Do you offer Ceremony, Cocktails and Reception Music?
Absolutely! With Red Soda Band you don’t need to waste time and money hiring two wedding bands, or a band and a DJ. We’re extremely versatile and have you covered – from the moment you walk down the aisle, to the last dance of the night.
What are your wedding band prices?
Every couple and every wedding is unique. Pricing depends on the number of musicians you book, the length of time we play, and the location of your wedding. But don’t worry – we have a package to suit nearly every budget.
You can mix-and-match live music and DJ options to your heart’s content. You’ll even receive a discount for booking both your reception and ceremony music with us!
Use our
package builder to get an instant obligation-free quote.
What's the process for booking Red Soda Band?
We know that planning a wedding is no easy task. That’s why we pride ourselves on providing customer service that’s just as memorable as the music we play.
First things first, visit our
contact page to send us your details and customise your wedding package. Instantly, you’ll create an obligation-free quote. If you’re ready to take the relationship to the next level, we’ll check our availability, including that of your top choice of singers.
Then, all you have to do to “put a ring on it” (so to speak) is send us your deposit, which will lock-in your date. That’s when you’ll receive confirmation of the singer you can expect to be crooning away on your wedding day.
Why do I need to pay a deposit?
As one of the most popular wedding bands in the Sydney area, our musicians and singers are in high demand. A deposit guarantees that you will be able to book one of your chosen singers.
How early should I get in touch?
As one of the most in demand wedding bands in the Sydney area, we’re booked out up to 12 months in advance. The minute you have locked in a wedding venue and a wedding date is the time to book us as well.
How do I find out if you're available on my wedding day?
Please get in contact as soon as possible to avoid missing out. The fastest way to get in touch is via our
contact form.
Overall, what sort of music do you perform?
Pop, soul, classical, soft jazz and party covers – we pretty much do it all. Our selection of tunes will strike a chord with all of your family and friends. (Well, your nephew who listens exclusively to death metal might be disappointed. But we’ve got pretty much everyone else covered!)
We’ll create the soundtrack for each part of your big day – from the moment you walk down the aisle, right through to the last song of the night. We play different music styles to suit each part of your wedding celebration. Watch our
music videos or take a listen to our
popular wedding songs, and start to curate the playlist for your own key moments.
What type of music do you play at wedding receptions?
Unless you specify differently, we set the mood with soft background music during drinks, canapés and dinner with our own special twist on pop, soul and softer jazz.
Then, once the cake is cut and you’ve had your first dance, we kick off the dancing with upbeat party music. We start with classic dance floor tunes for the older guests, then move on to the new stuff, ensuring that the music appeals to both the young and not-so-young.
Do you guarantee to get everyone up and dancing?
Yes! Your wedding isn’t the town in
Footloose. We create a party mood because it’s your wedding – the ultimate celebration! The proof is in the
testimonials from our many happy couples.
How long do you usually play at receptions for?
Most couples need wedding reception music for five hours, but you can book us for longer if needed (such as for cocktails - or a late night DJ set). Outside of the key moments, the band will play up to 4 X 45-minute sets of live music – and we provide background music during our breaks.
Usually two weeks before the wedding you will give us the itinerary of your wedding day. Once we receive this we will work out our live set times (IE when we will play).
Do you put on live showcases?
When we were first starting out, we used to do live showcases. Today, we’re humbled to be one of the most popular wedding bands in the Sydney area. That means that weddings are now our full-time business, so we no longer have time to perform live showcases.
However, we know how important it is to hear what we sound like before your wedding day. That’s why we’ve created a massive showcase library of over 10 hours of video and audio clips on this web site, which will show you exactly what to expect – all without leaving the comfort of your home.
Where do you play your wedding ceremony and wedding reception music?
Your love knows no bounds, and neither do we. We travel far and wide, performing in Sydney, the Hunter Valley, the Southern Highlands and the Blue Mountains. We even play interstate and overseas!
How long does it take the band to load in and load out?
Ceremony:
We arrive up to 15 minutes before the start of your ceremony booking. It usually takes a similar amount of time to load out. This 15 minutes is outside of the time you’ve booked us for. For example, a booking from 4.00pm – 5:30pm means we load in from 3:45pm- 4.00pm. We then load out from 5:30pm – 5:45pm.
Reception:
The band arrives up to 60 minutes before the booking starts. Loading out requires a lot less time, usually 30 minutes. This is also outside of your booked time. For example, a booking of 6:00pm – 11:00pm means we load in from 5:00pm and are ready to start by 5:55pm. We then load out at 11:00pm, which means we’ll be away by 11:30pm.
My friend hired a wedding band, but they cancelled eight days before her wedding. Do you ever cancel?
No, never! We’ve never cancelled a wedding and never will. Once you’ve booked us, you’ve got us. Now, that’s commitment.
