Booking a musician for an event or wedding is not something people do every day.
It can be tricky to navigate the world of prices, quotes and what to expect from a live musician. Especially if you haven’t hired one before!
Our guide will fully explain how pricing works for live music, the average price of hiring a live musician, average wedding band costs and the cost factors that can affect prices for singers and musicians for hire.
Are you wondering what the typical prices are for your wedding entertainment or live music?
Click a section below to find out how much your chosen band or singer is going to cost:
How Do You Calculate The Price Of Musician Hire?
Data to calculate average prices is taken from Warble Entertainment, the UK’s most trusted entertainment supplier for weddings, parties and events.
The cost of a singer or band can vary depending on several key factors. Before we reveal the average costs of hiring professional musicians, here are a few things to look out for.
Experience
If there is but one thing you should take away from this guide, it’s that you should absolutely hire professionals for events such as weddings and big parties.
“But, I have a mate who can do it…“ you insist! We all know a friend who plays the guitar, or a colleague who reckons they are a dab hand on the drums and claims they can rip through the drum fill in ‘In The Air Tonight’ with ease. They might be able to hold a tune, but put them in front of a crowd, under pressure, with a list of requests and a sea of drunken friends… how can you guarantee they won’t crumble like a dog biscuit?
The more experienced bands and musicians will usually cost more as they know how to deal with every situation. Always make sure you are getting value for money, but don’t leave it up to chance and settle for less.
Travel
When figuring out how much your musician or band is going to cost, it is important to consider the distance they will have to travel for your event. The travel time alone, and then setting up and packing down can amount to many hours.
If you are looking for the best price possible, our advice would be to opt for entertainment that is closer geographically to your venue. This is a great to way to secure cheap wedding music.
Season
The popularity of your date and time of year will have an effect on the average costs of singers for weddings and musicians.
Busy bank holiday weekends in the height of summer can mean that wedding ceremony musicians and bands can cost slightly more. The good news is that weekdays and off-peak dates can often be cheaper!
Timings
In our guide, our average prices for musicians are based on 2 x 45 minute sets as standard.
If you desire to have your musician perform for longer or to alter their set lengths in any way, this could impact quoted cost for a performer.
Solo Musician Prices
Click a style of solo musician below to be taken to their cost and pricing guide!
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Acoustic Singer?
The average cost of booking an acoustic singer is £280.
Prices for acoustic singers typically begin at £180 with the high-end prices for solo acoustic singers being around £420.
Acoustic wedding singers and solo singer guitarists are very popular for all types of events.
Solo acoustic singers work great for wedding ceremonies as a backdrop. Having your aisle walk song sung live by a performer is a very special moment.
Acoustic singers are also really popular during the drinks reception. Look towards versatile performers who can bring something exciting. Acoustic wedding singers can provide some background music or even something a little more unique.
Browse the best singer guitarists for hire in the UK and get further prices by heading over to our solo acoustic singers page.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Harpist?
The average cost of booking a harpist is £300.
Prices for harpists in the UK typically begin at £210 with the high-end prices for harpists being £400.
Harpists are particularly popular for wedding ceremonies in the UK. If you a hire a wedding harpist for your ceremony, the format is usually as follows…
Prelude (Guest Arrival): Around 30 minutes of background music.
Procession, Signing the Register and Recessional: Typically 3 to 4 songs, possibly including your aisle walk.
The type of musician you choose to hire for your wedding ceremony depends on what atmosphere you would like. Harpists are one of the most popular acts booked for ceremonies as the instrument both looks and sounds beautiful. Overall, it’s a really stunning way to begin the day and celebrate your marriage.
Browse the best harpists for hire in the UK and get further prices by heading over to our wedding harpists page.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Saxophonist?
The average cost of booking a saxophonist is £340.
Prices for saxophone players typically begin at £190 with the high-end prices for saxophonists being around £520.
Saxophonists are becoming some of the most popular solo musicians to hire in the UK. Their versatility and stylish appearance make them a sought after option for those looking at hiring a solo musician.
Whilst they can work at all kinds of events, the recent surge of Saxophonists in the wedding and party industry has most notably taken place with the rise of club style music in the charts.
Saxophonists can provide cool and sultry tones during your wedding ceremony or drinks reception, as well as providing dance floor filling club vibes later on in the evening.
