FAQs

Bands For Hire

• What are bands for hire?

  Bands for hire are most commonly a group of full-time, professional musicians who’ve formed a live band exclusively for the private function market. Private functions include wedding, parties and corporate events amongst others. These bands usually work fully self-contained providing all their lighting and sound equipment for any type of show at any type of event.

• How far in advance should you book a band for hire?

  In order to book the band you want, we suggest you should look at booking no later than 6 months before your event and ideally 8 months to a year in advance. Popular bands for hire can be fully booked up a year and sometimes even two years in advance, especially during the peak summer months.

• What support and security do you offer with your bands for hire?

  All our bookings are covered by a robust, legally binding and regularly updated booking contract that offers covid cover and protection for both you and the band you hire. We also supply 24/7 emergency phone numbers and are open and available via phone, text, email and live chat 7 days a week 10 am to 10 am. We also have a dedicated T&C’s page and more detailed FAQ’s page to answer most questions you may have.

• Should I watch a band for hire before booking?

  Moat bands for hire are private function bands only meaning its very unlikely that you can watch them live before booking. However, if you do have the opportunity we would always recommend you watch any band perform that you are thinking of hiring. Most bands for hire have detailed and extensive promotional material meaning you can see exactly what kind of band you are booking from the comfort of your own home.

• Do bands for hire need food and refreshments at my event?

  In most cases, you will need to supply the band you hire with a hot meal and soft drinks for the duration of their stay with you. Your booking contract should explain your obligations but it is generally accepted industry-wise that any band for hire that stays with you for more than 4 hours will need a hot meal and soft drinks.

• What music do bands for hire perform?

  Bands for hire perform every genre of music. Pop, folk, indie, rock, jazz. funk, soul, Motown, blues and jive are just some of the styles covered by modern bands for hire. Some acts cover all genres and eras and others will only cover very specific genres and eras so you have the maximum choice. Some websites like ours design bespoke bands for hire for clients wanting something very specific and unique.

• Is a band for hire suitable for my event?

  If you are wanting top quality live musical entertainment, hiring a band is one of the best acts you can book. Bands for hire come in all shapes and sizes and can perform quietly or louder to suit your event. Some bands can roam around events also.

• How much space does a band for hire need to perform?

  Bands for hire usually bring all equipment needed to perform for you so need a decent amount of space to perform. A stage is always a bonus but not essential for a band to perform too. The more space you can offer a band the better but generally 3 piece wedding bands need 3×3 metres of space, 4 piece wedding bands 4×3 metres, 5 to 6 piece wedding bands 5×3 metres and 7 piece bands or bigger need in excess of 6 to 7×4 metres of performance space.

• How long does it take a band for hire to load in, set up, sound check and pack down?

  With no delays, distractions or obstructions, bands for hire usually need 60-90 minutes to load in, set up, sound check and be ready to perform at your event. If needed, some bands can load in, set up and complete a minimal sound check in 30-40 minutes. Pack down generally takes 40-60 minutes but again can be rushed if needs be.

• What do bands for hire provide?

  Bands for hire are usually fully self-contained meaning they can supply PA sound system, lighting, musical equipment, appropriate clothing for your event, background music or DJ equipment if needed. Always check with any band you are looking at hiring that they can supply.

• Can I choose which songs a band for hire performs?

  Most bands for hire are happy to try and incorporate or at least discuss songs you would like them to perform. Being professional musicians, they will always use their considerable experience and expertise to help design the perfect setlist which combines your song choices and songs they know will entertain you and your guests during your event.

• How loud are bands for hire?

  Bands for hire vary in volume due to their line up, size and whether they are purely acoustic or fully electric acts. Professional bands for hire can adjust their volume within certain limits to suit any venue and any event. As a guide, most bands for hire perform within the 90db to 120db range. 120db is the equivalent of having to talk very loudly into someone’s ear to be heard whilst watching a live band perform.

• Can bands for hire perform in a venue with a sound limiter?

  If a sound limiter is set at 95db or higher, professional bands for hire will be able to perform at an acceptable level. Any limit set at below 95db will seriously hamper any bands performance, limiting what they can offer you and your guests and it is best to avoid live music venues that have such restrictive sound limiters. Always make any band you are thinking of hiring aware of any sound restrictions your venue has so they can assess if they can perform to an acceptable standard for you.

• Can I speak to or meet a band for hire?

  Most bands for hire are purely private function bands so unless you arrange something specific with them or their representatives, you can’t speak to or meet a band before booking them. However, at Seventh Second you can speak with the musicians as soon as you get in contact.

• Do your bands for hire have PAT and PLI certificates?

  All acts at Seventh Second come fully insured and protected with up to date and comprehensive PLI and PAT certificates. Please ask for more details.

• Is it safe to book a band online?

  Hiring a band online is one of the safest ways to book a band if you book with a reliable, reputable and established website that offers comprehensive legally binding contracts and other guarantees when booking. If a band has great promotional material, good reviews, fair pricing and seems professional you should feel safe booking them through an established, expert website.

• How do I book a band for hire near me?

  There are many ways to book a band in your area but one of the safest and most popular ways is to book a band online either directly or through their representative. Any form of band for hire including live wedding bands, party acts and corporate bands can be booked online safely and securely and good wedding entertainment websites advertise bands that can travel to you or are based nearby so you can compare prices and options and pick the best band for you. Sometimes, booking a band based further away from your venue can actually cost less than booking a band that’s based near by.

