Episode 22 - Booking the right wedding band
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Episode Summary
Booking wedding entertainment is one of the biggest decisions of your day — and one of the least understood. On this episode of The Secret Society of Brides, the UK wedding podcast lifting the veil on wedding planning, Georgie is joined again by Dan, owner of one of the UK's most in-demand wedding bands, The Function Band, for an honest and very funny look at how wedding music really works behind the scenes.
Together they break down everything couples need to get right when booking a wedding band: the playlists you actually need to build (there are more than you think), how to decode venue sound limiters before they ruin your evening, why speech timings matter more than you realise, and what band riders really involve — including why feeding your suppliers is non-negotiable. Dan also shares the jaw-dropping story of the open-bar mistake that cost one couple £50,000.
Whether you're comparing quotes, trying to understand what's included in a wedding band's price, or just want your evening reception to actually go off, this episode is packed with practical, insider advice for planning wedding entertainment in the UK.
Key Takeaways
You need more playlists than you think — ceremony, drinks reception, dinner and dancefloor all do different jobs
Ask your venue about sound limiters BEFORE booking your band; they can dramatically change how live music performs
Speech timings have a knock-on effect for your whole evening — build in buffer time
Band riders aren't diva demands; feeding and looking after your suppliers keeps your day running smoothly
Always be crystal clear on what your bar package includes — one couple's open-bar assumption cost them £50,000
A good band does far more than play songs; they read the room and manage the energy of your whole evening
Episode FAQs
How much does a wedding band cost in the UK?
Prices vary widely depending on band size, experience and travel, which is why understanding exactly what's included in a quote matters more than the headline figure. Georgie and Dan break down what you're really paying for in this episode.
What is a venue sound limiter and will it affect my wedding band?
A sound limiter cuts power or triggers alarms when volume exceeds a set level, and it can seriously affect how a live band performs. Always ask your venue about limiters before booking entertainment. Remember, it is the total volume (the band plus cheering from guests).
Do I need to feed my wedding band and suppliers?
Yes — suppliers working long hours at your wedding need a proper meal, and it's usually written into their contracts. It's also simply the right thing to do for the people making your day happen.
How many playlists do I need for my wedding?
More than one: think ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast and evening dancefloor. Each part of the day needs a different energy, and Dan explains how to build them all.
When should speeches happen at a wedding?
There's no single right answer, but timings have a knock-on effect on food service and evening entertainment — plan them with your venue, caterer and band together so nothing gets squeezed.