When you’re planning your big day, the music is more than just background noise. It's the heartbeat of the whole celebration. It shapes the vibe from the moment guests arrive, sets the mood for your aisle walk, and adds emotions to your first dance. And when the party kicks off later, those live vocals and real instruments can take the dance floor to a whole new level.

It’s no surprise, then, that one of the first things couples ask is: how much does a live band cost for a wedding? The honest answer? There’s no one-size-fits-all number. Prices vary based on the size of the band, their experience, the performance length and even your venue location.

In this guide, we’ll break down typical costs, what you’re actually paying for and how to figure out whether a live band, DJ or a mix of both is the best fit for your day. Whether you’re dreaming of soulful acoustic vibes or a full party band, you’ll have a clearer picture of what to expect and what will work for your wedding.

How much does a wedding band cost in 2026?

According to data from Bark, hiring a professional live wedding band in Australia typically costs between $1,750 and $3,400. This range fluctuates based on the band’s size, experience, package inclusions, and total performance time. It is also important to note that quotes may exclude GST; if so, you should budget for an additional 10%. Ultimately, your investment reflects the atmosphere you want to create as costs naturally scale with more musicians, equipment, and hours played.

Here’s what you can expect based on band size

Smaller acoustic duos or trios: $1,000 - $2,500

These are perfect if you want something intimate, relaxed and budget-friendly. Acoustic acts usually cover your ceremony, cocktail hour or even a chilled dinner set. They don’t require much equipment, and the setup is simple with just guitars, vocals, maybe a keyboard or light percussion.

Standard 4–5 piece band: $2,500 – $5,000

This is the sweet spot for most weddings. With a vocalist, guitar, keys, bass and drums, you get a full, fun live sound. It carries your whole night, from romantic slow songs to upbeat dance-floor classics. These bands usually offer a mix of sets across the day, including reception entertainment and dance-floor music. It’s a solid balance of energy, variety, and value.

Large 7–10 piece show band: $5,000 – $10,000+

If you’re going all out, this is the way to do it. Show bands bring the wow factor with multiple vocalists, a horn section, percussionists and big-stage energy. Think powerhouse performances, choreographed moments and serious dance-floor action. They’re ideal for couples who want their reception to feel like a concert and don’t mind investing more to get that big, polished sound.

What’s included in a live band package?

When trying to figure out how much a wedding band costs, knowing exactly what you’re paying for helps. A band package usually covers more than just the on-stage performance. Typical inclusions are:

• Performance time: Usually 3–5 sets of 45 minutes each.
• Equipment: Professional sound systems, microphones and lighting.
• Travel and setup: Delivery, setup and pack down of instruments and gear.
• Background music: Pre-recorded playlists during band breaks.
• Special requests: Many bands will learn a couple’s chosen first dance song or entrance music.

Tip: Ask upfront whether sound checks, travel costs and any overtime fees are included.

Factors that affect wedding band cost

1. Band size and style

The size and vibe of a band play a huge role in the price.

• Solo musician or duo: This is perfect for your ceremony, canapé hour or a chilled garden-party vibe. They’re budget-friendly, easy to set up and great if you want something light and romantic without the full dance-floor energy.
• 4–5 piece band: This is the classic wedding setup and the most popular choice. You get vocals, guitar, bass, drums and maybe keys. This means they can cover everything from pop to rock to funk and keep the reception buzzing from start to finish.
• Large bands with horns or strings: If you want a big, show-stopping sound, this is where the magic happens. Think sax, trumpet, violin, all the works. They’re more expensive, but they absolutely transform the dance floor and bring that concert-level energy.

2. Performance length

The longer you want the band to play, the more you’ll pay. Most couples book around 4–5 hours, which usually covers pre-dinner music, dinner ambience, and dancing. Some bands also include short breaks or a DJ-style playlist between sets, so you’re not left with awkward silence.