• How much do bands for hire cost?

  Prices for bands for hire vary wildly due to band size, expenses costs, their website/representatives commission rates, off-peak and peak booking periods and booking options and requirements you may have. Wedding and corporate bands are usually the more expensive types of bands for hire and broadly speaking a professional three-piece band will cost between £600 and £900,  a 4 piece between £800 to £2000 and 5 piece bands or larger can start from £1000 and go right up to £8000 or more. As a guide, the overall average price for a band for hire in 2020 is £1498.

• Do your bands for hire offer covid cover?

  Yes, all our live bands offer comprehensive covid cover which you can learn more about here.

General

• What if I have a complaint?

  Although thankfully very rare, we have a very efficient system to ensure any complaints are looked after sensitively and thoroughly. If you have a serious complaint, you can discuss it with your booking agent who will formally put the complaint to the act. We usually do this in writing so that all issues are clear and accountable. They will mediate with the act and obtain their side of the story and this will also be put to you in writing. If the acts response and any offer of compensation are not to your satisfaction, your agent will continue to liaise between both parties until a satisfactory outcome can be agreed. If neither party can agree on a satisfactory resolution to the complaint, you will be fully entitled to take legal action against the act directly (most are represented by the Musicians Union) and your solicitor will be able to offer much more detailed legal advice than we are qualified to. If after investigation we feel an act has caused unnecessary and unavoidable inconvenience or distress to a customer, or should they not cooperate fully with a complaint procedure, we will remove them immediately from our web site. If you have a complaint about Seventh Second or your booking agent, this can be made directly to us.

• I’ve seen a local act but want to know the risks of booking outside an agency?

  Although it may be tempting to book a local act there are several good reasons why it’s dangerous to your event and a false economy.

  1. If you book any act directly, you have no real cover if anything goes wrong. If you don’t know the act already they’ll have no loyalty to you and no concerns about ruining their reputation by letting you down, as chances are there will be no way for you to damage their reputation. The biggest danger with booking an act direct, is them getting a better offer and pulling out of your event. They can’t do that when contracted via an agency. When booking through Seventh Second you are covered by a contract, the acts loyalty to us and the help of a professional, reputable organisation to sort out a replacement in the event of an emergency. We do care about our reputation and we won’t let you down.

  2. A local act has no one to answer to but themselves, so quality control, behaviour, song choices, appearance, equipment quality are all totally ungoverned and unmonitored. With Seventh Second, acts have to first pass our strict application guidelines and then answer to us with every bit of feedback we receive from previous clients. This ensures you’ll get a reliable act and no nasty surprises.

  3. Cheap local acts are likely to sound cheap. Professional function bands, entertainment and event services should have much better quality gear including PA systems, lighting, instruments and of course, better performance ability. Chances are you’re looking for live entertainment for an important event? Chances are you wouldn’t book the local chip shop owner to run the catering for your event? Why cut corners with the music and entertainment? You will notice the difference; you will wish you’d booked a quality act. Professional entertainment provides a totally different service to the acts who busk down the pub on a Thursday night.

  4. If you pay a deposit to a local act and they split up, disappear or stop returning your calls, where are you going to go for help? You’ll end up coming to Seventh Second anyway and you’ll need to pay a deposit all over again. Book with us in the first place and you’ll have security and no danger of being messed around.

• How do you select your acts and ensure quality?

  In many cases, we personally know the artists we represent and have done for years. However, every artist must pass through our application system. 95% of applications are rejected. Our detailed artist application form must be completed in full. We initially look for a good quality demo CD and promotional materials (including video), plus evidence of work at a professional level. We then interview each artist over the phone and gather further background information to satisfy ourselves that they are a professional act and will represent our agency well. If their application gets this far we then look for references from previous customers, gather feedback and pass their application over to the final stage with our MD.

  In many cases, we will either go to see the band live or invite them to an audition at rehearsal rooms local to us. We have personally seen the majority of our most highly ranked artists. Subject to approval in this final stage, artists are accepted on a trial basis where they must prove themselves reliable, efficient and professional in their interactions with us and customers. Artists who do not meet the standards required will be deactivated. We ask for event feedback from every Seventh Second customer and this detailed feedback about artist performance, attitude and behaviour is monitored by our team. Any negative comments, even minor gripes, are followed up with the artist and if comments are not taken on board and improved upon, the artist will be deactivated. It is not worth our reputation to work with artists who let the side down.

• How do I amend a booking?

  Simply speak to or email you us and we will arrange any changes to your booking. In some circumstances, EG: requesting the artist perform for longer or arrive earlier, additional costs may be incurred. It’s important that any amendments are reflected on your contract and this can only happen by Seventh Second re-issuing it (we don’t charge a fee for this). Do not agree with any amendments with the artist themselves otherwise they will not be covered by your old contract and there is a possibility amendment will be forgotten.

• What payment methods do you accept?

  We accept bank transfer, internet transfer and cheque. In some cases, you can pay the remaining balance to the band direct but all deposits must be paid to Seventh Second.

• What are the benefits of booking live entertainment through Seventh Second?

  1. Expert advice and guidance to ensure you’ll get exactly the right entertainment for you and that nothing goes wrong.

  2. Fast efficient service ensures your questions are answered promptly and you always get as much help as you need, even after you’ve booked.

