How Much Does A Wedding Band Cost In Toronto?

Your wedding is probably one of the most memorable moments in every couple’s life. That said, everyone needs to appreciate how much of a role music plays on your big day.

If you wish to experience rich sounds and overflowing energy with the right kind of wedding entertainment in Toronto, then you have to hire a good wedding band to perform during your reception.

While the average wedding band cost in the Canada is around $4,500, hiring a wedding band in Toronto will change depending on a number of different things. Factors such as the time and location of your wedding and also how large the band is. The more musicians you hire, the more the price increases.

If you’d like to get an instant online quote to find out exactly how much a live band will cost for your Toronto wedding or in and around the GTA, you should use our package builder.

Which Is More Expensive, A Live Wedding Band or A DJ?

If your budget allows, nothing beats a live band when it comes to a wedding entertainment in Toronto. It simply has more to offer in terms of options and performances, which are very important for any wedding.

Therefore, in most cases, the cost of this kind of wedding entertainment in Toronto is more likely to be higher than that of a DJ. One of the reasons for this is that when you hire a wedding band in Toronto, you will be getting several professional musicians performing at your wedding, whereas, with a DJ, it will be just one individual on the decks.

Both options are great. Some couples go with a DJ along with a live sax player who can interact with guests on the dance floor, other couples might go with a solo singer/guitarist who can play live music for the ceremony, cocktails and first dance – before then turning into your DJ.

Should I Pay to Have Live Music at My Wedding?

Live music is absolutely essential for setting the atmosphere of any wedding. You need to have performers who will be able to entertain your guests as they arrive for your wedding ceremony. Also, having a roaring dance floor at your reception with live musicians, who are capable of reading the crowd and playing all your favourite party tunes, will be just wonderful.

Degree qualified musicians who have years playing music at weddings are the professionals that you want playing music for your once in a lifetime celebration.

Professional musicians like these will cost you more, but this is the only way you can be sure that they will deliver top-notch performances that are seamless and entertaining for everyone.

When should I Book My Live Wedding Band in Toronto?

When it comes to live wedding entertainment in Toronto, you should book your preferred live wedding band as far in advance as possible.

One thing that should always be at the back of your mind is that there are over 70,000 weddings every year in Ontario, but not enough experienced musicians available to play at all those weddings! It really is a case of the early bird catching the worm… it is highly recommended to book in early or you will miss out on the best bands in Toronto!

Securing your wedding musicians early also means that you will have time to determine how long the band will perform, how many sets will be played, and the type of music you want.

What Kind Of Songs Will The Live Band Play At My Wedding?

Nobody wants a boring wedding, so you really need to think about the kind of music you want before the actual date of the wedding. Make sure you go with music pieces that appeal not just to you, but to all your guests and family.

When booking music for your wedding entertainment in Toronto, you need to make sure they can cover your wedding celebration from start to finish (ceremony, cocktails and reception). We recommend organizing your song choices as follows (and leaving the rest up to the experienced musicians).

Key Ceremony Songs:

• Entrance Processional
• Register Signing
• Exit Recessional

Key Reception Songs:

• Wedding Party Entrance
• Cake Cutting
• First Dance
• Bouquet Throw
• Garter Throw
• Farewell Song

Keep in mind that the band won’t be playing live the entire time – they will need to have a few quick breaks in between their sets. This is where you can have extra input into the music played at your wedding.

You might like to make two Spotify playlists that you can share with the band and they can use them whenever they are on a break. The first playlist would be used as softer background music over cocktails or dinner so that guests can still talk. Then the second playlist for keeping the dance floor pumping.

For How Long Do Wedding Bands Play?

When it comes to wedding entertainment in Toronto, you’ll want to book your live band for between 5-6 hours to cover your cocktails and reception. The band will generally play a series of live music “sets” throughout the evening.

In between these sets, you’ll be having things like speeches, announcements and several other formalities that you will need to fit in as well. Another thing is that every wedding is unique, so you need to share your wedding timeline (itinerary of events) with your band as early on as possible so that they can make suggestions as to how to fit in all their amazing live music.

How Can I Save Money With My Live Wedding Band In Toronto?

Toronto Wedding bands can be very expensive (although in our completely unbiased opinion – totally worth it!) but there are several ways that you can save money on your live wedding band.

The biggest impact on the price of a wedding band is typically:

• How many musicians you intend to book
• The distance the musicians need to travel to get to your wedding
• How long you need the musicians to play
• The type of music you book (Classical String Quartet VS a Live Party Band)

If you’re after a band to get the party started on your dance floor “just for a couple of hours later on in the evening” or a singer to perform your special song for your first dance (even if it’s just for 5 minutes), keep in mind that they will need to set up their equipment and sound check before guests arrive – so you’re not actually going to be saving any money in these two scenarios because the musicians will still be needed for the whole evening.

Generally speaking however, string musicians playing background music – like a String Duo, Trio or a String Quartet will be happy to charge by the hour… and because they are not amplified, if you want them from 8pm – 9pm, they don’t need to arrive at 5pm for a sound check and thus will be a cheaper wedding music option for you to consider instead of a Live Band with a singer. A String Quartet VS a Live Band with guitars, singers, drums, sax and keyboard is a totally different vibe, but you’re trying to save money right?

What We Think

A wedding is never complete without good entertainment and the excitement that only a live hired wedding band can deliver. Having a band play at your wedding is the best experience one can ever dream of. Live bands make the experience unique. So reach out to us today for your wedding band in Toronto.