Browse the best Saxophonists for hire in the UK and get further prices by heading over to our Saxophonists for hire page.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Singer?
The average cost of booking a singer is £320.
Prices for solo singers typically begin at £240 with the high-end prices for singers being £480.
Solo singers can be hired for weddings, parties, receptions, and corporate events. Singers both male and female singers are very versatile and come in many styles.
Different types of solo vocalists include cover vocalists, rat pack singers, opera singers, classical vocalists and tribute singers.
Browse the best singers for hire in the UK and get further prices by heading over to our singers for hire page.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Pianist?
The average cost of booking a pianist is £270.
Prices for solo pianists typically begin at £140 with the high-end prices for pianists being around £480.
A solo pianist can be a good musical idea to include at a wedding, party or celebration. Pianists for hire are perfect setting the scene for more music later on but aren’t too intrusive during a meal setting.
Singing pianists can also cover a similar role to singing guitarists in the way that they can perform popular cover songs as a soloist. Piano players have a vast repertoire and are able to cover a wide variety of songs for all types of events.
Browse the best pianists for hire in the UK and get further prices by heading over to our pianists and piano players page.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Guitarist?
The average cost of booking a guitarist is £240.
Prices for solo guitarists typically begin at £180 with the high-end prices for solo guitar players being around £360.
The job of a solo guitarist is not to be just a musician, but to perform your songs with a skill, precision and beauty that is unique to these talented performers.
These solo musicians are great at performing all year round and can cover a huge set of songs in their own style. Whether you are looking for a classical guitarist, a Spanish guitarist or a solo contemporary covers performer, you can add a dash of something special to your day with a guitarist.
A top tip here is to consider asking your ceremony musician to stay a little later and perform during the drink’s reception as well! A smart way to use your guitarist and have both parts of the day covered.
Browse the best guitarists for hire in the UK and get further prices by heading over to our solo guitarists page.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Percussionist?
The average cost of booking a percussionist is £300.
Prices for solo percussionists typically begin at £240 with the high-end prices for percussion players being around £440.
Percussionists are among the more unique ideas for wedding and event musicians. Start your celebration with a ‘bang!’ and include something special with a solo percussionist.
Whether this is a bongo performer or a live drummer, percussionists are sure to turn heads at any event. They are great when paired with other solo performers such as Saxophonists.
Find out more about percussionists in the UK and check out our percussionists for hire page to book.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Cellist?
The average cost of booking a cellist is £240.
Prices for cellists typically begin at £180 with the high-end prices for solo cello performers being around £380.
Cellists are exceptionally talented musicians and a perfect for adding a classical twist for your event.
Classical wedding performers are perfect for an aisle walk at a wedding. You don’t want anything too overpowering here, just something that augments the already romantic atmosphere.
Of course, you might be thinking that you can always pop on a CD and walk down the aisle to a pre-recorded track. If you have the opportunity to have your song played live by a musician like a cellist, you absolutely should. It creates such incredible memories and will be unique to you.
Your chosen artist will be able to learn your track on their instrument, or even suggest tracks for you to walk down the aisle to.
Browse the best cellists for hire in the UK and get further prices by heading over to our classical musicians page.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Violinist?
The average cost of booking a violinist is £380.
Prices for solo violinists typically begin at £240 with the high-end prices for violin players being around £480.
Violinists and electric violinists have become an extremely popular option for those booking live musicians for events and weddings.
From gorgeous bridal music to incredible showpieces, electric violinists have everything you need in a solo musician to create amazing memories.
Dazzling covers of the most popular songs and intricate arrangements of classical tunes make soloists and violinists a great option for a variety of events.
Head to our page to take a look at the most popular violinists and electric violinists for hire.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Bagpiper?
The average cost of booking a bagpiper is £180.
Prices for bagpipers typically begin at £120 with the high-end prices for Scottish bagpipes being around £220.
Scottish bagpipers are obviously quite common at weddings in Scotland. They are typically seen performing during Scottish wedding ceremonies and the bridal arrival.
With bagpipers specifically, the time of year can have an effect on the price you are likely to pay. In particular, they are popular on key dates such as New Year’s Eve, Hogmanay and Burns Night! If you are interested in hiring a bagpiper for one of these peak dates, be sure to book well in advance.