  3. Safe, secure booking contracts ensure you won’t get messed around and the performance on the day exactly matches what you asked for.

  4. 24-hour emergency service to ensure if the worst happens, someone is on hand to put things right.

  5. Excellent value for money. We don’t allow artists to charge you more money just because they think they can get it. All artists’ fees are bespoke and the best deal the band or act can offer.

  6. Established, reputable business – we plan to be around for a long time and won’t be disappearing as soon as we’ve got your deposit. Your booking is in safe hands.

  7. High-quality artists – each act is either known by us for years already or vetted by us before we work with them. Each act is continually monitored to ensure quality and anyone who falls below par is removed from our web site.

  8. Reliable artists – they have too much to lose by messing us around. They are all professional, ethical and have numerous references from previous clients to put your mind at rest.

  9. Simple, efficient booking system – be rest assured that the service we provide is foolproof, accurate and efficient to ensure a stress-free event.

  10. Easy to use – every step from enquiry to booking process is easy. No jargon, no stress, no hassles. Give us a try and see how easy and fun it is to book amazing live entertainment!

• Why is Seventh Second different to the other entertainment agencies that I’ve seen online?

  Seventh Second- we’re all about fun! We admit, we’re fun junkies! We’re all about the celebration, that special day, that perfect moment for you and your friends, family or colleagues. The meaning behind our name even symbolises a very poignant time in our lives too. We all desire a day which we’ll always remember, always look back at fondly and which makes us smile when we’re maybe not having the best of days and here at Seventh Second we’re bringing talented people together who help make those days unique. We’ve taken our years of performing experience and excellent connections to create this agency and over the years with our colleagues and friends entertaining you, we’ve got it pretty much sorted.

  We will never have the biggest roster because we don’t feel bombarding you with too many options to think clearly helps you. Instead, we get to know our acts with many of them being friends of ours for years. This gives us peace of mind when recommending them to you as we know they won’t let us or more importantly you down. It also guarantees you a great quality act at a price they won’t offer anywhere else because as we all know, creating that amazing party, wedding, birthday or any other celebration can put a serious dent in the wallet. You will notice we don’t list a full price list either and that’s for one simple reason- we make bespoke prices just for. A unique, unbeatable price that we doubt you can refuse. Check the base rate for any function band, other act or event service on their individual page and then enquire about them to get your unique price!

  Many entertainment and function band websites are confusing and crammed with way too much information so here at Seventh Second, we try to keep it clean and simple. Dealing with day to day life plus organising an event is complicated enough without our website scrambling your brain! Therefore, we hope you can navigate swiftly and peruse our function bands, entertainers and event services effortlessly and we certainly hope every page delivers all that crucial information. However, if you ever need clarification or just want every bit of info we can muster for you, we will happily send it to you if you can’t find it here.

  Rest assured that the service we provide is the best to ensure you get exactly what’s right for you. Our enquiry and booking system kept simple and effective, with all customer correspondence, invoicing, contracts and notes organised our database system. All your requirements are noted, all requests accounted for, all emails and phone conversations compiled into one central hub so even if your appointed entertainment coordinator is out of the office, another member of staff can help without you having to repeat everything all over again. Because we can account for everything we do instantly, you can are emergency service which is permanently manned by three members of staff to ensure we are always available. We don’t just book entertainment and forget about it. We discuss your requirements in detail to ensure we fully understand your event and what you want from your entertainment. We explain in detail the differences between each artist you’re interested in and make recommendations for any we feel might be more suitable. We look in detail at timing and logistics to ensure absolutely nothing can go wrong and that you are fully informed as to exactly what you’ll get. We don’t pressure sell, we don’t try to push you to spend more money than your budget allows. We are an essential part of the entertainment booking process and our expert staff 24 hourWe also operate a foolproof, accurate and efficient. Booking with Seventh Second is the best way to ensure a fun, easy, stress-free event. We are a completely professional, ethical organisation. We do not operate a ‘get what we can’ pricing policy and our commission rates are set at a fixed percentage no matter how much money you have to spend. This ensures that the majority of the money you spend is going towards a quality live band and not the bosses next holiday. We also won’t book a band for you and then send you someone completely different. There are a lot of rogue traders out there who hide behind a reasonable looking web site. You’ll know who they are because they either don’t advertise their contact address or they don’t show any details of who’s behind their company

• What is a ‘Rider’ and do I need to provide anything else for the act?

  A rider is a list of contractual band requirements while they perform at your event. They include:

  Somewhere to change comfortably would be appreciated and it helps if there are a mirror, electricity supply and comfortable chairs. Toilets are an absolute last resort. Ideally, the changing room should be secure so that the band can leave their day clothes and bags in there. This can also double up as a quiet space to go between performances. If no changing room is available, please let the band know in advance.

  For afternoon musicians and entertainers, soft drinks, water, tea and coffee are usually fine. For the majority of party bands and evening entertainers, you will need to provide food and refreshments. This is referred to in your contract. In the case of most evening bands, the duration of their time away from home is approximately 12 – 16 hours, running from the time they leave home until the time they get home. Because of this, it’s important that they get a good meal, so hot food or access to a good quality buffet is always much appreciated. Sandwiches or a plate of chips is not ideal as this is likely to be what they ate for lunch on the way to your event and can hardly be expected to keep them going for another 6 hours. If for some reason it is impossible to cater to the band at your venue, let them know well in advance. Please ensure your hotel or catering staff are aware that the band needs to be catered for and that ideally their food should be provided immediately after their first performance. If the band are to help themselves to the buffet, it is also helpful if your caterers can plate this up separately so the band don’t have to queue for so long that they don’t have time to eat before their second set. Please also ensure that bar staff know soft drinks and tea/coffee are free for the band (or make arrangements for plenty to be provided in the bands changing room.) You DO NOT have to provide alcohol for the band; although a complimentary beer after they’ve finished sound check is likely to be much appreciated.

