SeeWedding Questions written by Craig Mitchell of the Funk City Band.

This is part of a series. For more info and other wedding Questions you may not have thought of try these links: 

Wedding Questions 1,  Wedding Questions 2 (this page), Wedding Questions 3,

Wedding Questions 4, Wedding Questions 5, Wedding Questions 6,  

On this page we answer the Questions:

Choosing wedding Entertainment-

How to choose between Multiple Wedding Quotes-

Wedding Magician, Comedian or live band? Which is best?

What Genres of music works best at a wedding?

How long should we hire our entertainment for? 

Choosing Wedding Entertainment: The Stuff People Don’t Always Tell You

There’s a moment when planning a wedding where everything suddenly feels… real. You’ve got quotes in your inbox, options everywhere, and everyone has an opinion. One friend says “get a DJ, it’s cheaper.” Another swears by a live band. Then someone suggests a magician, which you hadn’t even considered five minutes ago. It can feel like too many choices at once. But actually, most of this comes down to a few honest questions: what kind of atmosphere do you want, what matters most to you, and how do you want people to feel on your day?

Because that’s the truth of it. Entertainment isn’t just a box to tick. It shapes the entire energy of your wedding. The way people laugh, dance, mingle… even the memories they take home. Whether you’re browsing a 3-piece band for something intimate or a full 7-piece line-up for a festival feel, the choice you make here quietly defines the whole evening.

So let’s walk through the big questions properly. No fluff. Just real, thoughtful answers that actually help you decide.

How to Choose Between Multiple Wedding Band Quotes

When you receive a few quotes, it’s tempting to line them up and go straight to price. That’s human. But it’s also where people get caught out. Because two function bands might look similar on paper, yet deliver completely different experiences.

Start by asking what’s actually included. Are they providing full sound and lighting? How many musicians are in the line-up? Will they DJ between sets? These details matter more than you’d think. A slightly higher quote might include things you’d otherwise need to source separately.

Then there’s something harder to measure… trust. Watch their videos on the videos and media page. Do people look engaged? Is the dance floor full? Can you picture your guests in that room? It’s not about perfection. It’s about energy. If one party band makes you feel something when you watch them, that’s usually the one.

And finally, communication. If a party or wedding band replies clearly, answers your questions, and feels easy to deal with now… they’ll likely be the same on your wedding day. That peace of mind is worth a lot.

Wedding Magician, Comedian, or Live Band: Which Should We Hire?

This one really comes down to the kind of wedding you’re imagining. Not what’s “better,” just what fits your day.

A magician works brilliantly during drinks receptions. It fills those quieter gaps where guests are arriving, waiting, or just finding their rhythm. It’s subtle, interactive, and gets people talking to each other. It can be a great way to get a group of guest who don’t know each other come together and bond over something together. 

A comedian can be fantastic too, but it’s more specific. You need the right crowd, the right tone, and a space where people are ready to sit and listen. When it works, it’s brilliant. When it doesn’t… it can feel a bit awkward. We have seen a lot of wedding comics and its never normally worked. They are brilliant but you need focus and silence and…well the focus should be on the wedding couple and nobody want to be quiet at a party! 

A live band, though, is different. It’s not just entertainment, it’s momentum. It builds the night. It takes things from polite conversation to a packed dance floor. And once that shift happens, everything changes. People loosen up. They stay longer. They remember it.

That’s why a lot of couples don’t choose one or the other. They combine them. Maybe a magician earlier on, then a band in the evening. Something like a 4-piece band gives you that balance of energy without overwhelming the room.

“Honestly, we nearly went with just a DJ to save money. But the band completely made the night. It felt alive in a way we didn’t expect.”
— Sarah & Tom

What Genre of Music Should Our Wedding Band Play?

This is where it gets personal. Because music isn’t just background noise, it’s emotional. It ties moments together in ways you don’t always realise until later.

Most experienced wedding bands will cover a mix. Pop, indie, Motown, classics… the kind of songs people instantly recognise. That’s important, because a wedding isn’t about one genre, it’s about a shared experience. Your guests will have different tastes, different ages, different expectations.

But you can still shape it. Maybe you lean slightly more indie. Maybe you love soul and funk. Maybe you want those big sing-along anthems at the end of the night. A good band will adapt. They’ll read the room, but also reflect you as a couple.

If you’re unsure, think less about genres and more about moments. What song do you want when the dance floor first fills? What do you want everyone shouting together at midnight? That’s usually where the answer is hiding.

Wedding Questions continued…

How Long Should We Hire a DJ or Band for Our Wedding?

Timing is one of those things that seems small… until the day itself. Then suddenly, it matters a lot.

Typically, a live band will play two sets of around 45–60 minutes. That’s usually enough to build energy, give guests a break, and then bring everyone back for a strong finish. In between, many bands offer a DJ-style playlist, so the music never stops.

A DJ, on the other hand, often runs longer. From first dance through to the end of the night. It’s a smoother, continuous flow.

But here’s the thing people don’t always say: more hours doesn’t always mean better. What matters is pacing. You want peaks and dips. Moments to breathe, and moments to go all in. That’s what keeps people engaged.

If your venue has a sound limiter or strict curfew, it’s worth discussing this early. Some bands are used to working within those limits and can still create an incredible atmosphere without pushing things too far. Also, most weddings offer a Free DJ as well so you can actually cover all of the basis with one option. 

“We didn’t realise how important timing was until the day. The way the sets were spaced just worked. The dance floor was never empty.”
— Emily & James

“The DJ kept things going after the band finished, which meant no one wanted to leave. It just flowed perfectly.”
— Hannah & Luke

At the end of the day, there isn’t one perfect answer to any of these wedding questions. It’s more about what feels right to you. The best weddings aren’t built from ticking boxes… they’re built from choices that reflect who you are.

If you’re still figuring things out, or just want a relaxed chat about options, you can always reach out at info@funkcitypartyband.co.uk  No pressure, just honest advice.  

Ready to Chat?
If you’re having a party you probably want a brilliant band that actually gets the vibe and gets people dancing. This is really important to us. If that sounds good— get in touch. We’d love to be the FUN part of your night. If you have a wedding or event we are local to Bath, Wiltshire, Bristol, Somerset and Reading too although we travel absolutely everywhere. *Except the moon*. When people dance too much in zero gravity they have a tendency to float off which can cause problems with our insurance.

Written by Craig Mitchell Funk City band. 9000+ event rocked since 2004 inc. over 600+ weddings. You’re in very safe hands. 

If you want to see more videos of our band there are loads of the different band options on our YouTube page. Enjoy!

Or Simply call Craig on 07754265836 Fill in the FORM BELOW or email info@funkcitypartyband.co.uk 

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