Wedding Bands in The Borders

It comes down mainly to budget and space. Bigger bands cost more and take up more room, and if the band sets up on the dance floor, there’s less space for dancing. Your venue can advise on space, and we can tell you what bands have found works in most of Scotland’s popular venues. Call Gaye or Lisa on 0141 413 4060.

You pay the same fee, because we don’t add a markup. On top of that, you get a written contract, a team checking your booking right up to your wedding week, your money held until the band checks in, an emergency line on the day, and an agency bound by The Entertainment Agents’ Association’s code of conduct.

Most bands dress smart-casual, and ties are rare because it gets very hot on stage. If you’d like a particular dress code, let us know and we’ll arrange it with the band.

It’s always appreciated. A band’s wedding day often starts around 4pm and ends back home around 3am. Including the band in your buffet numbers, or providing sandwiches during their break and soft drinks through the evening, makes for a happy band, and happy bands play brilliant nights.

Yes. If you have second thoughts within 14 days of paying your reservation fee, you’ll get a full refund. No questions, and no awkward phone call.

It’s rare, but if it happens we’ll tell you straight away and suggest alternatives. If the line-up changes significantly or the band splits, you can cancel and receive a full refund of your reservation fee. If a musician is ill, the band can use a qualified stand-in (a ‘dep’) so your booking still goes ahead.

Every booking is contracted in writing, and bands can only cancel for serious illness or reasons entirely outside their control. We check your booking throughout, right up to your wedding week, so problems are spotted early. On the day, our emergency WhatsApp line, 07822 013 449, is always manned. No agency can promise to cover every eventuality, but since 1999 we have never left a wedding or event without entertainment.

Every band has video and audio on its page, and every band has been seen live by one of our agents, so what you see is what you’ll get. Some bands play public events too: email Lisa and she’ll let you know what’s coming up.

Every band on our roster brings its own professional PA system. Many also play background music between sets, and some include stage lighting. Everything that’s included is set out in your quote before you agree to anything.

No. Fully live bands produce everything you hear on stage, usually with four or five musicians and sometimes a brass section. Semi-live acts, including most duos, use some backing tracks, making them quicker to set up, lighter on space and usually less expensive. Any good band should keep your guests dancing, whichever you choose.

Most experienced wedding bands in Scotland cost between £900 and £3,500. Bands with more musicians usually cost more, although some very popular smaller bands charge similar fees to larger ones. Your date, venue location and extras such as a DJ set also affect the price. Your quote is worked out for your date and venue, so you’ll know the real cost before you commit.

Check with your venue first. A sound limiter cuts power to the stage when the volume passes a set level, and the band can’t be held responsible for any disruption it causes. Some bands won’t play venues with limiters, and bands with live drums find very low limits hardest. Tell us your venue and we’ll recommend bands that suit. Our sound limiter guide has more detail.

Many of our bands will learn your first dance with enough notice. Mention your song when you enquire and we’ll tell you which bands can perform it.

Tell the band your favourite songs and your first dance, then let them read the room. With guests from 8 to 80, experienced bands know what fills a dance floor and when to change direction. We’d also suggest not sending a long list of songs you don’t want: crowd favourites are popular for a reason.

Most good Scottish wedding bands include a few ceilidh dances in their normal set. If you want an extended ceilidh, check first, because some bands bring in extra musicians at extra cost. A few bands are equally strong at pop and ceilidh; they’re in high demand and book up early. Ask Gaye for recommendations.

Most bands need around an hour, and smaller acts can be ready in 40 to 45 minutes. If the band is playing in the room where you’re eating, it will usually need to be clear by 7pm for an 8pm start. If access is awkward, ask your ushers to help carry equipment in: it speeds things up and the band will thank you for it.

The standard in Scotland is 8pm to midnight, with a 30 to 35-minute break during the buffet while the band plays a recorded playlist at lower volume. Bands are booked between set times rather than for a number of hours, so if they can’t get into the room on time, they aren’t obliged to play past midnight. If you’d like a later finish, agree it when you book.

For Saturdays between May and September, book 12 to 18 months ahead if you can, especially for popular venues and the most in-demand bands. Winter, Friday and Sunday dates usually have more availability, and if your wedding is sooner it’s always worth asking: we often have availability at shorter notice than couples expect.

The price ranges in our search filters are the band’s fee including travel. When you enquire, your quote is calculated for your venue’s region. In some cases, Argyllshire for instance, additional costs for ferries or overnight accommodation may be added.