Check out the best bagpipers for hire in the UK by browsing our bagpipers and Scottish bagpipes page.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Steel Drummer?
The average cost of booking a steel drummer is £280.
Prices for steel drummers typically begin at £200 per drummer with the high-end prices for steel drums being around £340 per musician.
Hiring a steel drummer or a steel band group for any event is a really fun way to bring something different to your day.
Bright colours, loud shirts and Caribbean summer songs is what’s promised here. Tropical tones and chill vibes are perfect for any summer wedding or party.
Have a look at our steel bands page to find a steel drummer for hire in the UK.
Duo & Trio Musician Prices
Click on a duo or trio musician group below to be taken to their cost and pricing guide!
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Acoustic Duo?
The average cost of booking an acoustic duo is £480.
Prices for acoustic duos typically begin at £340 with the high-end prices for acoustic duos being around £800.
Prices for duos and trios can be calculated easily per member. Acoustic duos are usually double the price of a solo acoustic singer, as you’re paying for an extra human being!
Acoustic duos and groups are perfect for those wanting acoustic music with a little bit extra.
Duo line ups can vary. You may see both performers with a guitar in hand or male and female duos with one on lead vocals. More upbeat acoustic duos perform with a percussionist or cajon player.
Browse the best acoustic duos for hire in the UK and get further prices by heading over to our acoustic singers page.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Acoustic Trio?
The average cost of booking an acoustic band is £700.
Prices for acoustic trios typically begin at £480 with the high-end prices for acoustic groups being around £1000.
Acoustic trios and acoustic wedding bands are growing in popularity for a number of reasons.
Acoustic guitar-based songs have made a resurgence in the charts and many are looking to book bands that perform acoustic music in an upbeat style.
Acoustic bands and trios are also perfect for anyone that is booking a wedding band for a venue that has a sound limiter in place.
Performers of this style can work with sound limiters and noise restrictions easier than a typical wedding band due to their instrumentation! Always ask your wedding venue about potential sound restrictions before you book.
Looking for an acoustic trio for your wedding, party or event? Find more prices by visiting our acoustic bands page.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Mariachi Band?
The average cost of booking a Mariachi band is £620.
Prices for Mariachi bands typically begin at £540 with the high-end prices for Mariachi groups being around £800.
Mariachi bands are fun, infectious and very unique.
If you want to take guests by surprise with something special, a Mariachi band is perfect. Mariachi bands perform in many different line ups and have a variety of instrumentation.
They can perform unplugged whilst roaming around a venue, or to a fixed spot whilst being amplified. Prices can vary depending on the size of your line up but you can scale this up or down depending on your budget.
Find an authentic Mariachi band now by heading over to our Mariachi bands for hire page.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a String Duo?
The average cost of booking a string duo is £400.
Prices for string duos typically begin at £320 with the high-end prices for classical duos being around £480.
A string duo is a different twist on the more often seen trio or quartet at weddings and events.
You can still bring a classical taste to your day on a budget with a string duo. They provide a wonderful sound with a variety of instrumentation and line up options available.
You can hire violin duos, cello duos, harpists, flute players and many more combinations.
Hire your very own string duo by visiting our classical duos page.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a String Trio?
The average cost of booking a string trio is £510.
Prices for string trios typically begin at £450 with the high-end prices for classical trios being around £600.
String trios are the ideal classical entertainment for wedding ceremonies, drinks receptions and private parties.
Even more musical combinations are available here and repertoires for string trios and quartets can span a variety of genres. Whether you want traditional classical music or current pop covers in a classical style, a string trio can do it all.
Find the best string trios in the UK and see more prices by visiting our string trios for hire page.
Function Bands & Wedding Band Prices
Click on a style of wedding covers band below to be taken to their cost and pricing guide!
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Wedding Band?
The average cost of booking a wedding band is £1300.
Prices for wedding bands typically begin at £700 with the high-end prices for wedding bands being around £3000.
Before you book something big like a wedding band it’s good to know how much you can expect to pay. Live wedding bands come in all shapes and sizes, and therefore, prices can vary.
A good rule of thumb for professional wedding musician or any wedding band in general is that the cost per musician or performer is usually around £200 to £300.
