If you’re planning a Scottish wedding this year, you’ll quickly ask the big budgeting question: how much does a great band actually cost?
As Scotland’s No 1 entertainment agency for wedding and event bands, we book thousands of performances annually and see the real prices couples pay. Below, we outline typical 2025 fees, what’s included, and the variables that move a quote up or down, so you can plan with confidence.
Quick heads‑up: Coast Entertainments is the only platform where you can get an instant quote and live date check for Scotland’s top wedding bands. Enter your date and venue and see real‑time availability plus a clear, itemised price. No emails back and forth.
Use our Wedding Bands Scotland Instant Availability Checker
Location & travel
Guide prices assume a local booking in West Central Scotland with a standard 8pm–midnight performance. If your venue is further afield, involves ferries, or requires an overnight stay, a travel supplement will apply.
Date & demand
Peak dates such as Christmas and Hogmanay are priced at a premium to supply and demand dynamics. Mid‑week or certain winter dates can be keener. If you can be flexible, you could save some money.
Band size & production
A four or five‑piece with professional PA and lighting generally costs less than a larger line‑up or upgraded production. More musicians and more kit generally equals more cost.
Performance length & finish time
Stick to 8pm till midnight and you’ll keep fees predictable. Extra live time, DJ sets, roaming band sets, late finishes will increase the quote beyond the bands base fee.
Set‑up timing and logistics
Early set‑ups before guests arrive, nightmare load‑ins, can add to the cost in the form of an early set‑up fee.
Optional extras
Popular add‑ons include DJ sets between/after live sets, an Ibiza‑style dance set with live sax, ceremony or drinks‑reception music, and learning special requests beyond your first dance.
For professional wedding bands in Scotland, most standard local bookings land between £1,200 and £1,600 for a four‑ or five‑piece, based on the usual 8pm–midnight performance.
Larger line‑ups, big‑room production, long travel, or multiple performance blocks push quotes higher. Always check what’s included so you’re comparing like for like. Short ceilidh sections with a caller are common; extended traditional sets or extra players may add a supplement.
These five Coast Entertainments favourites alone perform at more than 700 Scottish weddings each year, so their guide rates are a solid 2025 benchmark (prices shown are “from” and cover a local West Central Scotland booking on standard times):
The Big Papas — from £1,395
The Rox — from £1,395
Los Perros — from £1,595
Velvet Noir — from £1,386 (find their profile via our main Wedding Bands Scotland page)
While every act is different, a typical package couples book through us includes:
Professional sound system and basic stage lighting suitable for most venues
First dance learned (with reasonable notice) or performed from the band’s repertoire
Two live sets (with a 30 min break) within the 8pm–midnight window
Background or party playlists during breaks
Smart presentation and fully insured, professional performers
Travel beyond a local radius, ferries, tolls, parking, or required accommodation
Early set‑up before the room turn or very tight changeovers
Extra live time, late finishes, or split performance blocks
DJ sets, Ibiza‑style dance sets with live sax, ceremony music, or extra special‑request songs
Large or unusual rooms that need upgraded PA/lighting beyond a standard spec
Keep it local where you can. More of your budget goes into performance, not transport.
Be flexible on the running order. Align speeches and room turns with an 8pm–midnight show to avoid early set‑up or overtime.
Consider a DJ add‑on instead of a separate DJ. It’s usually more economical and keeps the dance floor moving.
Plan the load‑in. Clear access and parking save time and money.
Book early for peak Saturdays. The best wedding bands Scotland has to offer fill up fast; early enquiries lock in availability and guide rates.
Many couples start by searching “wedding bands scotland”, but live availability and transparent pricing make the real difference. Use our Date Checker for an instant quote and date confirmation across Scotland’s top bands, then compare inclusions side by side. Explore the acts above or browse many more on our main Wedding Bands Scotland page.
We’re here to help you pick the right band at the right price for an unforgettable night. If you’d like tailored recommendations, we’ll happily shortlist options to suit your venue, crowd, and budget.
Image by Mike Cook Photography
Back to Blog