For most couples, the evening entertainment is the biggest single decision after the venue and the photographer. And it usually comes down to one question: a wedding singer, or a band?
There's no right answer for everyone. Both can create a brilliant party. The best choice depends on your venue, your guests, the atmosphere you want and how you want the night to flow. Here's an honest comparison.
What we mean by each
- A wedding singer (or vocal entertainer) is one performer singing live over high-quality backing tracks. Many also play guitar or keyboard, and most can provide DJ music between sets.
- A duo or trio sits in between, with two or three performers, often a mix of live instruments and vocals. Acts like Becky & Josh, Scandal and Seventh Heaven fit here.
- A function band is usually four or more musicians playing live: vocals, guitar, bass, drums and sometimes keys and brass. Fresh Grooves and The Pedal Tones are examples.
Sound and atmosphere
A live band has a physical energy that's hard to beat. Live drums and bass fill a room, and there's a sense of occasion when a band strikes up.
A good singer can create a superb atmosphere too, especially in a smaller room. With backing tracks they can cover a huge range of styles, from Motown to modern pop, with a full sound.
Choose a band if you want a "concert" feel and have a large room and a crowd who love to dance. Choose a singer if you want a warm, personal atmosphere, especially in a more intimate venue.
Space and venue
This is often the deciding factor.
- A band needs a decent performance area, several power sockets and time to set up and sound check.
- A solo singer needs a small corner and usually one or two sockets.
Many wedding venues, particularly barns, hotels and historic houses, have sound limiters. Live drums are harder to control at low volumes than backing tracks, so if your venue has a strict limit, a singer or acoustic act can be the safer choice. Always ask your venue.
Repertoire and flexibility
Singers can draw on a huge library of backing tracks, so they can often take requests on the night and switch genre quickly if the dance floor needs it.
Bands have a rehearsed set. It's usually broad and well-tested, but less flexible on the night. Most bands will learn a first dance with notice.
Set-up and timings
Wedding days often involve turning the room around after the meal. A singer can usually set up quickly and quietly. A band needs longer, so you may need to plan the room turnaround so they have time to set up and sound check before guests come back in.
Budget
Every performer needs paying, so a band with more musicians generally costs more than a solo singer. If budget is a consideration, a singer or duo can deliver a great night for less, or free up money for something else, like a photo booth. We quote every event individually, so ask us for options at different sizes.
Guest mix
- Lots of keen dancers and a big guest list? A band will thrive.
- Wide age range, including older guests who prefer to chat? A singer who can adjust the volume and style may suit better.
- A mix? Some couples book a singer for the drinks reception and meal, and a band for the evening.
The best of both
You don't have to choose just one. Popular combinations include:
- An acoustic singer for the ceremony and drinks reception, then a band for the evening
- A vocal entertainer who also DJs, for a seamless night from start to finish
- A band followed by a DJ set to finish the night
Questions to ask either option
- Can we see a live video?
- How long are the sets, and do you play music in the breaks?
- Will you learn our first dance?
- How much space and power do you need?
- Can you work within our venue's sound limit?
We've put together a longer list of questions to ask before booking entertainment.
A quick comparison
- Sound: band – big, live, physical; singer – full and polished, easier to control.
- Space: band – needs a proper performance area; singer – fits almost anywhere.
- Sound limiters: band – can be challenging; singer – easier to manage.
- Flexibility on the night: band – rehearsed set; singer – can switch tracks quickly.
- Set-up time: band – longer; singer – quick.
- Budget: band – generally higher; singer – generally lower.
Real-world scenarios
A barn wedding with 120 guests and a sound limiter. A vocal entertainer or an acoustic duo is often the best fit. They can deliver an upbeat party within the limit.
A hotel ballroom with 200 guests who love to dance. A function band will feel right at home.
A small, relaxed wedding in a restaurant or pub. An acoustic singer or duo creates a lovely atmosphere without overpowering the room.
A wedding with a strong theme. A tribute act or themed duo might suit best – ABBA, Motown or a 1920s act.
Our advice
Visit your venue with the question in mind. Look at the space, ask about sound limits and think about your guests. If you're still unsure, tell us about your day and we'll suggest options. Browse wedding singers and bands, or see our wedding entertainment in Yorkshire page.
Ready to find your act?
Flair Entertainments has been booking entertainers for clients across the UK since 1984. Send us your date, venue and the kind of night you want and we’ll come back with acts that suit.
