A guide for the thoughtful couple
When it comes to planning a wedding, most couples, understandably, start with the big three: venue, food, and fashion.
After that, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitment of the planning process and working out who you want to invite versus who you have to invite.
It’s not long before your imagination, and in some cases, stress levels are running high just thinking about how youre going to manage it all.
But once the basics are ticked off and the day is starting to take shape, there’s a quiet question that starts to surface…
Do we really need wedding entertainment?
And if so — how much is too much?
Let’s take a moment to explore the role entertainment plays in your big day with a practical eye and an honest approach.
How Important is Entertainment at a Wedding?
According to the Hitched National Wedding Survey released on 10 January 2025, a striking 79% of couples said that their guests’ happiness was the most important part of planning their wedding.
That’s no small number.
And it speaks volumes.
Because what makes guests happy isn’t just lovely food or a nice seat at the ceremony — it’s the experience.
Wedding entertainment plays a significant role in creating that experience.
Music, games, photo booths, DJ’s … magic — whatever the style, the best wedding entertainment does three things:
Fills the gaps.
Weddings aren’t non-stop action. There are inevitable pauses — between ceremony and dinner, or while photos are being taken. Entertainment prevents those moments from turning into boredom.
Sets the tone.
A string quartet signals elegance. A saxophonist says relaxed and jazzy. A DJ says party incoming. Guests will take their cue from the atmosphere you create.
Creates connection.
Especially at weddings with mixed groups or distant relatives, entertainment becomes a talking point — something that brings people together without needing small talk.
How Much Do People Typically Spend on Wedding Entertainment?
In the UK, recent surveys show that couples spend anywhere from £500 to £2,500 or more on entertainment for their wedding day, depending on what they book. A DJ might be £600–£1,000. A good band? £1,200–£2,000. Specialty acts can vary widely.
But here’s the thing: couples often budget generously for flowers that wilt in the coming days, and favours that guests forget to take home — while underestimating the value of a professional performer that keeps energy high for hours and memories buzzing for years.
Should I Have a DJ or a Band?
Ah, the age-old debate. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
A DJ offers flexibility, smooth transitions, and often lower costs. You can cater to all tastes, all eras, and all energy levels — from dinner music to dancefloor bangers.
A live band brings energy, presence, and that unbeatable live performance buzz. It’s a show in itself, and perfect if music is central to your evening vibe.
There’s no right answer — only the right fit. Some couples even do both: a band to start the evening, a DJ to carry it into the night.
Let me gently remind you of something I tell every couple I work with:
Budget for 30% more time than you think you need, and expect your guests to take 5 minutes longer than planned to move anywhere.
Why does this matter for entertainment?
Because well-placed entertainment can absorb these moments. It keeps things moving without feeling rushed, and fills silences without ever shouting for attention.
Final Thoughts
Wedding entertainment isn’t about gimmicks. It’s about atmosphere.
If one of your top priorities is making sure your guests have the time of their lives — as it is for nearly 80% of couples — then entertainment isn’t a luxury add-on. It’s a cornerstone for the right atmosphere of your day.
So whether you choose a band, a DJ, a magician, or something beautifully bespoke — choose what feels right for the day you want to create.
And if you need help deciding or planning the structure of your celebration, you’ll find helpful tools, timelines, and guides on my wedding resources page — all entirely free.
Because at the end of the day, wedding magic isn’t just in the vows.
It’s in the moments that make the whole room smile.
And that, is the real magic.