Planning the perfect wedding means making decision after decision.

One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is which wedding musicians you should book for your big day.

Your choice of musicians throughout the day will set the tone for your wedding and provide a focal point for bringing people together throughout the day.

So how far in advance should you be booking your wedding musicians?

Our honest answer is as soon as possible! We usually recommend booking your wedding musicians 12 to 18 months before your big day as this will give you the most choice across a variety of bands, DJs, singers, and musical artists.

Whether it’s a live band, a DJ, or any other form of musical performance, booking your wedding entertainment in advance is crucial to ensuring a smooth and unforgettable experience.

Here’s our advice for booking your wedding musicians in advance.

Popular wedding dates and peak seasons

When it comes to wedding planning, popular dates and peak seasons can have a significant impact on the availability of wedding entertainers.

Summer weekends, especially between May and September, are usually the busiest times for weddings.

Similarly, holidays and long weekends are highly sought after by couples tying the knot. If you have your heart set on a specific date or season, start looking for wedding entertainment at least 12 to 18 months in advance to secure your preferred choice.

Once a wedding musician is booked, it’s rare that they’ll become unbooked.

Booking your wedding entertainment well ahead of time ensures you have a higher chance of securing your preferred performers, as they’re likely to have their calendars filled up quickly during peak wedding seasons. By planning early, you can avoid disappointment and ensure that your wedding day is accompanied by the entertainment you desire.

Musique Top Tip

We always recommend booking everything there’s only one of you for your wedding ASAP.

In other words, if you want a particular band, book them now because don’t know who else will book them. The same goes for your venue, photographer, videographer, and celebrant. Other stuff can be done later because companies will have the capacity to do multiple bookings in one day (such as venue dressing).

Availability of wedding musicians

Wedding entertainers often have busy schedules and limited availability. The best and most reputable entertainers are in high demand, and their calendars fill up quickly (some two or three years in advance).

To ensure you can book your preferred wedding entertainment, we recommend starting your search as soon as you’ve confirmed your wedding date.

If you’re someone who likes to do your research before committing, start as early as you can. Planning two years out from your wedding date will allow you to explore various options, attend live performances, and interact with potential entertainers before making a final decision.

Moreover, if you have a specific entertainer in mind, booking well in advance gives you a better chance of securing their services before someone else does.

Researching and shortlisting

Researching wedding entertainers is an essential part of the process. You’ll want to find performers who match your style, genre preferences, and overall ambience you want to create for your special day.

You can take a look at Musique’s full lineup of wedding musicians here.

Once you have a list of potential candidates, narrow it down by attending showcase events (like our recent Shirefest event) watching live performances, checking out their online presence (websites, social media, and videos), and reading client reviews.

This research process can take a considerable amount of time, so starting early will give you the opportunity to thoroughly vet your options and make an informed decision.

Contracts and booking process

After you’ve found the perfect wedding entertainment for your big day, it’s crucial to secure them with a signed contract.

Professional entertainers will have terms and conditions, including deposit requirements, cancellation policies, and performance details.

By booking early, you’ll have ample time to review the contracts, negotiate terms if necessary, and ensure everything aligns with your expectations.

Carefully review the contract’s terms and conditions before signing. This includes details such as the performance duration, the number of breaks, any additional equipment or setup requirements, and the fees involved.

By finalising the booking well in advance, you can address any concerns or negotiate changes with the entertainer, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process leading up to your wedding and on the day itself.

If you want to find out more about Musique’s booking terms just get in touch.  

Tailoring your entertainment experience

Booking your wedding entertainment 12 – 18 months in advance allows you to collaborate with the performers and personalise your experience.

You can discuss special song requests, first dance options, and any other unique elements you want to incorporate into your entertainment. Our wedding musicians are always happy to take song requests from the bride and groom. They’ll even learn songs for special moments like your first dance. The longer you can give them to practice, the more special they’ll be able to make the moment on the day.

By having early conversations with your chosen entertainers, you can discuss your vision for the day, share your preferred playlists, and express any specific requirements or themes you have in mind.

This collaborative approach ensures that the entertainment aligns perfectly with your wedding style and helps create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

Reducing stress and last-minute surprises

One of the most significant advantages of booking your wedding entertainment early is reducing stress and eliminating last-minute surprises.

Wedding planning can be overwhelming, and leaving entertainment as a last-minute task can add unnecessary pressure. By securing your entertainment early, you can focus on other aspects of your wedding planning, knowing that this crucial component is taken care of.

Having your entertainment locked in early allows you to breathe easier and enjoy the planning process without the stress of wondering if you’ll find the perfect entertainers in time.

Summary

Wedding musicians play a vital role in setting the mood, creating memories, and ensuring a joyful celebration for you and your guests.

By booking your wedding entertainment well in advance, you can secure the best performers, tailor the experience to your preferences, and eliminate unnecessary stress as your big day approaches.

Remember, popular dates and peak seasons fill up quickly, so starting your search at least 12 to 18 months ahead of time is highly recommended.

So, mark your calendars, do your research, and get ready to dance the night away with the perfect wedding entertainment!

If you want to find out more about Musique’s exclusive collection of wedding musicians, make an enquiry today.