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Our musicians are happy to travel and we can provide artists in any part of the UK and Ireland. We regulary send artists abroad to perform accross Europe (and globally) for special occasions. Use the button to the right to get matched with musicians near you.
Latest reviews of our Wedding Entertainers
"The guys were excellent I was unable to be prsent at the set up and soundcheck but they were great according to our team. The perdormance was great though "George" had a dodgy guitar lead and I thought they should have had a roadie looking after them. Sadly the restrictions in the St Georges Hall meant the final set didnt quite finish as planned but that was our issue not theirs. I would definitly book them again if i need a Beatles Act they are definitely one of the best."
Mark hired The Liverpool Beatles for a Private event
"These guys are absolutely fantastic! Great musicians, very easy to deal with, extremely friendly and great fun! Wouldn’t hesitate to book them again or to encourage others to do the same. "
Stephen hired This Is Queen for a Wedding anniversary
"This band was fantastic, had everyone up on the dance floor, everyone said wow the band was great! really good fun! very kind and polite and great communication x"
Michele hired The Fools on the Hill for a Wedding anniversary
FAQs about hiring Wedding Entertainers in the UK
Take the stress out of hiring musicians with Encore
What entertainment should I have at a wedding?
What entertainment you’d like for your wedding depends on your tastes as a couple, budget and overall vision for your big day. However, at Encore Musicians, we help thousands of couples every year in the UK plan entertainment for their wedding day therefore we are experts in choosing the right musicians for your big day. For ceremonies, it’s ideal to have musicians who can provide atmospheric background music, such as string quartets, harpists and singing guitarists. For the cocktail hour (or drinks reception), musicians such as jazz bands, acoustic duos or saxophonists, can provide a more upbeat ambience whilst still allowing for conversation amongst guests. Last but not least, for the evening party, you want musicians who can keep the dance floor full. Our Wedding and Party Bands give engaging, lively performances, or you can opt for a Wedding DJ who can create seamless playlists perfect for guests of all ages and tastes. For something a little bit different, consider Ceilidh Bands, a more unique, interactive form of entertainment or Soul and Motown bands, a timeless and classy option for couples who want something a bit more unique. Additionally, for a surprise element to wow your guests, consider singing waiters for unexpected wedding entertainment where the singers dress as waiters and then burst into song.
How much do wedding entertainers cost?
The cost of wedding entertainers varies widely depending on the entertainment you choose, the time of year (with peak wedding season being the most expensive) and the experience and professional background of the entertainer. However, below are some averages for popular wedding entertainers based on a 2-hour performance. - Wedding band (4-piece) - £1,300 - Jazz band (4-piece) - £1,000 - Ceilidh band (4-piece) - £1,000 - DJ - £400 - String quartet - £840 - Harpist - £350 - Acoustic duos - £650
Do I need day entertainment at a wedding?
Whether or not you need day entertainment at a wedding depends on your personal preferences and the vibe you want for your wedding. However, if you want to add some extra excitement and atmosphere to your special day, day entertainment can be a great way to do that. For more traditional weddings, you might want to consider a classical string quartet a harpist, or a violinist to provide a serene ambience. For a bit more excitement, you can hire a jazz band to play upbeat rhythms or a gospel choir to serenade your guests with powerful, emotional hymns. For more unique wedding entertainment ideas, check out our blog “Alternative Wedding Entertainment Ideas”.
How do you keep wedding guests entertained during pictures?
Some popular options for keeping guests entertained during the wedding photos include: - String quartets: Classical string ensembles are a good choice for formal events and can play a variety of classical and contemporary music. - Singing guitarists: Singing guitarists are also versatile in that they can play a variety of genres, from pop and rock to folk and blues, and can cater to a wide range of tastes. - Violinists: Violins are known for their elegant and expressive sound, which can add a touch of sophistication to any event. Whilst they can also play classical and contemporary music, and they can also improvise and create their own solos. - Pianists: Pianists are a great choice for creating a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. They can play a wide range of music and you can also hire a singing pianist if you’d like to elevate the performance.
Do you have any wedding entertainers available near me?
