Wedding Entertainment Australia
Hire Wedding Bands, DJs & Musicians

Wedding entertainment pricing varies significantly by entertainment type, performance duration, location, and date:

Ceremony Musicians: $400-$1,200 (1-2 hours) — Solo guitarists start around $400-600, string quartets $800-1,200, harpists $600-1,000.

Cocktail Hour Musicians: $500-$1,500 (1-2 hours) — Jazz trios $800-1,200, acoustic duos $600-1,000, roving musicians $500-800.

Wedding Bands: $2,000-$6,000+ (4-5 hours) — Four-piece bands typically $2,500-4,000, five-six piece bands $3,500-5,500, premium seven-plus piece bands $5,000-8,000+.

Wedding DJs: $1,000-$3,000 (5-6 hours) — Standard packages $1,200-1,800, premium DJs with full production/lighting $2,000-3,000+.

Specialty Acts: $800-$3,000 — Roving magicians $1,200-2,500, cultural performers $1,000-2,000, LED/fire acts $1,500-3,000.

Prices vary by location (capital cities cost 10-20% more than regional), day of week (Saturday weddings cost 20-30% more than Friday/Sunday), season (peak spring/summer costs more), and travel distance. Entertainment Now connects you directly with entertainers at their standard rates — no booking agent commissions added.

Both options have distinct advantages — the right choice depends on your wedding style, budget, and priorities:

Choose a Wedding Band if: You value live performance energy and visual entertainment, your venue has good acoustics and space for a band setup, you want that “big moment” feeling for your first dance, your budget allows $3,000-6,000 for reception entertainment, you appreciate watching talented musicians perform, and your music preferences span classic hits, Motown, and crowd-pleasing covers bands excel at.

Choose a Wedding DJ if: You want unlimited song variety and exact original versions, your budget is $1,000-2,500, you have very specific song requests across diverse genres, your venue has space constraints, you want included MC services and lighting, you prefer continuous music without band breaks, or you’re planning an outdoor wedding where weather might impact live instruments.

Book Both if: Your budget allows and you want the best of both worlds — many couples book bands for dinner and main reception (7pm-11pm), then DJs for late-night dancing (11pm-1am). Others book DJs for ceremony and cocktail hour, then bands for reception. Some book solo ceremony musicians, jazz for cocktails, bands for dinner dancing, and DJs for late-night party vibes.

Professional wedding bands typically perform 3-4 x 45-minute sets with breaks, while DJs provide continuous music. Both can accommodate requests, both can MC your reception, and both can be extraordinary — the decision comes down to your personal preference and celebration style.

Booking timelines for Australian wedding entertainment:

12+ Months in Advance: Book this early if you’re getting married during peak season (September-April), on a Saturday in spring (September-November) or autumn (March-May), in popular wedding destinations (Hunter Valley, Yarra Valley, Byron Bay, Margaret River), with specific entertainer in mind after seeing them perform, or planning a destination wedding requiring travel.

6-12 Months in Advance: This is the sweet spot for most Australian couples. Popular entertainers have good availability, you’ll have time to see acts perform live at showcases, and you can be selective rather than stressed. Most wedding bands and premium DJs book out 6-9 months ahead for Saturday weddings.

3-6 Months in Advance: Still viable, especially for Friday or Sunday weddings, off-peak season (June-August), regional venues, or if you’re flexible on specific entertainer. Many quality acts remain available, though your preferred choice might be booked.

Under 3 Months: Options become limited, but last-minute bookings are possible, especially for midweek weddings or if you’re flexible on entertainment type. Some entertainers specifically hold availability for last-minute bookings.

Emergency Bookings: We’ve helped couples book entertainment 2-4 weeks before weddings when original arrangements fell through. While stressful, professional entertainers sometimes have cancellations or deliberate short-notice availability.

The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. However, Entertainment Now’s extensive directory means we can usually find excellent options even with shorter timelines.

Yes, professional wedding entertainers come fully equipped:

Wedding Bands Include: PA system (speakers, amplifiers, mixing desk), microphones (vocal and instrument), instrument backline (amps for guitars/bass, keyboard, drums/percussion), basic stage lighting, all necessary cables and power distribution, setup and pack-down (typically 60-90 minutes each way).

Wedding DJs Include: Full DJ controller/mixer setup, powered speakers (suitable for your guest count), microphones for MC work and speeches, professional lighting package (many include mood uplighting, moving heads, dance floor effects), laptop with extensive music library, backup equipment (second laptop, spare cables), setup and pack-down (typically 60-90 minutes).

What Venues Sometimes Provide: Power access (bands/DJs will confirm power requirements), stage or performance area (entertainers adapt if not available), house sound systems (though professionals prefer their own for quality/reliability), parking and load-in access.

What You Might Need to Arrange: Some premium venues require you use in-house sound systems (rare, usually historic buildings with restrictions), performance space within reasonable distance of power outlets (entertainers bring extension cables, but have limits), covered setup area for outdoor ceremonies if weather threatens (pop-up marquees work), staff meal for bands/DJs performing 5+ hours (professional courtesy, not required but appreciated).

