Wedding Entertainment Costs in the UK (2026)
UK wedding entertainment ranges from £500 for a DJ to £3,500+ for a live band. Evening entertainment is a key part of British weddings, with the first dance and live music creating the party atmosphere.
Updated for 2026
Average entertainment cost in United Kingdom
Range: £800 – £3,500
What you’re paying for
DJ
4-5 hours of evening music with PA and lighting
£400 – £1,200
Live band (4-5 piece)
2-3 sets with DJ sets between
£1,500 – £3,500
Ceremony musician
String quartet, harpist, or solo singer
£150 – £500
Photo booth
3 hours with props and prints
£300 – £800
Magician
Table magic during the wedding breakfast
£300 – £700
How to save on entertainment
Book a DJ over a band
A great DJ costs £500-800 vs £2,000-3,500 for a band. Modern DJs can read a room brilliantly.
Skip the ceremony musician
Many venues have a sound system. A curated playlist works perfectly for the ceremony.
Common questions
What time does the evening entertainment start at a UK wedding?
Typically 7:30-8pm, after the wedding breakfast. The first dance usually kicks off the evening party.