Encore Musicians represents thousands of wedding entertainers throughout the UK. To find wedding entertainers near you, simply enter the location of your wedding venue on our search page and filter by ‘distance (closest)’. Alternatively, you can use our quick and easy enquiry form to receive tailored quotes from local musicians for your big day.
Can I see the wedding entertainer perform?
Absolutely. All of our musician’s profile pages include at least one video of them performing live so you can get a sense of their personality and stage presence. If you’d like to see them live, you would have to ask the musician directly to arrange this.
Do you charge VAT for individuals hiring wedding entertainers?
Some of our musicians are VAT registered but if not, the VAT will always be included in the final quote. At Encore, we believe in transparent pricing so there are no hidden fees.
Hiring a Wedding Entertainer Near You
Useful information
How much does it cost to hire a Wedding Entertainer in the UK?
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The Average Cost of Different Types of Wedding Entertainment
At Encore, we have one of the widest selections of wedding entertainment for hire in the UK. Take a look below to get a guide price of the most popular types of wedding entertainment.
Photobooth
Photobooths are popular for weddings as you can provide props and take more fun moments from the wedding alongside your more traditional wedding photos.
Photobooths are more affordable with an average cost of around £250 per session.
Harpist
More uncommon than the other options in the list, the harp is an underrated instrument in the wedding world. Harpists can provide an ethereal sound that perfectly complements ceremonies and wedding dinners.
For a harpist, you can expect to pay from £300 per hour.
DJ
DJs are the most versatile option for wedding entertainment as they have the widest repertoire of songs right at their fingertips.
For a professional wedding DJ, expect to pay anywhere from £350 per hour.
Magician
Magicians are family-friendly fun that will keep guests of all ages entertained. To hire a magician in the UK, expect to pay from £300 to £500.
Acoustic Duo
Acoustic Duos are perfect for smaller weddings as they can provide intimate performances and stripped-back versions of your favourite songs. Because they don't take up a lot of space, they are perfect for smaller weddings, and their soulful, authentic covers make for romantic ceremony music.
Acoustic duos cost around £400 per hour.
Singing Waiters
Singing waiters are becoming increasingly popular as wedding entertainment as they offer a unique twist on traditional singers and are perfect for cocktail hours, wedding receptions and wedding dinners.
For a singing waiter, expect to pay from £500 per hour.
String Quartet
String quartets are a traditional choice of live music for weddings. They are romantic, elegant, and portable, meaning they can easily perform for different sections of a wedding, from the ceremony to the drinks reception.
For a string quartet, expect to pay from £700 for an hour.
Jazz Band
Jazz bands are great for any section of a wedding day, being able to provide smooth background music for the ceremony and then louder, more energetic beats for the reception. Jazz bands are also ideal if you’re looking for a more vintage-themed feel for your special as they can play both modern hits and classic 1920s tunes.
A jazz band with four members can cost upwards of £1,100 per hour.
Live Painter
A live painter can be a unique alternative to the traditional photo booth, with an artist painting moments of the big day as they happen in front of you and your guests. These artworks can become great souvenirs of the day and can even be passed on as heirlooms.
To hire a live painter for your wedding, expect to pay £800 to upwards of £2,000 depending on the experience and reputation of the painter, duration of the painting, and size of the painting.
Mariachi Band
Nothing beats the infectious rhythms of Mariachi music. These crowd-pleasers are the life of every party and offer great wedding reception entertainment that will keep guests of all ages happy.
For a mariachi band with four members, you can pay upwards of £1,150 per hour.
Wedding Band
Wedding bands are the most popular form of wedding entertainment and it's for good reason. Wedding bands are lively, and energetic and have a great stage presence that will get all your guests on their seats.
Wedding bands cost anywhere from £1,200 per hour.
Silent Disco
Silent Discos are not only fun but they make sure guests of all tastes can enjoy their time on the dancefloor.
For a silent disco, you can expect to pay anywhere from £10-25 per headset plus possible transmitter, delivery and set-up fees.
Fire Performers
Wow your guests with fire performers! Fire performers are a unique, fun wedding entertainment idea guaranteed to leave an impression on your guests. These performers can cost anywhere from £500 to over £2,000 depending on how many you want to perform and the type of fire performer i.e. fire eaters, fire dancers, etc.