Additional Production: For large weddings (150+ guests), outdoor ceremonies, or venues with challenging acoustics, professional entertainers will recommend enhanced sound systems or additional speakers. Wedding bands sometimes suggest small stages for visibility. These add-ons are quoted separately.

Always discuss venue-specific requirements during initial conversations. Professional entertainers often visit venues beforehand or review floor plans to ensure appropriate setup.

Absolutely — customization is standard with professional wedding entertainment:

Ceremony Music Requests: Ceremony musicians typically provide repertoire lists of 50-100+ songs they know. Most can learn 2-3 special requests with advance notice (8-12 weeks preferred). Common requests: specific processional songs (“Canon in D” alternatives), contemporary love songs for seating guests, unique recessional music. String quartets can arrange almost anything; guitarists cover popular songs in acoustic arrangements.

First Dance Songs: Both bands and DJs accommodate first dance requests. Bands learn your chosen song if not already in their repertoire (provide at least 8 weeks notice). Some couples choose songs bands already know to hear their live version first. DJs play the exact original version. Many couples now do choreographed first dances, in which case bands or DJs provide the precise track version you’ve practiced.

Reception Playlists: Wedding bands typically have 200-400 song repertoires spanning genres from 1960s Motown to current Top 40. You can provide “must-play” lists of 10-20 songs and “do not play” lists. Bands take requests during the night for songs in their repertoire. DJs have virtually unlimited catalogs and can play exact versions of any song requested. Most couples provide general vibe guidance (“upbeat party,” “classic rock heavy,” “mix of old and new”) rather than specific song-by-song playlists, trusting professional entertainers to read the crowd and keep energy high.

Parent Dances & Special Moments: Specify songs for mother-son, father-daughter dances, cake cutting, bouquet toss, and any cultural traditions. Entertainers incorporate these seamlessly into reception flow.

Cultural & Traditional Music: If your wedding includes cultural performances or traditional music, discuss this early. Some entertainers perform specific cultural genres; others can collaborate with cultural performers for seamless transitions.

The best approach: provide must-play songs for key moments (ceremony, first dance, parent dances), share general vibe preferences, then trust professional entertainers to read your crowd and adapt throughout the night. Great wedding entertainers balance couple preferences with what keeps the dance floor packed.

Professional wedding entertainers very rarely cancel, and reputable acts have backup plans:

Professional Standards: Established wedding bands and DJs treat your wedding date as sacred. They don’t double-book, they maintain backup plans for illness or emergencies, and they have networks of equivalent performers available.

Band Backup Plans: Wedding bands typically have substitute musicians they work with. If one band member falls ill, the substitute steps in (someone who knows their repertoire and has performed with them). For complete band unavailability (extremely rare), established bands provide equivalent-quality replacement bands at no additional cost. Many are part of entertainment companies with multiple bands available.

DJ Backup Plans: Professional wedding DJs have backup equipment (second laptop, spare controllers) and relationships with other DJs for true emergencies. Some are part of DJ companies that provide replacement DJs if needed.

Entertainment Now Support: Our 14-day satisfaction guarantee covers booking issues. If problems arise, we help find alternative entertainment quickly. Our extensive directory means we can usually source equivalent acts even in emergencies.

What You Should Do: Always get contracts specifying entertainer responsibilities, cancellation terms, and backup arrangements. Ask about their backup plan specifically. Consider wedding insurance if booking premium entertainment. Maintain direct contact with entertainers in the weeks before your wedding. Confirm one week before that all details are locked in.

The Reality: In 12+ years connecting couples with entertainment, complete cancellations are incredibly rare. When they occur, it’s usually illness/injury, and professional entertainers work harder to avoid disappointing couples than almost any other vendor. Wedding dates are sacred in the entertainment industry.

Yes, experienced wedding entertainers work extensively across Australian wedding venues:

Major Venue Experience: Professional entertainers regularly perform at popular wedding venues in their city and region. Melbourne entertainers know Yarra Valley wineries, Mornington Peninsula venues, and Melbourne CBD ballrooms. Sydney entertainers know Hunter Valley estates, Northern Beaches venues, and harbour-view locations. Brisbane entertainers work regularly at hinterland venues, Sunshine Coast resorts, and South Bank spaces. They understand each venue’s quirks, acoustics, setup areas, and requirements.

Venue Restrictions They Know: Sound/noise curfews and limits (especially outdoor venues with residential neighbors), venue-mandated sound systems or approved supplier lists, heritage building restrictions on equipment setup or mounting, outdoor setup challenges (power access, weather contingencies, ground surfaces), parking and load-in procedures (especially CBD venues with loading dock requirements), venue insurance requirements, timing restrictions for outdoor ceremonies.