• How long does the band/act take to set up and how much space will they need?

  If the band has good access to your venue (EG: no lifts or stairs, no more than 100ft to wheel their equipment) they should be able to load in, set up and sound check within 90 minutes maximum. Many bands can do this in 60 minutes. If your event is running late and you’ve arranged for the band to set up after speeches, they will still need the same amount of time to set up. This allocated to set up and sound check time is vital for the band to properly connect their equipment and get a good sound. Allow an absolute minimum of 1 meter across per person, but ideally 1.5 meters across per person. Allow 2 square meters for a drummer. EG: A 4 piece band with drummer, bassist, guitarist and vocalist will need an absolute minimum of 3 meters wide by 3 meters deep.

• Can I pick which songs a band will play?

  Most bands prefer that you select the songs from their playlist which you definitely do and don’t want, then leave them to structure your choices into a workable order. They will need to consider many variables in order to ensure their sets flow well and the singer will probably want to avoid having certain songs side by side. Feel free to make an input but let the band bring their considerable experience to bear when finalising the actual playlist for the evening.

• Will a band learn a first dance request?

  In most cases, if the band offers this service it will be noted as a booking option on their profile page. If you are unsure please ask your agent. In many cases, if the song is not something the band feel they would perform again, they will charge a fee to cover rehearsal time and the hire of a rehearsal room. They will usually also only consider learning a song if it can be performed with their standard instrumentation. For example, it would be difficult for a guitar-based band to perform a convincing Frank Sinatra track without the piano and orchestra.

• How loud will a band be? (See also sound limiters above)

  The minimum level the band can set their equipment to is so that the other instruments and vocals can be heard above the natural volume of the drum kit. This varies from band to band and from style to style. In modern pop/rock music, the drums are played in a lively, strong and energetic fashion. Therefore, pop bands are relatively loud. Relative doesn’t mean much unless it’s in context. We’ve established that most party bands are going to be ‘quite’ loud and this would mean that if you are on the dance floor in front of the band’s PA system, it would be difficult to talk without having to speak directly into someone’s ear. However, unless they are at the peak of their set and playing a highly energetic song, you would expect to be able to talk with a raised voice 20-30 feet away. In ALL circumstances, a Seventh Second band should adjust the volume to suit you but bear in mind that they will only be able to adjust the volume to the natural level of the drum kit and this may still sound loud for very elderly guests. If you have any concerns about elderly guests, consider a swing band or rock n roll band as these should be slightly quieter than a standard rock and pop function band. In our experience, at weddings and parties it’s the grandparents who dance first, longest and hardest so don’t worry too much!

• My venue has a sound limiter, will this be a problem?

  Sound limiters spoil everyone’s fun. If you don’t know what they are, they are devices which measure the volume of sound in a room, then cut off the electricity supply if the sound volume remains above a pre-defined threshold for more than 10 – 20 seconds. If you can, book a venue that does not have a sound limiter fitted. If you are unlucky enough to have already booked a venue with a sound limiter you need to understand the following:

  1. Bands are loud and not deliberately so. They will work with you to perform within the confines of a sound limiter but it’s not always possible if the limiter is set unworkably low. The band cannot turn down any lower than the unamplified volume of the drum kit. As you can imagine, a drum kit is quite loud even if it’s not being amplified by the band’s PA system. The minimum level the band can set their equipment to is so that the other instruments and vocals can be heard above the natural volume of the drum kit. This varies from band to band and from style to style. In modern pop/rock music, the drums are played in a lively, strong and energetic fashion. Therefore, pop bands are relatively loud. Jazz drummers often play with brushes and in a much more refined fashion so they don’t normally have trouble with sound limiters.

  2. In many circumstances, as long as the venue see the band are making an effort to comply with the limiter, they will switch the limiter off or raise the threshold if problems persist.

  3. If the limiter is set to a threshold of approx 95dB, most party bands should be able to play without too much trouble, depending on the location of the sound limiters microphone. Below 95dB and you run the risk of audience applause tripping out the electricity!!

  4. A few bands offer the option of being booked with an electronic drum kit. These kits look like a normal drum kit but all the sounds are generated electronically. This means that the volume of the drums can be controlled much more easily as the drum pads themselves make little noise when hit, all the sound comes out of the PA speakers. Although, only a few bands offer this (see The League of Gentlemen), and because electronic drums sometimes sound slightly artificial, it’s best chosen as a last resort if your venue is really strict.

• Can I speak to or meet the act?

  Once you’ve booked, the artist will contact you in the 3 weeks leading up to your event to discuss the finer details, ensure your requirements haven’t changed and finalise song preferences etc. If you need to speak to the artist before this it can be arranged but most liaisons before this point should be made via Seventh Second. We work on the artist’s behalf and this helps to ensure everything is properly noted on your enquiry/contract and not forgotten! Most artists will not make site visits as they are not necessary and they do not charge enough money to be able to afford to give up a day to do so. If there is an extraordinary circumstance which demands a site visit, it can be arranged and a fee would more than likely be charged to cover time and travel.