Fireworks
Fireworks can be a stunning way to end your special day. Expect to pay anywhere from £750 to £1,200 for a full fireworks display. Be careful to check beforehand that the venue allows fireworks and you should not light the fireworks yourself unless you have extensive experience.
Wedding Entertainment for Each Size of Wedding
What type of wedding entertainment you want for your big day will be down to your tastes as a couple, but also the size of your wedding. We’ve broken down some of the best wedding entertainers by size of wedding below.
Micro Wedding (Less than 20 guests)
With a micro wedding, you want wedding entertainment that won’t overwhelm the space and complement the intimate vibe of your special day.
Cellists
A cellist is a less common type of wedding entertainment, but the cello's rich, warm sound projects well in smaller venues.
Violinist
The violin is perfect for micro weddings as the violin produces a warm and gentle sound that can be beautifully projected in smaller, more intimate spaces.
Singing Guitarist
Singing guitarists are a fantastic addition to a micro wedding due to their compact setup and the unplugged performances complement the intimate atmosphere of a micro wedding.
Bagpiper
With their distinct, unique sounds, bagpipers can be a great wedding entertainment option if you have Scottish roots or military background.
Small wedding (Less than 50 guests)
For a small wedding, consider entertainment options that don’t take up much space and can complement an intimate vibe.
Singing Pianists
Singing pianists can provide emotional, expressive performances that heighten the romance of any big day whilst also not taking up too much space.
Saxophonists
Compared to larger bands, a solo saxophonist requires minimal space and setup, making them ideal for smaller weddings. Likewise, the saxophone’s ability to improvise can add a dynamic and spontaneous element to your ceremony or reception, keeping things fun and engaging.
Violinists
Violinists require minimal space making them perfect for intimate weddings and the violin’s warm sound can fill the space without being overpowering.
DJs with Live Musicians
DJs with live musicians (typically saxophonists) are an increasingly popular choice of wedding entertainment due to the improvisational and engaging nature of their performances. They also don’t take up too much space and can adapt their sound for smaller settings, making them a great choice for smaller venues.
Acoustic Duos
Acoustic duos are a great choice for smaller weddings, as they don’t require amplification meaning they have less equipment therefore taking up less space. Furthermore, the stripped-back sounds of an acoustic duo are well suited to the intimate, romantic vibe of a small wedding.
Average wedding (51 - 150 guests)
Wedding Bands
Wedding bands are the most popular choice for weddings due to their versatility and engaging performances. Wedding bands have huge repertories from modern hits to old-school ballads and our bands are seasoned professionals who have performed at numerous’ couples big days.
Mariachi Bands
Mariachi music is known for its upbeat tempos, lively rhythms, and energetic performances, making Mariachi bands one of the most fun and energetic types of wedding entertainment you can find.
String Quartets
String Quartets are a classic choice for weddings. They exude elegance and the rich sounds of the harmonising string instruments leave a lasting impression.
Ceilidh Bands
Ceilidh bands always bring the party up a notch! They’re a fun and unique form of wedding entertainment that will have even the shyest dancers on their feet. They’re also a great icebreaker for guests and it’s wedding entertainment guests of all ages can enjoy.
Larger weddings (Over 150 guests)
Roaming Bands
Roaming bands are perfect for larger weddings as they perform amongst guests meaning their sound can fill even the largest of spaces. Roaming bands are unique, engaging wedding entertainment that interact with your guests and turn your whole wedding venue into a stage.
Soul & Motown Bands
Soul & Motown bands typically feature dynamic horn sections, strong vocals, and rhythm sections that pack a punch. This ensures their music fills a large space with energy and excitement, engaging guests even further away from the dance floor.
Jazz Bands
Jazz bands typically feature diverse instrumentation like horns, drums, piano, and saxophone, creating a full and textured sound that effortlessly fills a large space without being overwhelming.
Orchestras
Go all out with the immersive sounds of an orchestra. An orchestra's diverse instrumentation with strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion creates a full and powerful sound that effortlessly fills a large space with grandeur and presence. This immersive soundscape sets the stage for a truly memorable celebration.
A guide to hiring Wedding Entertainers
Take the hassle out of hiring Wedding Entertainers with Encore Musicians