What Entertainers Do: Many conduct venue visits or review venue specs before your wedding, especially for new or complex venues. They communicate with venue coordinators about power, setup, and timing. They plan backup options for weather-dependent setups. They arrive early to manage any unexpected challenges.

What You Should Do: Provide entertainers with your venue details as soon as you book them. Put them in direct contact with your venue coordinator. Share any restrictions the venue mentioned. Confirm entertainers have performed there before or are willing to visit.

Regional & Destination Venues: If your wedding is at a remote or regional venue, discuss this early. Entertainers may need to visit beforehand, and travel/accommodation fees might apply. However, most professional entertainers love destination weddings and adapt seamlessly to unique venues.

Absolutely, and we strongly encourage it:

Live Showcases: Many wedding bands and DJs host showcase events where multiple acts perform. These are typically free or low-cost ($10-30) and held in bars/venues on Sunday afternoons. You can see multiple entertainment options in one afternoon, compare styles, and meet performers personally. Entertainment Now provides showcase dates in our directory listings.

Wedding Performances: Some couples ask if they can attend a wedding where their shortlisted band is performing. While not always possible (other couples’ permission required), some entertainers arrange this for later in the evening when formalities are complete.

Video Isn’t Everything: Every professional entertainer has video content — full-length songs, highlight reels, and client testimonials. Videos are extremely helpful but can’t fully capture live energy. A mediocre video might represent an amazing live act, or conversely, slick video editing might oversell performance quality. Use video for initial shortlisting, then see acts live before final decisions if possible.

Virtual Options: Post-COVID, many entertainers offer video call consultations where they’ll perform a song or two live over video. Not the same as in-person, but better than video alone.

Trust Reviews & Referrals: If seeing acts live isn’t possible (destination weddings, tight timelines, rural locations), lean heavily on reviews from real couples. Entertainment Now only lists professionals with verified wedding experience and client testimonials. Look for consistent praise about professionalism, crowd reading ability, and reliable communication.

Entertainment Now applies strict quality standards to all listed wedding entertainment professionals:

Wedding Experience Required: All entertainers must demonstrate extensive wedding performance history. We don’t list hobbyists, inexperienced acts, or performers without wedding-specific experience. Wedding entertainment requires unique skills — reading crowds, understanding reception timing, coordinating with venues and other vendors, adapting to unexpected situations.

Professional Standards: Equipment quality and reliability (professional-grade gear, backup equipment), professional presentation and appearance, dependable communication and responsiveness, public liability insurance (verified), appropriate contracts and business processes, proven ability to meet timing requirements and coordinate with other vendors.

Verification Process: Manual review of every application, check of references from recent weddings, review of video and audio samples, verification of insurance documentation, assessment of equipment lists and capabilities, evaluation of professionalism in application process.

Ongoing Quality Control: Client reviews and testimonials inform our directory, serious complaints trigger reviews and potential removal, we monitor entertainer responsiveness to inquiries, regular communication ensures active, available acts remain in directory.

What We Don’t Guarantee: While we thoroughly vet entertainers, we don’t guarantee your personal taste will align with every act. Music preference is subjective — one couple’s perfect band might not suit another. Use our directory to shortlist based on style, then watch videos, attend showcases, and trust your instincts. Our job is ensuring every listed act meets professional standards; your job is choosing the one perfect for your celebration.

Professional wedding entertainers excel at customization and personalization:

Musical Customization: Learning your first dance song (bands need 8-12 weeks notice), adapting setlists to emphasize genres you love (classic rock heavy, Motown focus, contemporary pop), incorporating cultural music for heritage acknowledgment, avoiding genres or songs you dislike, adjusting energy levels to match your celebration style (sophisticated jazz vibe vs high-energy party).

Visual Customization: Some bands adjust stage presentation to match wedding colors or theme, DJs program uplighting to match wedding color schemes, formal attire for black-tie weddings or casual for beach celebrations, stage/equipment setup adapted to venue aesthetics.

Timeline Customization: Adjusting set lengths to match your reception schedule, coordinating with venue timeline requirements and sunset timing for outdoor weddings, providing ceremony and cocktail music in addition to reception, building energy strategically throughout the night, incorporating special moments (anniversary dances, surprise performances, cultural traditions).

MC & Coordination: Many bands and DJs provide MC services, introducing key moments (first dance, parent dances, cake cutting, speeches), coordinating with photographers and videographers for key shots, managing reception timeline and keeping events moving, adapting announcements to match wedding formality level.

What’s Possible vs What’s Realistic: Bands can learn 2-3 special songs but not entire custom setlists — their existing repertoires represent years of practice. Visual customization is welcome but shouldn’t compromise sound quality or equipment functionality. Timeline flexibility exists but entertainers need advance notice for major changes.

Discuss Early: Share your vision, themes, and must-haves during initial conversations. Professional entertainers will tell you what’s possible and offer creative suggestions you might not have considered. The best wedding entertainment feels personalized to your story while maintaining the professional quality and crowd-pleasing energy that keeps your celebration energetic and memorable.