• Can I see the act live before booking?

  In most circumstances, this is not possible as we work with bands and artists specialising in performances at private functions. By the nature of the fact that they are private, we cannot obtain access. Bands who regularly play at pubs are probably not the type you’d hire for an important private party as pubs don’t pay the money required for top quality acts. On the very rare occasion that an artist might be doing a public show, it’s impossible to guarantee that by the time the show takes place, that the artist will still be available for your event. The best artists get booked very quickly so if you find one that you like, you are much safer basing your decision to hire on the strength of their demos, playlist, biography and references from other customers. I will also be able to offer my personal recommendation and many artists now also have a video which enables you to get a good flavour of their performance style.

• What if I need to cancel or re-arrange?

  As above, the contract is not cancellable without consent from both you and the artist, or unless a situation arises which would be covered by the standard force majeure clause (see above). Where if the artist breeches their contract you have the right to sue them for unlimited damages, if you cancel; the artist can claim only fixed amounts relevant to the remaining balance due to them and only then if they don’t manage to secure another booking elsewhere for the same date. The cancellation fee compensates them for loss of income. Therefore, they do not include expenses, fuel or travel costs. Bear in mind most people book 6-9 months in advance of an event, so if you need to cancel within this time frame, it’s unlikely that the artist will be able to secure another booking and you’ll end up having to pay for them anyway. If you are able to reschedule the event and can sign a new contract immediately, some artists may waive any cancellation fees due. If the artist is able to find another booking for the same date, they are only entitled to charge cancellation fees for losses incurred. Calculation of cancellation fees works as follows:

  i) If you cancel after 48 hours of placing your booking and up to 3 months before the event, loss of deposit plus 50% of the remaining balance would be due to the artist.

  ii) Within 3 months but before 2 months from the event, loss of deposit plus 75% of the remaining balance would be due to the artist.

  iii) Within 2 months of the event, loss of deposit plus 100% of the remaining balance would be due to the artist.

• What if the act cancels?

  The contract is not cancellable without consent from both you and the artist, or unless a situation arises which would be covered by the standard force majeure clause. The force majeure clause from the contract states:“In cases of ‘Force Majeure’ (which shall be known as war, fire, death, illness or other capacity certified by a properly qualified medical practitioner, epidemic, accident, civil commotion, national calamity, order of Government or Local Authority having jurisdiction in the matter, changes in law, foreign government policy, act of God), which are not attributable to any act or failure to take preventive action by the ‘artist’ or ‘client’, then the ‘artist’ or ‘client’ may cancel this booking without penalty other than loss of deposit.” In laymen’s terms, this means that unless the artist dies, is seriously ill, or has an accident travelling to your event (and if none of the above is attributable to them failing to take preventative action) they can’t cancel your booking without being in breach of contract; for which you could sue them for substantial damages. Either way, you are 99.9% protected by Seventh Second’s 24-hour emergency service. One quick call from you or the artist and we would seek to provide a replacement artist.

• What security do I get if I book one of your acts?

  When you book live entertainment with Seventh Second you get a comprehensive booking contract. This contract legally binds the artist to perform at your event, it confirms exactly what the artist will provide and at what times and it also binds the artist to provide a high quality of service and behaviour. This contract is legally binding and cannot be cancelled unless someone dies or is seriously ill. If one of the artists is seriously ill or injured, Seventh Second operates a 24-hour emergency hotline so we can be contacted to make alternative arrangements. This could include arranging an alternative artist or helping the band to replace an injured member. Our out of hours emergency hotline is permanently staffed by 3 members of staff so no matter what time of day you call it will always be answered. We will also be on hand to help with any questions or queries up to and after your event.

• I feel unsure booking an act online that I’ve not seen before, can you reassure me?

  We totally understand the concerns about booking an artist you’ve not seen before. However, there are two very good reasons why you shouldn’t worry.

  1. Seventh Second exists so that you don’t have to do all the hard work of vetting bands and artists yourselves. We do all that for you and only represent those who pass our strict vetting procedure. If you are concerned about quality, don’t be. All the artists we work with are pre-vetted and continually monitored by ourselves to ensure quality is maintained. Most acts we have known and worked with for many years. Our artists are totally professional and have too much at stake to let us or you down.

  2. Every artist has photos, audio examples and references from previous customers to view on their unique Seventh Second web page. The feedback from other happy clients is one of the best ways to calm your nerves and you can hear what each band sounds like from their online audio demos and most have videos for you view them in action. We all make ‘blind’ booking decisions when we book a hotel room or holiday and as with web sites such as TripAdvisor.com, Seventh Second allows you to be guided by the feedback of previous customers. As for any concerns about booking with Seventh Second, our previous customer references also speak for themselves. You also have the added security of a comprehensive booking contract, covid cover and 24-hour emergency support.

• How do I make a booking?

  Firstly, select the entertainment you’re interested in and either submit an online enquiry. We’ll then discuss your requirements and get a confirmed quote directly from the artist. Once you’re 100% happy that the artist is right for you, we’ll issue a booking contract to you and the artist. You then pay a small deposit which can be made by BACS, internet transfer or cheque. In some cases, the remaining balance is payable directly to the artist on the day of the event. You can make payment in advance to Seventh Second if you prefer and we hold your payment for security in our ‘client’ account, releasing payment to the artist only after the event. Back to the top of the page.