Typically, what are the key moments of a wedding and ceremony that require song choices from us?
Key Ceremony Songs:
1. Entrance Processional (Played Live)
2. Register Signing (Played Live)
3. Exit Recessional (Played Live)
Key Reception Songs:
1. Wedding Party Entrance
2. Cake Cutting
3. Parent Dances
4. First Dance (Played live)
5. Bouquet Toss
6. Farewell Song
Do we need to provide food and drink for the band members?
Food and non-alcoholic drinks are always appreciated. For reception bookings in excess of two hours, you will need to provide a “vendor meal” for each musician (plus access to non-alcoholic beverages). Please check with your reception venue, because vendor meals are typically charged at a reduced rate.
Do you use backing tracks when playing your instruments?
No way! It’s 100% pure live music.
Due to logistics is it possible for you to load in earlier?
Yes. We can arrange an earlier load-in time if your venue or event schedule requires it.
Please let us know when you enquire if an earlier load-in is required so we can factor this into your quote and make sure the timing works for your event.
How long do you play at the ceremony?
We’ll play around 15 minutes of background music as guests arrive to the ceremony. Let us know what time the bride is due to arrive. We’ll then play your chosen key songs during the ceremony, and finish off any remaining time with beautiful background music. You might even like to book us to play at cocktails afterwards.
I have a request for the reception first dance that isn't on your song list. Can you still play it?
Yes! You can choose almost any song you like for the key moments of the ceremony and reception even if it isn’t on our song list (this includes your first dance/bridal waltz!).
Do you liaise with wedding planners?
Regularly. In fact, many Sydney wedding planners book us the minute they get a new client. We’re loved by many
wedding venues as well.
Do I need to organise a sound system for the reception hall?
The full band comes prepared with a sound system that’s ideal for rooms that hold up to around 200 guests. If your room is larger than this, we recommend hiring a larger PA sound system, which we can help you with.
Many venues now include their own sound system and we are happy to liaise with your planner or venue around the logistics of plugging into this, to ensure we sound as good as possible at your wedding.
If you’re unsure, feel free to
get in touch. We live and breathe weddings and have a wealth of experience to share.
Do I need to organise a microphone for speeches?
Yes. However, the good news is that most venues include a wireless microphone that can be used by the MC and for speeches. It’s always important to check this first. You are welcome to hire a wireless microphone from us as well – just let us know at the time of booking.
Do you have public liability insurance?
Absolutely. Some venues require a copy of our certificate of currency, which can be supplied on request.
How much does wedding ceremony music cost in Sydney?
Wedding ceremony music in Sydney typically costs between approximately $800 and $2,500+, depending on the musicians you choose and the location of your ceremony.
As a guide, our Instrumental Harp and Violin + Cello Duo start from approximately $800, our String Trio starts from approximately $1,050, our String Quartet from approximately $1,290 and our String Trio + Vocals from approximately $1,490.
All Red Soda ceremony bookings include music before the ceremony begins and live performance for the key moments of your ceremony, including the entrance processional entrance, signing of the register and exit recessional.
The easiest way to get an exact price is through the Red Soda Package Builder, where you can watch performance videos, compare music options and instantly see pricing for your wedding music.
How long does the wedding ceremony music last?
Most Red Soda wedding ceremony bookings cover 60 to 90 minutes in total. This typically includes 15 to 20 minutes of prelude music as guests arrive, the entrance processional, the ceremony itself, signing of the register and the exit recessional.
Church ceremonies are different and generally require a longer booking period. Catholic ceremonies with a full Mass often run for 45 to 60 minutes on their own, before allowing for guest arrival music beforehand and music as guests depart the church afterwards.
For this reason, Red Soda has a minimum booking of 1.5 hours for Church ceremonies. This provides enough time to comfortably cover all of the musical moments throughout the service without creating unnecessary pressure around timing. If the ceremony starts late, runs longer than expected or includes additional readings and formalities, the musicians are already there to support the flow of the service.
Because our musicians perform live, they can adjust the timing of the music in real time to match the flow of the ceremony. During the entrance processional, for example, they actively watch the VIPs make their entrance, naturally extending or shortening the music so it lands perfectly at the right moment. This flexibility allows the music to flow seamlessly with the ceremony, regardless of whether things move a little faster or slower than planned.
How far in advance should I book wedding ceremony music in Sydney?
We recommend booking your wedding ceremony music as soon as you have confirmed your wedding date and venue.
Most couples book 9 to 12 months in advance, particularly for weddings taking place during Sydney's peak wedding season. Peak wedding season typically runs from March to April and September to November, when demand for wedding entertainment is at its highest.
If your wedding is coming up sooner, it's still worth getting in touch. We regularly help couples with shorter lead times and will always do our best to help.
Can you perform at outdoor wedding ceremonies in Sydney?
