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5 different wedding band music styles to choose from

5 different wedding band music styles to choose from


John Maddaford
John Maddaford Updated:
8th of March 2023

Finding a party band for your wedding reception becomes a little trickier when you realise that your live music can exist in all different shapes and sizes. For most couples, it’s less about choosing between specific wedding bands and more to do with nailing down the right music style and theme for their big day.

The type of wedding music you choose will directly affect the mood of your guests, so it only makes sense to find the perfect fit for your musical wedding entertainment. Here are 5 of the most popular wedding bands music styles available at the moment and some expert entertainment tips on deciding which one is right for you!  

Rock & Pop
Easily the most popular choice for brides and grooms up and down the country is the Rock & Pop cover band. Having your very own private rock concert at your wedding has become something to be desired, especially with those couples who have a mutual love of live music and want to share this with friends and family.

The great thing about a band like this is that they often have something for everyone, as well as providing some unrivalled live energy when compared to other types of wedding bands. You simply can’t go wrong with a Rock & Pop covers band if you want a full dance floor and a night of sing along tracks!

Reasons to choose a Rock & Pop wedding band:

  • Big sing along numbers
  • Amazing live energy
  • Perfect party starter

Folk & Boho
Matching your wedding entertainment with your venue is one neat little trick to ensure everything stays on theme. Getting married in a barn or rustic style venue? A ‘Mumford & Sons’ style folk or pop band will provide the perfect backdrop for your day.

Alternatively, bands like Mumford & Sons are music festival favourites and have done a lot to pave the way for this style of wedding band. Your festival style wedding (or wedfest!) with tipis and music as a focus wouldn’t be complete without this style of band.

Reasons to choose a Folk & Boho wedding band:

  • Great for barn and rustic settings
  • Festival themed entertainment
  • Towering double bass guitars look amazing!

Vintage Jazz & Swing
Whether it’s a sensational big band sound or a low key vintage jazz trio, you can really bring an effortlessly cool feel with timeless classics. The rise in popularity of Postmodern Jukebox has seen wedding bands of this type find a new way of bringing vintage tunes to your dance floor.

There are so many wedding themes associated with this music genre from Gatsby to 1920’s Prohibition, it can only be enhanced with a vintage soundtrack to match!

Reasons to choose a Vintage Wedding Band

  • Will make your wedding feel like a 1920’s occasion
  • Hear your favourite modern songs in a vintage style
  • Unique and memorable

Rock ‘n’ Roll
Such a cool idea for your live wedding music and the Rock ‘n’ Roll era is littered with so many legendary musical icons from Elvis Presley to Chuck Berry. A more high energy vintage option with bands performing classic numbers from the 50’s & 60’s.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll look is also a distinctive one and you can be sure that your band will be dressed to the nines when performing! This retro feel is often sought after and if you want to travel back in time to one of the best decades in music history, this is the style of band for you.

Reasons to choose a Rock ‘n’ Roll Wedding Band

  • Bring the ‘golden age’ of music to your day
  • Visually impressive
  • High tempo and sure to get people dancing

Sax & DJ
This one deserves it’s own mention as it really is the biggest current trend in live wedding bands. Sax & DJ are an amazing pairing when seen live. Many perform as collectives with live percussion, vocalists and of course incredible light shows.

If you have an appetite for an Ibiza club or bar vibe with electrifying live music and improvised high impact saxophone, you can’t go wrong with Sax & DJ. To really bring a taste of the summer holidays, look for LED musicians with light up instruments! It makes a huge difference to the overall aesthetic of your live music.

Reasons to choose a Sax & DJ Wedding Band

  • Most current trend in wedding entertainment
  • Capture a lively Ibiza club vibe
  • Combine musicians with a DJ to create a distinctive sound

Thanks to Joey Burdon of Warble Entertainment for his tips on wedding entertainment!

Magicians, fireworks and much more...
John Maddaford

About the author


John Maddaford

John has been a pivotal member of the Guides for Brides team for 15 years. Over the years he has built relationships with a number of wedding entertainment suppliers including, but not limited to: discos, DJs, live bands, magicians and the totally unique. He is the best person to contact for supplier recommendations in your area.

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