• I’m not sure which act I want, can someone help me?

  Please submit an online enquiry for the most suitable act you’ve found so far and one of our band members will be happy to assist. We promise to respond within 48 hours excluding weekends. Once your enquiry has been made, the same member will look after you from start to finish so you’ll always deal with the same person and they’ll work with you to understand exactly what you’re looking for.

  We’ll be able to make recommendations based on the information you provide and on any artist selections that you’ve already made. If you have found one artist you like, we can answer any questions you have about them and if required, discuss the differences between them and other similar artists so you can compare a range of options and quotes.

  The more specific you can be about what you want the more easily we’ll be able to help. Think about what style of entertainment you want, what you want the entertainment to achieve (dancing, mood setting, ice breaking etc), how much you want to spend and how much space you have. Do you want lively, calming, modern, funky, sophisticated, cool, mature, young, vibrant etc? All these descriptions will help us to make a suitable recommendation.

Hire A Band

• Do you live bands offer covid cover?

  Yes, all our acts offer comprehensive covid cover which you can learn more about here.

• How far in advance should I hire a band?

  Good quality bands for hire are in high demand so we always recommend hiring a band no later than 6 months before your event. If your event is taking place during peak summer months and Saturdays in particular, you may need to book up to a year in advance to you don’t miss out on your first choice band.

• Do you offer any support or security if we hire a band with you?

  All bookings come with a regularly updated and comprehensive contract that fully supports you and the artist. View our T&C’s, covid cover and dedicated FAQ page for more information. Beforehand and during your event, we offer 24/7 support and are open 7 days a week, 10 am to 10 pm and are available via email, phone, text or live chat to answer any questions or address any problems you may have.

• Should you watch a band before you book them?

  Most bands for hire whether they be wedding bands, party bands or function bands almost exclusively perform at private functions only. If you are able to see a band perform before you book them it can be useful but with websites like ours offering expert advice and providing videos, audio, reviews, full pricing, biography and full booking options for all bands you don’t need to see bands live before booking nowadays.

• Do you have to feed a band you hire?

  Unless the band you hire is only going to be with you for only 2 to 4 hours you will need to supply food and refreshments for the duration of their time with you. Check the booking contract you have with any band you hire for specifics but one hot meal and soft drinks for each band member is the industry standard.

• What music do bands for hire perform?

  Nowadays you can hire a band which can perform any genre of music you want. You can hire specialist acts who cover specific genres or eras or hire multi-genre bands that cover all genres from the ’50’s right up to present day. The most popular types of band for hire right now include folk, pop, rock and indie bands. Some websites including ours can design bespoke live bands to cater for even the most specific request or event theme.

• Is a live band suitable for my event?

  Professional bands for hire are able to adapt to any event and can provide unique, high quality, exciting entertainment for you and your guests. Most acts can perform quietly, in smaller line ups and some are able to roam around an event performing as they move. If you are wanting some memorable entertainment for your event and your venue is live music-friendly, live bands can provide it in a safe and fun way.

• How much space does a live band need to perform?

  Live bands usually arrive at your event fully self-contained meaning they bring all the lighting and sound equipment needed to perform. For this reason, they need a decently sized performance area. Generally speaking, 3 piece wedding bands need 3×3 metres of space, 4 piece wedding bands 4×3 metres, 5 to 6 piece wedding bands 5×3 metres and 7 piece bands or bigger need in excess of 6 to 7×4 metres of performance space.

• How long does it take a band to set up, sound check and pack down?

  Live bands usually need 60-90 minutes to load in, set up and sound check. If time is of the essence they can sometimes load in, set up and briefly sound check in 30-40 minutes. Pack down usually takes 40-60 minutes. Any delays or obstructions a band encounters can slow the whole process down significantly.

• What does a band for hire provide?

  Any professional band for hire should be able to provide PA sound system, lighting, musical equipment, appropriate outfits, background music or DJ’ing equipment if requested by you. It’s always best to check what your band and venue provide so you get the best live entertainment you can.

• Can I choose which songs a live band performs?

  Most professional bands for hire should be happy to discuss your song choices and work them into their live sets. However, as professional musicians, they will always use their considerable experience when finalising setlists so they can strike the perfect balance between your wishes, what they know works and what they know they can perform to their absolute best for your event.

• How loud are bands for hire?

  Live bands vary in volume depending on the size of the outfit and whether they perform fully acoustic or live through a PA sound system. Most professional bands can adjust their volume levels to suit your event but most will perform between 85db and 120db. As a guide, if speaking to someone while watching a band performing at 100db, you would need to speak directly into their ear for them to hear you.

• Can live bands perform in a venue with a sound limiter?

  Most live bands should be able to perform adequately with a sound limiter as long as the limiter is set at 95db or higher. If you book a venue with a sound limiter it is important you make the live band you are hiring aware so they can confirm they can perform within its restrictions. Sound limiters can be very restrictive but if they are set at a reasonable level and you hire a professional live band used to working with sound limiters you shouldn’t encounter too many problems.

• Can I speak to or meet a band I hire?

  Most booking agencies and websites out there only initiate contact between you and your band once you have signed a booking contract. Bands for hire are usually private function bands only so unless you agree on something specific with the band, it will be unlikely that you will meet them. The musicians who perform in our bands also run the website so unlike most agencies and websites out there, when you speak to us, you speak to real band members.

