Yorkshire Wedding Bands
Tips for Having a Live Band at Your Wedding
A Guide from a Yorkshire Wedding Photographer
Yorkshire wedding bands are awesome!…When it comes to creating unforgettable memories on your wedding day, live music at your wedding is one of the best decisions you can make. As a Yorkshire wedding photographer capturing celebrations across the UK for over 12 years, I’ve seen firsthand how wedding bands in Yorkshire elevate the energy and bring everyone together—from the flower girl to your great aunt. There’s something magical about a live band that a playlist just can’t match.
Here’s my guide on how to get the most out of having a live band at your wedding, with insider tips to help you plan the perfect party atmosphere.
Yorkshire Wedding Bands
Why Choose a Live Band?
There’s a real buzz that comes with having live music at your wedding. A DJ can play the hits, sure, but a live band brings a unique vibe—an energy that’s infectious. The chemistry between band members, the way they interact with your guests, and how they can tailor songs to the moment—it all creates something special.
In my experience (and I’ve photographed hundreds of weddings across Yorkshire and beyond), bands bring people of all ages together. One moment you’ll see the couple’s uni mates crowd-surfing to Arctic Monkeys, the next, Grandma’s clapping along to Motown classics. It’s joy in its purest form.
Plus, bands often perform in two sets—typically the first set kicks off around 8:00pm until 9:15pm, followed by a short break and a second set from 9:30pm until about 10:45pm (timings vary depending on your day). That break is great for grabbing a drink, cutting the cake, or sneaking in a golden hour photo!
Yorkshire Wedding Bands how do i find one?
Finding the Perfect Wedding Band
Start by asking around—friends, family, even your photographer (hello). Word of mouth is a powerful tool when it comes to wedding bands. If someone had a banging party at their wedding, chances are they’ll be more than happy to share the band’s name.
Next, jump on social media. Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are goldmines for discovering wedding bands . Many bands post clips from real weddings, so you can get a taste of their sound and style. Make sure to also search phrases like “Yorkshire wedding bands” or “live music at weddings” on Google… kind of like how you found me—nice one!
When you’re narrowing down options, consider:
- Do they play your favorite styles or genres?
- Do they offer flexible set lists?
- Do they provide their own sound equipment and lighting?
- Have they played at your venue before?
Most importantly—watch their videos. Do they look fun? Are guests up and dancing? Can you see your crowd having a blast with them?
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Planning the Evening Vibe
Once you’ve booked your band, have a chat about how to fit them into the flow of your day. As mentioned earlier, most bands play two sets—this helps keep the energy levels high and gives guests time to refresh their drinks or grab a slice of cake in between.
Here’s a popular timeline I’ve seen work well:
- 7:30pm – Evening guests arrive
- 8:00pm–9:15pm – First live set
- 9:15pm–9:30pm – Break (perfect for cake cutting or sparkler shots!)
- 9:30pm–10:45pm – Second live set
- 10:45pm onwards – DJ set or playlist to round off the night
Let your band know about any special requests—like a first dance song or family tradition you want to incorporate. Most are more than happy to learn a custom song or add personal touches.
And just a note: if you’re worried about noise levels or curfews, check with your venue early on to avoid last-minute stress.
Creating an Epic Dance Floor Moment
This is my favourite part of the night. The drinks are flowing, the speeches are done, and you’ll usually find me on the dance floor in the thick of it—camera in one hand, fist-pumping with the other. There’s nothing quite like photographing those wild, carefree dance moves under colourful lights with the band rocking out behind.
If you want your guests to dive into the party mood, here are some quick tips:
- Set the tone with a great first dance—get your wedding party to join halfway through and kickstart the energy.
- Add a “dance floor dress code”—nothing serious, just a heads-up that heels might get ditched and the ties will loosen.
- Let the band know any must-play songs that are meaningful to your group—inside jokes, college anthems, guilty pleasures, the works!
Remember, a great wedding band doesn’t just play music—they create a moment. And when you look back on your photos, you’ll be so glad you went all in.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a wedding in Yorkshire (or anywhere in the UK), choosing a live band is one of the best investments you can make in the vibe of your day. There are some truly amazing bands in Yorkshire, covering every genre imaginable, from classic rock and indie to soul, funk, and full-blown party pop.
Live music adds soul, spark, and spontaneity. It brings people together and gives your guests an experience they’ll talk about long after the last encore. Whether you’re a music lover or just want to see your nan dance to “Mr. Brightside,” a band is the way to go.
So if you’re still searching, don’t overthink it. Ask around, scroll Instagram, search “Yorkshire wedding bands” on Google—just like you did to find me. And when the evening comes, I’ll see you on the dance floor, camera in hand, capturing every wild, joyful moment.
Let’s make it a night to remember
Get in touch, and let’s make some magic.