Yes. Red Soda regularly performs at outdoor wedding ceremonies throughout Sydney, the Hunter Valley, the Southern Highlands and beyond.
Outdoor ceremonies require a slightly different approach depending on the guest numbers, venue layout, weather conditions and music option you've chosen. For acoustic string groups such as our Violin + Cello Duo, String Trio and String Quartet, guest numbers play an important role when selecting the right ensemble, as larger ceremonies generally benefit from more musicians. Amplified options such as an Acoustic Singer or Acoustic Vocal Duo are less affected by guest numbers because the sound can be reinforced through a suitable sound system.
Weather protection is also essential. String instruments, harps and professional audio equipment cannot be placed in rain or harsh sunlight, so adequate shade and weather cover is required. Red Soda helps couples and planners navigate these practical considerations well before the wedding day.
Can you learn a specific song we have chosen for the ceremony?
Yes.
For acoustic singers, couples can choose almost any song they love.
For string groups, Red Soda has created an exclusive library of nearly 1,000 custom arrangements written by our own musicians, so there's a good chance we already have the song you're looking for.
If not, we're happy to create a new arrangement for your wedding for a small music preparation fee.
Song requests will be discussed with you and our musicians take care of all the preparation before your ceremony.
Do you provide PA and sound equipment for the ceremony?
Some Red Soda ceremony ensembles include amplification, while others are designed to perform acoustically.
Acoustic singers and vocal ensembles will often use discreet amplification for larger ceremonies, outdoor weddings and venues where additional coverage is required. String ensembles are commonly performed acoustically in more intimate settings, although amplified options may be available for larger events.
The right solution depends on your venue, guest numbers and the musicians you choose. If you're unsure, just ask. We'll happily guide you towards the option that is best suited to your ceremony.
Are there restrictions on live music at Sydney Churches and heritage venues?
Sometimes.
Many Churches, Cathedrals and heritage venues have guidelines around music, amplification, performer placement and ceremony timing. These requirements vary from venue to venue and are usually designed to protect the character of the space or support the ceremony itself.
The good news is that Red Soda performs at churches and heritage venues across Sydney every year, so we're very familiar with working within these guidelines. If your venue has specific requirements, simply let us know and we'll help ensure the music is planned accordingly.
In most cases, the restrictions have already been considered when recommending the musicians and setup that are best suited to your ceremony.
What is the best ceremony music ensemble for a small, intimate wedding?
Smaller weddings are often at their best when the music feels personal and connected to the space.
For intimate ceremonies, many couples gravitate towards options such as an Acoustic Singer, Violin + Cello Duo, Instrumental Harp or Acoustic Singer + Violin. These ensembles create a beautiful atmosphere without overpowering the ceremony, allowing the music to enhance the moment while still feeling natural and relaxed.
Whether you're getting married in a garden, private residence, waterfront venue or intimate indoor setting, a smaller ensemble can provide all the emotion and impact of live music while maintaining the intimate feel that makes smaller weddings so special.
If you're unsure which option is right for your ceremony, we're always happy to help guide you towards the ensemble that best suits your venue, guest numbers and vision for the day.
What music should we choose for the processional, register signing, and recessional?
Each part of the ceremony serves a different purpose, so it's worth choosing music that matches the emotion of the moment.
For the entrance processional, many Sydney couples choose modern favourites such as Perfect, Lover, Golden Hour and A Thousand Years, while others prefer timeless classical pieces like Canon in D, Air on the G String or Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring.
The signing of the register is a reflective musical moment of the ceremony. Popular choices include Tenerife Sea, Can't Help Falling in Love, You Are The Reason and At Last, alongside classical favourites such as Ave Maria, Gabriel's Oboe and Panis Angelicus.
The exit recessional is the celebration. You're married, the formalities are complete and the energy lifts as you walk back down the aisle together. Popular modern choices include Signed, Sealed, Delivered, You Make My Dreams, Best Day Of My Life and Marry You. Couples looking for a more traditional feel often choose Wedding March, Ode to Joy or Trumpet Voluntary.
The best ceremony music is always personal. Choose songs that mean something to you as a couple and we'll bring those moments to life.
How do your musicians handle unexpected timing changes during the ceremony?
Because every ceremony unfolds a little differently, our musicians adjust the music in real time to match what's happening. If your aisle walk is slower than expected, we'll naturally extend the processional so the music finishes as you reach the front. If the signing of the register takes longer, we'll seamlessly continue playing until you're ready for the next part of the ceremony.
One of the biggest concerns couples have is whether their processional song will be long enough. With live musicians, it's rarely something you need to worry about. We simply follow the pace of the ceremony, ensuring the music feels natural from beginning to end.
For the smoothest performance, it's helpful if we have a clear view of the ceremony space. If visibility is limited, a planner, celebrant, friend or family member can provide simple cues for key moments such as starting the processional or recessional, helping keep the music perfectly in sync with your ceremony.