How to Choose the Right Entertainment for Your Wedding

The Entertainment Makes or Breaks the Party

Ask anyone what they remember most about a wedding. It is not the flowers. It is not the table settings. It is the moment the dance floor went off, or the first dance that made everyone cry, or the surprise act that nobody saw coming.

Your entertainment budget is probably the best money you spend on the entire wedding. It does not need to be huge. It just needs to be right.

Figure Out the Vibe First

Before you start searching for bands or DJs, decide what you want the night to feel like. A vineyard wedding in the countryside has a different energy than a rooftop party in the city. Think about your venue's acoustics, any noise restrictions, the time of day, and who your guests actually are.

Think through the full timeline. Acoustic music for the ceremony, something lighter for cocktails, then the main act for the reception. Each moment needs its own energy.

What It Actually Costs

A solo acoustic performer might be a few hundred euros. A great DJ or cover band runs a few thousand. A well-known artist for a private wedding performance can go well into six figures. Most couples put 5-15% of the total budget toward entertainment.

The quoted fee is not always the full cost. You might need to rent sound equipment if the venue does not have it. Travel and hotels for the performer. Extra time if your reception runs longer than planned. Factor these in early so you are not surprised.

Your Options

Live bands bring energy that recorded music just cannot match. Great for receptions where you want everyone dancing. Find a band that has done weddings before. They know how to read a room and build the energy through the night.

DJs give you the most flexibility. A good DJ can switch genres on the fly, read the crowd, and keep the floor packed for hours. Usually more affordable than a full band too.

Solo or duo acts work beautifully for ceremonies and smaller receptions. A guitarist, pianist, or vocalist sets an elegant tone without overwhelming the space.

A surprise artist is the premium play. If the budget allows it, a performance from a recognized name creates a moment your guests will bring up for years.

Before You Book, Ask These

How many weddings have you done? Can I watch a video from a recent one? Can you learn our first dance song? What gear do you bring vs. what do we provide? What is your plan B if someone gets sick? How many breaks do you take? Can you match our dress code?

Anyone who stumbles on these questions has not done enough weddings to be trusted with yours.