. Head over to our 'how to join' page and submit a quick application.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any other queries, simply visit our FAQ page.
Alternatively, our dedicated expert entertainment coordinators are on-hand to help. Simply call 01782 740 839 or email enquiries@alivenetwork.com