So now we have a rough idea of how much hiring a wedding band will cost you, but what are you actually paying for?
Performance: This is the bit you really care about. The actual performance from beginning to end makes up part of the fee for your wedding band, and it promises to be epic!
Expertise: When booking a wedding band, you are also paying for the years of experience that come with their craft. The best wedding bands will know how to deal with pretty much any situation, because you can guarantee they’ve dealt with it many times before.
PAT/PLI: Professional wedding bands will have the relevant insurance and equipment documents. Your venue may ask to see these – and booking through an agency ensures that you are paying for a wedding band that is fully insured.
Equipment: Your wedding band will provide all of their own equipment as part of the fee. You don’t have to worry about PA hire, microphones, amplifiers or any other technical wizardry…
Travel: Wedding bands definitely put in the miles to make it to weddings up and down the country. The distance travelled makes up part of the cost.
Bespoke Service: Every performance is unique. Your wedding band may play a bespoke set for you, or even learn requests for your first dance or ceremony. A wedding band will make their performance tailor-made for you and will spend the time working with you to create something special.
All of this and more makes up the final price that you see in front of you for your potential wedding band. Bear this in mind when you are looking for wedding music. The most professional acts will create memorable moments on your wedding day and will provide all of the above as part of their fee.
Find out more about booking your wedding music and how to hire wedding bands on our site.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Festival Wedding Band?
The average cost of booking a festival and folk wedding band is £1500.
Prices for festival wedding bands typically begin at £960 with the high-end prices for folk bands being around £3200.
Festival and folk wedding bands are huge in the UK. With bands like Mumford & Sons becoming firm festival favourites, their style has been highly requested by couples.
Many wedding bands are modelling themselves on this boho, festival and folk style. If you are having a rustic tipi wedding or just a big festival party, a folk style festival band is a great festival wedding idea for your live music fix.
Acoustic guitars, towering double bass guitars, fiddles and banjos are often seen with this festival style wedding band.
Search through the most popular festival and folk wedding bands in the UK.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Soul & Motown Band?
The average cost of booking a Soul and Motown band is £1800.
Band booking prices for Soul bands typically begin at £900 with the high-end prices for Soul bands and Motown bands being around £5000.
These bands ooze cool and are a throwback to the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s. Some of the best music ever written has come from these eras and this style of wedding band is suited to performing them.
Big line ups, multiple vocalists and full horn sections mean that this style of band is usually more expensive than your typical rock & pop covers band.
If you are looking to create a big impression with your covers band, a Soul & Motown wedding band is for you.
Find out more about the best Soul Bands & Motown Bands for hire.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Jazz & Swing Band?
The average cost of booking a Jazz & Swing band is £1300.
Prices for jazz bands and swing bands typically begin at £600 with the high-end prices for jazz bands being around £4000.
Jazz and swing bands are so experienced and can deliver in many different ways.
Whether you are looking to create those smooth and sophisticated background tones with cleverly performed music or want a big band sound to start the party, this style of wedding band can do both.
Both traditional jazz and roaring swing sets are popular here and these bands are always received well.
Check out the most popular jazz and swing bands for hire in the UK now.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a 50s & 60s Rock ‘n’ Roll Band?
The average cost of booking a 50s & 60s band is £1400.
Prices for Rock ‘n’ Roll bands typically begin at £880 with the high-end prices for 50s & 60s bands being around £3800.
Nostalgia is a powerful emotion and nothing captures this better than a rip roaring 50s & 60s Rock ‘n’ Roll covers band.
Go back in time to the one of the best eras of music and relive this special time with a Rock ‘n’ Roll band.
Prices for 50s bands can vary but they are usually a higher cost as it is a more unique performance and style of music.
Find out more about the top 50s & 60s bands for hire in the UK.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Tribute Band?
The average cost of booking a tribute band is £1100.
Prices for tribute acts typically begin at £600 with the high-end prices for tribute bands being around £4500.
The best tribute bands and tribute acts in the UK are able to encapsulate their chosen performer better than anyone else.
It can be uncanny viewing watching a tribute band perform! Bands like Queen, Oasis, ABBA and The Beatles are popular tribute options. Big personalities have graced these bands, making them a perfect candidate for a tribute.