• What is a live band for hire?

  A live band for hire is a group of professional musicians who generally perform at private events including weddings, parties and corporate events. They usually have specially designed setlists, there own lighting and sound equipment and specialise in performing at all types of events in all sorts and venues and locations.

• Do your bands for hire have PAT and PLI certificates?

  All acts at Seventh Second have up to date and accurate PLI and PAT certificates so they are fully insured and covered to perform in any venue. Any band you are looking at hiring should have these two documents.

• Is it safe to hire a band online?

  If you hire a band online make sure they have great reviews, good, up to date promotional material and honest and comprehensive pricing. Whether they have a representative or not, good communication and professionalism from the off should be expected. Make sure you have a robust contract in place with any band you hire so you are fully protected.

• How do I hire a band near me?

  There are quite a few ways to hire a band in your area but one of the safest and most popular ways is to book a band online either directly or through a third-party representative. You can hire any type of live wedding band, party act or corporate entertainment online safely and securely. Most good websites will advertise bands that can either travel to you or are based near you and you should be able to compare prices and options and pick the best band for you.

• How much does it cost to hire a band?

  The price of hiring a band can start at around £600 and can go all the way up to £8000 or more. Live wedding bands can sometimes cost more than party or corporate bands but generally, a good three-piece band will cost between £600 and £900, 4 piece bands £800 to £2000 and 5 piece bands or larger can start from £1000 and go right up to £8000 or more. You have to take into account possible website commission costs and any bands petrol costs and other expenses. Off-peak and peak season price fluctuations are also very common so before booking any band, ask about all these possible extra costs first.

Live Wedding Bands

• Can I pick which songs the wedding band plays?

  All acts at Seventh Second are happy to discuss and try to implement your song choices as best as possible into their live sets. However, being professional wedding musicians, they will always use their considerable experience when finalising the playlists for the evening which usually strike the perfect balance between your wishes and what they know works and what they know they can perform to their absolute best for you and your guests.

• How loud are live wedding bands?

  Wedding bands vary in volume depending on how large a group they are, the genres of music they perform and the instruments they use. All live bands have to adjust their volume levels to the natural volume of the drum kit (or the next loudest acoustic instrument if no drums are present) and this is usually in the 100db range minimum. This level roughly equates to you having to talk directly into someone’s ear to have a conversation with them while you are both very close to the band’s PA sound system as they perform. All acts at Seventh Second are proficient at meeting venues and clients volume needs so everyone can have a safe and enjoyable time. Please contact us directly for more details or if you have further questions.

• Can live wedding bands perform in a venue with a sound limiter?

  All acts at Seventh Second are very used to performing in wedding venues with sound limiters although we would warn anyone that sound limiters are no fun for anyone who enjoys live music or performs live music so if you can book a venue without one, we would strongly recommend it. If your venue does have a sound limiter ask what the decibel limit it is set to and notify any wedding band you are thinking of booking as some sound limiters volume restrictions are set too low for even the smallest and quietest bands to perform within. If a sound limiter is set to 95db or above most bands should be able to perform within this restriction but anything below this, especially anything in the 80’s is almost impossible for a live band to work within.

• Can I speak to or meet the wedding band?

  We are a unique company because the musicians who perform in the wedding bands you see on our site, also run and manage the site. We decided to work this way over 15 years ago so that when you speak to us, you speak to actual band members you are looking at booking for your wedding. Unlike other entertainment websites where you simply speak to a salesperson, at Seventh Second you get to speak to musicians through every step of the booking process. Please ask us if you wish to speak to a specific band at any time and this will be arranged but most wedding bands are very busy and private function bands only so it is difficult to meet them in person unless there is a specific or extraordinary circumstance.

• Do your live wedding bands offer covid cover?

  Yes, all our live wedding bands offer comprehensive covid cover which you can learn more about here.

• What music do live wedding bands perform?

  Wedding bands perform every genre of music but like to tailor what they play for you and your guests and any wedding theme you may have. From Motown to Oompah music you can find a wedding band that performs the music you want. The most popular styles performed are Rock and Pop hits from the ’50s right up to the present day as these genres cover a wide range of tastes and age groups that’s perfect for getting any dancefloor packed.

• What are popular types of band for weddings?

  The most popular types of live bands for weddings are Rock and Pop bands, Soul and Motown bands, Acoustic and Roaming Folk bands, Ceilidh bands and multi-genre bands. Multi-genre wedding bands are usually similar to Rock and Pop wedding bands as they can perform a wide range of genres over many eras to entertain anyone and everyone at a wedding.

• Is a live band suitable for my wedding?

  Live bands can perform during your wedding ceremony, drinks reception/wedding breakfast and especially at your evening wedding party. Live bands need a certain amount of space and do produce a decent amount of noise to create that wedding party atmosphere so make sure you speak with your wedding venue, making sure they can accommodate such acts. Stage space and decibel limits are two topics you should discuss with your venue before booking any wedding band. If you want a unique live musical experience at your wedding then a wedding band is the perfect entertainment to book. If you are looking to create a DJ-esque, club vibe then a wedding DJ may be a better option.

• How much space does a wedding band need to perform?

