How Much Does Wedding Music Cost in the UK? (2026 Guide)

Music is one of the most powerful parts of any wedding. It sets the mood as guests arrive, accompanies that unforgettable walk down the aisle and, later in the evening, fills the dancefloor with energy.

From elegant ceremony musicians to lively bands and late-night DJs, music helps shape the atmosphere of your entire wedding day. But with so many options available, couples often wonder: how much does wedding music actually cost in the UK?

The answer varies depending on the type of entertainment you choose.

According to our study on the average cost of a wedding, wedding music in the UK typically costs between £400 and £3,500 depending on the type of entertainment you choose.

A wedding DJ usually costs £500–£2,000+, depending on the level of service you choose, while a live wedding band typically costs £1,500–£3,000+. Ceremony musicians such as singers or string quartets usually cost £350–£1,000+.

Many couples choose a mix of ceremony music and evening entertainment, so your final music budget will depend on how much live music you want throughout the day.

In this guide, we’ll break down the average cost of wedding music in the UK, explain what different musicians typically charge and help you decide which entertainment might work best for your wedding.

According to Bridebook’s 2026 UK Wedding Report, couples spend an average of just under £2,000 on wedding music.

Here’s how that average spend breaks down according to our report, but remember it’s an average from a broad sample, not a benchmark:

Many couples also add additional entertainment such as magicians or performers, which can increase the overall entertainment budget (measured separately in our 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.

Hiring a DJ is one of the most popular – and often 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:
• professional sound system
• DJ booth setup
• lighting for the dancefloor
• microphones for speeches
• personalised playlists.

Many DJs also allow guests to request songs, helping keep the dancefloor full all evening.

Because DJs work solo and require less equipment than bands, they are often the most budget-friendly option for evening entertainment.

Live bands are one of the most popular choices for wedding evening entertainment, bringing energy and atmosphere to the dancefloor that recorded music simply can’t replicate.

In the UK, hiring a professional wedding band typically costs between £1,500 and £3,000, although 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. Typically, bands will also provide:

• professional sound equipment
• music played between sets
• a DJ-style playlist after their final performance.

Some bands also offer acoustic daytime sets, which can be a great option for drinks receptions or wedding breakfasts if you’d like live music earlier in the day.

While bands are usually more expensive than DJs, many couples feel the live performance and atmosphere make them one of the most memorable parts of the celebration.

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 singers 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 bands while still providing live music.

Many couples choose to include live music during their ceremony to create a memorable and emotional 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 include:

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 provide better value.

Acoustic musicians are particularly popular for drinks receptions and outdoor weddings.

They often perform relaxed acoustic versions of popular songs, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Typical acoustic wedding music prices include:

Because acoustic musicians require less equipment than full bands, they often provide a great balance between live entertainment and affordability.

String quartets are a classic and elegant choice for wedding ceremonies.

They typically perform a mixture 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.

Couples looking to personalise their wedding entertainment often explore additional types of musicians.

Here are some popular options:

These musicians are often used during ceremonies or drinks receptions to create a distinctive atmosphere.

For example, a bagpiper can be a wonderful way to celebrate Scottish heritage, while a gospel choir can bring incredible energy and emotion to the ceremony.

Several factors influence how much you’ll pay for wedding music.

Number of musicians

Bands with more members will 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 if musicians are travelling long 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 times to book musicians.

Here are a few realistic examples of wedding music budgets.

Budget option

Entertainment: DJ onlyTypical cost: £500–£1,000

A DJ provides continuous music and guest requests while keeping costs relatively low.

Mid-range option

Entertainment: ceremony musician + DJTypical cost: £1,000–£2,500

This option combines live ceremony music with a DJ for evening entertainment.

Premium option

Entertainment: ceremony musicians + live bandTypical cost: £2,500–£4,000+

This provides live music throughout the day and a high-energy evening reception.

One of the biggest decisions couples face is choosing between a DJ and a live band.

Here’s a simple comparison:

A DJ is usually the cheaper option because they perform solo and require less equipment.

However, 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 continue the party afterwards.

If you’re working with a smaller budget, there are still plenty of ways to include great music at your wedding.

Some helpful tips include:

• hiring local musicians to reduce travel costs
• choosing smaller bands
• shortening performance times
• booking weekday weddings
• combining ceremony and reception music packages.

With a little planning, it’s possible to create a fantastic atmosphere without overspending.

Cheap Wedding DJ Options in the UK

If you’re trying to keep your wedding entertainment budget under control, hiring a DJ is often the most affordable option.

While the average wedding DJ costs between £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 reduce costs by booking newer DJs who are building their experience. While they may charge less, many still offer excellent service and professional equipment.

However, when choosing a cheaper DJ it’s important to check:

• reviews from previous weddings
• equipment quality
• backup plans in case of technical issues.

A good DJ can still create an amazing atmosphere – even on a smaller budget.

When choosing musicians for your wedding, think about the overall 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 can help you find musicians who perfectly match your wedding style.

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.

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.

Bridebook features a wide range of talented wedding bands, DJs and musicians across the UK.

Whether you’re looking for an acoustic singer for your ceremony or a high-energy band to keep the dancefloor packed, you’ll find performers to suit every style and budget.

Sign up to Bridebook today and start planning the soundtrack to your wedding.

Zoe Burke

Zoe Burke is Head of Brand at Bridebook, the UK’s leading wedding planning platform. With over 14 years of experience in the wedding industry, Zoe is a recognised expert on how couples plan, choose, and book their weddings - and how venues and suppliers can best support them. At Bridebook, Zoe leads the brand, content and social strategy, shaping the advice, tools and inspiration used by hundreds of thousands of couples each year. Her work focuses on helping couples feel confident and informed when making some of the biggest decisions of their lives - from choosing the right venue to navigating budgets, guest lists and modern wedding etiquette. Zoe is a regular media commentator on wedding trends, planning behaviours and the realities of the UK wedding industry. She has appeared on BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio 4, and BBC local radio, and has been quoted in national and international publications including The Times, Stylist, Cosmopolitan, Mail Online, The Knot, and more in her capacity as a wedding expert. She has also contributed expert commentary to several wedding books. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Zoe was appointed to the Government-backed UK Weddings Taskforce, where she helped shape national guidance and policy for weddings, representing the needs of both couples and wedding businesses during an unprecedented period for the industry. Today, Zoe combines real-world industry insight with data from Bridebook’s annual UK Wedding Report and planning tools to provide practical, trusted advice for couples and professionals alike. Her approach is grounded in one core belief: that planning a wedding should feel empowering, not overwhelming.

Last updated: 10th Mar 2026

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