How Much Does Wedding Music Cost in the UK? (2026 Guide)
Wedding music in the UK typically costs between £400 and £3,500, depending on whether you book wedding musicians, bands and DJs — or a mix of all three.
A wedding DJ usually costs £500–£2,000+, a live wedding band typically costs £1,500–£3,000+, and ceremony musicians such as singers or string quartets usually cost £350–£1,000+. According to Bridebook’s research on the average cost of a wedding, music is one of the more flexible parts of the budget — it can flex from a few hundred pounds to several thousand, depending on how much live entertainment you want.
Many couples mix ceremony music with evening entertainment, so your final music budget will depend on how much of the day you want soundtracked live.
Average Wedding Music Cost in the UK
According to the Bridebook UK Wedding Report — from Bridebook, the UK’s #1 wedding planning platform used by over 2.8 million couples — couples spend an average of just under £2,000 on wedding music.
Here’s how that average spend breaks down, though remember it’s an average from a broad sample, not a benchmark:
| Music type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Ceremony music | £845 |
| Reception music | £1,061 |
| Total average spend | £1,906 |
Many couples also add extra entertainment such as magicians or performers, which can increase the overall entertainment budget (measured separately in Bridebook’s data).
Most couples spend between £500 and £2,500 on wedding music, depending on the type of entertainment they choose.
For example, some couples hire only a DJ for the evening, while others include ceremony musicians, drinks reception performers, and a live band for the evening celebration.
Wedding DJ Cost in the UK
Hiring a DJ is one of the most popular – and often the most affordable – options for wedding entertainment. A professional wedding DJ in the UK typically costs between £500 and £2,000+.
Prices can vary depending on:
- the DJ’s experience
- equipment provided
- lighting and production packages
- travel distance
A typical DJ package may include:
- a professional sound system
- DJ booth setup
- lighting for the dancefloor
- microphones for speeches
- personalised playlists
Many DJs also let guests request songs, helping keep the dancefloor going all evening. Because DJs work solo and need less equipment than bands, they’re often a more budget-friendly option for evening entertainment.
Cheap Wedding DJ Options in the UK
If you’re working with a smaller budget, hiring a DJ is usually the most affordable place to start. While the average wedding DJ costs £500–£2,000+, it’s sometimes possible to find DJs for £300–£400, particularly if:
- your wedding is on a weekday
- your venue is local to the DJ
- the performance time is shorter
Some couples also save by booking newer DJs who are building their experience. They may charge less, but many still offer excellent service and professional equipment.
Before booking a cheaper DJ, it’s worth checking:
- reviews from previous weddings
- equipment quality
- backup plans in case of technical issues
A great DJ can still create an amazing atmosphere on a smaller budget.
Wedding Band Cost in the UK
Live bands remain one of the most popular choices for wedding evening entertainment, bringing energy to the dancefloor that recorded music can’t replicate.
In the UK, hiring a professional wedding band typically costs between £1,500 and £3,000, though premium bands or larger line-ups can charge more.
Several factors influence the price of a live wedding band, including:
- Number of musicians – a four-piece band will usually cost less than a six- or seven-piece band
- Performance time – most bands perform two or three live sets during the evening reception
- Experience and demand – well-established bands with strong reputations often charge higher fees
- Travel distance – additional travel or accommodation costs may apply if the band is travelling a long way
Most wedding band packages include more than just the live performance. Bands will typically also provide:
- professional sound equipment
- music played between sets
- a DJ-style playlist after their final set
Some bands also offer acoustic daytime sets, a good option for drinks receptions or wedding breakfasts if you’d like live music earlier in the day.
Bands usually cost more than DJs, but many couples feel the live performance is one of the most memorable parts of the celebration.
Wedding Singer Cost
Hiring a solo wedding singer is a popular choice for ceremonies, drinks receptions and smaller weddings.
A professional wedding singer in the UK typically costs between £400 and £1,000. Prices depend on:
- performance length
- whether the singer performs with backing tracks or live instruments
- travel distance
Many singers accompany themselves on guitar or piano, while others perform with professional backing tracks. Some also offer combined packages, performing during the ceremony, drinks reception and evening first dance.
Because they perform solo, wedding singers are often a more affordable alternative to a full band while still providing live music.
Ceremony Music Cost
Many couples include live music during their ceremony to create a more memorable atmosphere. Ceremony musicians often perform during:
- guest arrival
- the processional (walking down the aisle)
- the signing of the register
- the recessional
Typical ceremony music prices:
| Music type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Solo musician or singer | £350–£700 |
| Acoustic duo | £500–£900 |
| String quartet | £600–£1,200 |
Because ceremonies are relatively short, hiring musicians for this part of the day is usually more affordable than evening entertainment. Some performers also offer ceremony and drinks reception packages, which can offer better value.