  Wedding bands are usually fully self-contained, meaning they bring quite a lot of lighting and sound equipment to weddings. This means they need a decent amount of space to perform and ideally a stage. Generally speaking, 3 piece wedding bands need 3×3 metres of space, 4 piece wedding bands 4×3 metres, 5 to 6 piece wedding bands 5×3 metres and 7 piece bands or bigger need in excess of 6 to 7×4 metres of performance space.

• How long does it take a live band to set up, sound check and pack down at a wedding?

  If a performance space is easily accessible and near to their vehicles, a live band can unload, set up and sound check within 60 – 90 minutes. Sometimes even 30 – 40 minutes in an emergency. Pack down usually takes around 40 – 60 minutes. Busy city venues, lack of nearby parking and general delays at weddings can increase these times significantly.

• Can live wedding bands setup and sound check while my guests and I are in the room?

  Even while you and your guests are in a room at your wedding venue, most live wedding bands are still able to set up in the same room at the same time. They can set up quietly and work out with you or you venue manager a more suitable time later on for soundcheck. If your wedding venue has a stage curtain available, is running to a tight schedule or only has one room available for you, your guests and the wedding band, this option can be very useful. It is well worth speaking to your live band and venue about this.

• What does a wedding band provide?

  Wedding bands are generally self-contained meaning they provide stage lighting, PA sound system, musical backline equipment, appropriate outfits and background music or DJ equipment as part of their booking package. It’s always best to check what your wedding band provides as most wedding venues have limited access to this kind of equipment.

• Do you have live wedding bands near me?

  Although we like to keep our roster small and unique, most of our wedding bands travel all over the UK and worldwide for weddings. Even if we don’t have a wedding band near you, we will have plenty that are willing to travel to you and for very competitive prices. You can check any of our live bands’ prices for your location on their unique pages. If you need more information or a bespoke quote, please contact us.

• Do you offer any support or security if we book a live wedding band with you?

  We supply you and any live wedding band you book with a fully comprehensive contract which fully supports you and the artist. You can always view the specifics on our T&C‘s and covid cover pages. We also have special contact numbers where we are available 24/7 to assist you in any way in case of an emergency or serious issue with one of our live bands. Alternatively, we are always available 10 am to 10 pm, 7 days a week via phone, text, online chat or email.

• What is a live wedding band?

  A live wedding band (sometimes referred to as a wedding music band) is a group of professional musicians who specifically perform live music at weddings. They usually have specially designed live wedding setlists and specialise in performing first dance songs live. Live wedding bands often only perform at private functions and these are commonly only weddings.

• Should you watch a live wedding band before you book them?

  If you can watch a live wedding band before booking we would recommend you do but most wedding bands are strickly private events bands and so don’t usually have any public shows. Wedding shows and showcase events put on by live wedding bands themselves are usually the best places to see them perform outside of weddings.

• Do you feed a live band at your wedding?

  Yes, you should provide your live wedding band with sufficient food and drink for the duration of their stay at your wedding. Soft drinks and a hot meal or buffet food for each member is usually sufficient.

• Do your wedding bands for hire have PAT and PLI certificates?

  PLI and PAT certificates come as standard with all wedding bands at Seventh Second. Any wedding band you are looking at hiring should also have these important documents.

• Are live wedding bands safe to book online?

  Yes, it is safe to book a live wedding band online as long as any band you book has customer reviews, professional representation, good promotional material, fair and open pricing, a professional attitude and a secure and robust contract to keep both you and them safe and fully protected.

• Can wedding bands perform first dances?

  Most wedding bands are happy to perform first dances at weddings provided couples discuss their song ideas with them beforehand. Not all songs can be replicated by live wedding bands so it’s always best to check with your band or their representatives first.

• When should you have music at your wedding?

  You can have wedding music at any time during your wedding but the most popular and suitable times are at the wedding ceremony, drinks reception and most commonly at the evening party after the wedding breakfast. Having a fantastic live band during your evening party is the perfect way to celebrate getting married with friends and family.

• How long should a wedding band play for?

  Typically, wedding bands play for 2 hours usually splitting that into 2×1 hour or 3×40 min sets. Over the standard 4 to 6 hour period that a wedding band stays with you, the live sets usually begin around 8 pm/8:30 pm and finish around 11:30 pm/12 am with background music or a DJ in between. Of course, once fully set up, any wedding band should be able to perform any type of set length at any time you need them to assuming you have agreed on it with them beforehand. Wedding bands do regularly perform for longer than two hours and often past 12 am if required.

• How much is a live band for a wedding?

  Prices for live bands can vary wildly but wedding bands worth booking start from around £600 and can go all the way up to £5000 easily. A good three-piece live band can range from £600 to £1000, 4 piece bands from £800 to £2000 and 5 piece bands or bigger can start from £1000 right up to £5000. You have to bear in mind extra petrol costs, other expenses and off-peak and peak season price fluctuations so for example, if you booked a 6 piece wedding band in the off-peak season that was based near to your venue they could actually cost less than booking a 3 piece band in peak season that’s based 100 miles away from your venue. It’s always worth asking any live wedding band or their representatives about discounts or offers too. For all the information and answers check out our in-depth post all about it HERE.

• How far in advance should I book a wedding band?

  For you to get the wedding band you really want we suggest you look at booking them at least a year in advance. Booking a live wedding band any later than 6 months before your wedding could mean they are already booked up. Popular wedding bands get booked years in advance so when you see the band you want we suggest you book them quickly!