3. Location and travel

Where your wedding is held matters. Bands based in big cities like Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane tend to charge more because demand is high. If your venue is out of town or in a regional area, you might need to cover travel, fuel or even a night’s accommodation to make the trip worthwhile for the band. Travel and accommodation fees are common for regional weddings.

4. Day of the week or season

Just like venues and photographers, bands have peak and off-peak prices.

• Peak: Saturday nights, especially in spring and summer, are hot property, so expect premium rates.
• Off-peak: A Friday, Sunday or mid-week wedding, or even a winter date, usually comes with better pricing and more band availability.

5. Reputation and experience

Bands with a solid track record, and high-level of wedding experience and glowing reviews understandably charge more. You’re paying for reliability, professionalism, great sound gear and the confidence that they know how to read a crowd. A seasoned band can take your night from ‘nice’ to ‘unforgettable’.

Live band vs DJ: Which is better for your wedding?

A live band brings a whole different vibe to your wedding. The atmosphere feels bigger, the energy is infectious and there’s something special about having performers on stage reacting to the crowd. If you love the idea of live vocals, real instruments and a bit of showmanship, a band can turn your reception into a full experience rather than just background music.

A DJ, on the other hand, is usually the more affordable option and gives you unlimited flexibility with song choices. Want ’90s R&B, followed by club hits, followed by indie favourites? No problem. DJs are great at reading the room, switching genres on the fly and keeping the dance floor going without any breaks. Overall, DJs remain the more budget-friendly option, especially for shorter receptions.

Of course, you don’t actually have to choose one or the other. A lot of couples book a mix.. This could mean starting with a live band for the ceremony, canapés and early reception to set the mood, then a DJ to take over later when it’s time to crank up the party. It’s the best of both worlds and works perfectly if you want live music and a late-night dance floor that doesn’t stop.

Still not sure? Read our guide on choosing between a band or a DJ.

Why investing in a band is worth it

A live band instantly lifts the atmosphere in a way a playlist just can’t. And when couples start wondering how much a live band costs for a wedding, it’s usually because they’ve seen how big a difference live music can make. The mix of real instruments, vocals, and on-the-spot emotion creates moments that stick with you and your guests. Whether it’s the swell of the music during your aisle walk or the energy shift when the band kicks off the first dance-floor track, live music creates unforgettable moments. A playlist simply can’t replicate that level of presence.

There’s also the interaction factor. Guests love the personality that comes with a live performance. This would include the little bits of banter, the unexpected guitar solo or the drummer hyping up the room. It turns the reception into more of an experience rather than just background noise.

Plus, live bands are great at personalising things. They can learn your special songs, slow down or speed up a track to match the vibe and even create their own mashups if you want something unique. That flexibility helps make the night feel like your night.

And when it comes to the dance floor, a skilled band knows exactly how to read the room. If the crowd is craving classics, they’ll switch gears. If the energy is dipping, they’ll pump it back up. Having that instinctive live control usually means a busier dance floor and happier guests, all night long.

Budgeting tips for live wedding bands

• Book early: Top bands book out 12–18 months in advance.
• Consider a smaller lineup: Choose a trio instead of a full band if the budget is tight.
• Limit performance time: Book the band for key moments, then use a DJ or playlist later.
• Ask about packages: Some suppliers offer combined ceremony + reception deals.
• Stay flexible on dates: Off-peak weddings may secure discounts.

Conclusion: Music is an investment in memories

So, how much does a wedding band cost? While live music is usually a bigger investment than hiring a DJ, it brings a whole different vibe to your day—real atmosphere, real emotion and the kind of moments people actually remember. Whether you’re picturing a chilled acoustic duo for a laid-back ceremony, a high-energy 10-piece that brings the party or a band–DJ combo that covers every mood from dinner to dance floor, the trick is choosing entertainment that feels right for your style, your venue and your budget.

And the good news? You don’t have to hunt around blindly. With Bark, you can easily connect with trusted Australian bands and DJs, compare options, check reviews and find the perfect match to make your wedding perfect. It’s one less thing to stress about and one more step toward an unforgettable celebration.