Acoustic Wedding Music Cost
Acoustic musicians are particularly popular for drinks receptions and outdoor weddings, performing relaxed versions of popular songs to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Typical acoustic wedding music prices:
| Music type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Solo acoustic guitarist or singer | £300–£600 |
| Acoustic duo | £500–£1,200 |
| Acoustic trio | £900–£1,500 |
Because acoustic musicians need less equipment than full bands, they often strike a good balance between live entertainment and affordability.
String Quartet Wedding Cost
String quartets are a classic, elegant choice for wedding ceremonies, typically performing a mix of:
- classical music
- film soundtracks
- modern pop songs arranged for strings
Hiring a string quartet in the UK usually costs between £600 and £1,200. This usually includes:
- guest arrival music
- ceremony music
- music during the signing of the register
- the recessional
Some quartets also offer extended performances during drinks receptions or wedding breakfasts.
Other Wedding Musicians and Their Costs
Couples looking to personalise their wedding entertainment often explore other types of musicians. Popular options include:
| Music type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Harpist | £250–£600 |
| Gospel choir | £850–£2,000 |
| Bagpiper | £150–£400 |
| Pianist or organist | £150–£500 |
These musicians are often booked for ceremonies or drinks receptions to create a distinctive atmosphere. A bagpiper can be a lovely way to celebrate Scottish heritage, while a gospel choir can bring real energy and emotion to a ceremony.
What Affects Wedding Music Costs?
Several factors influence how much you’ll pay for wedding music, including:
- Number of musicians – bands with more members naturally cost more than solo performers or DJs
- Performance length – longer performance times usually increase the price
- Location – weddings in major cities such as London often cost more, and travel fees may apply for longer distances
- Equipment and lighting – lighting rigs, sound systems and specialist equipment can increase the overall price
- Experience and demand – highly experienced performers or well-known bands may charge more due to demand
- Date of the wedding – peak summer weekends are typically the most expensive time to book musicians
Example Wedding Music Budgets
Here are a few realistic examples of wedding music budgets:
| Budget | Entertainment | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Budget option | DJ only | £500–£1,000 |
| Mid-range option | Ceremony musician + DJ | £1,000–£2,500 |
| Premium option | Ceremony musicians + live band | £2,500–£4,000+ |
A DJ-only setup keeps costs low while still providing continuous music and guest requests. Adding a ceremony musician brings live music to the aisle without a big jump in budget, and a full band delivers live entertainment throughout the day for those who want the highest-energy evening reception.
Wedding Band vs DJ: Which Is Cheaper?
One of the biggest decisions couples face is choosing between a DJ and a live band. Here’s how they compare:
| Option | Typical cost | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|
| DJ | £500–£2,000+ | flexible playlists and guest requests |
| Live band | £1,500–£3,000+ | energetic live performance |
A DJ is usually the cheaper option, since they perform solo and need less equipment. Live bands often bring a unique energy and performance element that many couples love. Some couples choose both, hiring a band for the main evening sets and a DJ to keep the party going afterwards.
How to Save Money on Wedding Music
If you’re working with a smaller budget, there are still plenty of ways to include great music at your wedding. Helpful tips include:
- hiring local musicians to reduce travel costs
- choosing a smaller band
- shortening performance times
- booking a weekday wedding
- combining ceremony and reception music packages
With a little planning, you can create a brilliant atmosphere without overspending.
How to Choose the Right Wedding Music for Your Day
When choosing musicians for your wedding, think about the atmosphere you want to create. Consider:
- your personal music taste
- the age range of your guests
- the size of your venue
- any venue noise restrictions
- whether you want music during the ceremony, reception or both
Watching videos, reading reviews and speaking directly with performers will help you find musicians who match your wedding style.
Wedding Music Cost FAQs
How much does a wedding band cost in the UK?
Most wedding bands charge between £1,500 and £4,000, depending on the number of musicians and performance length.
How much does a wedding DJ cost?
Wedding DJs can cost between £500 and £2,000+ in the UK, depending on the service or package you choose.
Do you need music for the ceremony?
Ceremony music is optional, but many couples choose musicians to create a more emotional and memorable atmosphere.
Is a DJ cheaper than a wedding band?
Yes. DJs are usually cheaper because they perform solo and require less equipment.
Bridebook is the world’s #1 wedding planning platform, used by over 2.8 million couples. Our content is informed by real data from the Bridebook UK Wedding Report, which draws on responses from thousands of couples planning their weddings each year. Where expert input is included, contributors are named and their credentials verified. We update our articles regularly to ensure prices, statistics, and advice reflect current market conditions.
Last reviewed: July 2026
Planning Your Wedding Budget
If you’re planning your wedding budget, these guides may also help:
- The Average Cost of a UK Wedding in 2026
- The Ultimate Wedding Budget Breakdown
- How Much Does a Wedding Celebrant Cost?
- How Much Does Wedding Insurance Cost?
Together, these guides can help you understand how different suppliers fit into your overall wedding budget.
Find Wedding Musicians on Bridebook
Bridebook features a wide range of talented wedding bands, DJs and musicians across the UK. Whether you’re planning an acoustic ceremony or a high-energy evening reception, you’ll find performers to suit every style and budget.
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