Tribute acts are skilled in many ways. Not only do they have to be musically intelligent, they also have a way of adapting and performing as close to the real performer as possible.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Reggae & Ska Band?
The average cost of booking a ska band is £1600.
Prices for ska bands and reggae bands typically begin at £1100 with the high-end prices for ska acts being around £2700.
Reggae singers and Ska acts are among some of the most exciting live performers for hire.
These musicians are great at bringing a laid back and chill vibe, or a super bouncy and funky sound!
Ska bands in particular are synonymous with big brass sections and large line ups. Covers can include songs by bands such as UB40, Bob Marley and Madness.
Reggae and Ska bands also perform popular covers in a Ska style which is insanely entertaining!
Book your very own Reggae singer and Ska band now by checking out our Ska bands for hire page.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Irish & Ceilidh Band?
The average cost of booking an Irish band is £900.
Prices for Ceilidh bands and Irish singers typically begin at £490 with the high-end prices for Irish acts being around £1200.
Whether you are celebrating St Patricks Day or just looking to have a lively and raucous party, booking an Irish band is one way to guarantee an amazing night.
Irish cover bands will perform lively covers of traditional Irish songs, as well as popular covers in their own style.
Ceilidh bands are slightly different in the way that they encourage crowd participation and dancing. Many Ceilidh bands are also Scottish and Welsh, not just Irish!
Find your very own Irish band and Ceilidh act now by heading to our Irish bands and Ceilidh page.
Choirs, Big Bands & Orchestra Prices
Click a group below to be taken to their cost and pricing guide!
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Choir?
The average cost of booking a choir is typically £200 per singer.
Prices for choirs vary on the size of the act. Smaller line ups include 3 singers and larger choir line ups can be as big as 18 singers.
Gospel choirs and church choirs are special performers.
When performing acapella, these vocal groups and choirs really shine. If you can find a way of including a vocal choir on your wedding day, it is definitely something to consider if you want to create special moments.
Choirs can perform a range of songs and you will hear unique versions of your favourite tracks in ways that you never imagined.
Hire a choir now and see more information by heading to our choirs and singers page.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Drum Group?
The average cost of booking a percussion and drum group is typically £200 per musician.
Prices for drum groups vary on the size of the act. Smaller line ups include 3 drummers and larger percussion group line ups can be as big as 6 musicians.
Big drum groups and percussionist are great for creating a big impression at any awards ceremony, party or corporate event.
These acts can be used as a surprise or to break up sections of your evening in an exciting way. Line ups can vary and many percussion acts have a special twist such as LED costumes or unique instruments, genres and styles.
Book an amazing drum group now by checking out our drum band and percussionist page.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Brass Band?
The average cost of booking a brass band is £900.
Prices for bass bands typically begin at £600 with the high-end prices for brass bands being around £2000.
Brass bands ensembles come in many shapes, sizes and styles!
From Bavarian Oompah brass bands to classical baroque styles and even street style busking brass bands. You can hire whichever brass band style suits you and your event.
Find out more information on how to book a brass band by checking out our brass bands for hire page.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Large Party Covers Band?
The average cost of booking a large party band is £3200.
Prices for big bands of this style typically begin at £1800 with the high-end prices for big bands being around £9500.
These line ups can feature multiple singers and musicians, making for an incredible stage presence.
Go big or go home! Big bands are there to make a big impression and this large style party band archetype is an amazing way to celebrate any occasion.
Book the best big bands by heading to our party bands page.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Orchestra?
The average cost of booking an orchestra is typically £180 per musician.
Prices for orchestras vary on the size of the act. Smaller line ups include around 10 musicians and larger orchestral line ups can be as big as 37 musicians or more.
Orchestras and big bands are some of the most expensive musicians you can hire for an event due to the sizes of the line ups.
The size of an orchestra is reflected in its price and also boasts are larger variety of ensembles and musicians.
Orchestras can be classical or contemporary. Many orchestras will perform contemporary covers in an orchestral style for awards ceremonies and corporate events.
Hire an orchestra now and see the best musicians for hire in the UK by checking out our orchestras for hire page.
For more wedding entertainment ideas and help in booking the perfect acts for your event, visit Warble Entertainment.
Published by Warble Entertainment, where entertainment lives.
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