Wedding Guide
Good wedding music is more than one moment in the schedule: emotional music for the ceremony, stylish sounds at the reception, subtle dinner music, a well-prepared first dance – and live music that fills the dance floor later on. The result is a music selection that fits the couple, the guests and the schedule. That applies to destination weddings in Austria too.
This guide helps couples, the wedding party and planners decide with confidence when planning live music for a wedding. It covers lineup, schedule, volume, technical setup, how pricing works and the details that matter before you send an enquiry.
For a compact overview of how The Jetset Society performs at weddings, visit the Wedding Band page. This wedding guide goes deeper into the planning itself, so you can choose well before you book.
- A wedding band should fit the schedule, room, guest count and desired atmosphere.
- The Jetset Society performs in flexible lineups from 4 to 11 musicians. Smaller setups starting at three musicians suit jazz, lounge and dinner settings.
- Songs are only part of the picture. The musical arc, volume, technical setup, timing and coordination with the venue or wedding planner matter just as much.
Quick guidance in 60 seconds
Do you need the band for the party alone, or for the whole day? Ceremony, drinks reception, dinner, first dance and the party later in the evening each ask for a different musical role.
Compact lineups feel elegant and save space. Larger lineups with several vocalists and horns bring more stage presence and drive the dance floor.
Venue, room size, power supply, setup time, curfew, volume limits and existing technical equipment shape the planning just as much as the repertoire you have in mind.
How live music typically works at a wedding
Timing is everything at the ceremony. Entrance, ring exchange, signing and exit need clear coordination. A smaller, more intimate lineup works beautifully here.
During the reception and dinner, music should set the tone yet leave room for conversation. Jazz, lounge and soul are a natural fit for this stage of the day.
The first dance marks the shift into the evening. From there, the energy builds with pop, soul, disco, rock, Austropop, oldies and modern classics.
Which lineup fits your wedding?
Smaller setups with as few as three musicians can be ideal for the ceremony, drinks reception or dinner. They feel personal and flexible, in perfect balance with the room. For the ceremony itself, a duo is also possible on request.
Lineups with 4 to 7 musicians suit many weddings: they pair elegance with party potential and often work well for reception, dinner and the evening programme.
Lineups with 8 to 11 musicians, several vocalists and horns deliver strong visual impact. Choose them when the party and a commanding stage presence matter most.
You will find more on possible lineups on the Lineups page. For a first taste of the different lineups, browse the Live Impressions.
When should you book a wedding band?
Popular dates between May and September – especially Fridays and Saturdays – are often booked early. It pays to enquire once the date, region, venue and guest count are roughly clear.
A short-notice enquiry is still worthwhile if the schedule and venue are settled. The more precise your details, the faster we can recommend a realistic lineup.
Music for ceremony, reception and dinner
Ceremony, reception and dinner each play a different musical role. The ceremony calls for emotion, the reception for atmosphere, and dinner for elegant live music that lets conversation flow.
For a detailed planning guide covering song requests, lineup, volume, technical setup, a second sound system and transitions, see ceremony, reception and dinner music.
Planning the first dance live
The first dance can usually be performed live. What matters: the song title, preferred version, tempo, length and whether the dance should flow straight into the party.
Not every song suits every live lineup equally well. Share important song requests early, so the band can check whether to prepare a custom version and which lineup fits best. A detailed checklist is available on Planning the first dance with a live band.
Live band, DJ or additional playlist?
A live band creates a visible, emotional and immediate atmosphere. Musicians read the room, respond to your guests, build energy and give the key moments a musical frame.
If music is needed after the live set, a DJ or playlist can be added for the very late hours. The Jetset Society focuses on real live music: flexible live lineups, custom arrangements, harmony vocals and a professional musical arc. A more detailed decision guide is available on the page Live band or DJ?
Looking for a cover band for your wedding? The real question is rarely just which well-known songs are played, but how they are arranged, performed and woven into the day. The Jetset Society draws on recognisable repertoire, yet works as a wedding band – with custom arrangements, flexible lineups and musical planning for ceremony, reception, dinner, first dance and party.
Technical setup, volume and venue
Suitable sound and lighting can be planned with the band to match room size, guest count and setup. Power supply, setup time and positioning all matter.
Ceremony, reception, dinner and party each need a different volume. Professional planning balances musical impact with easy conversation.
Clarify stage space, acoustics, access, load-in routes and curfew early. You will also find helpful guidance on the venues and event partners page.
How much does a wedding band cost?
The cost of a wedding band depends on lineup, performance time, technical setup, venue, travel, setup time, day of the week, season and schedule. Music for a small ceremony is priced differently from a full evening with reception, dinner, first dance and party.
That is why The Jetset Society creates tailored quotes. The Pricing page gives an overview of the typical factors. For a specific estimate, the best starting point is an enquiry with date, venue, guest count and preferred schedule. Detailed guide prices, example calculations and answers to typical cost questions are on What does a wedding band cost?
Music timeline: rules of thumb for the evening
After the ceremony, the drinks reception carries the mood. Dinner often starts between 5 and 7 pm – with subtle dinner music in the background.
After dinner, the first dance opens the dance floor and signals the start of the party.
The party often starts around 9:30 pm. Guest performances work best when kept short and scheduled early – keeping the evening flowing.
Six typical mistakes when planning the music
Popular peak-season dates are often booked well in advance.
Without a rough timeline, recommending the right lineup is difficult.
Power, space, setup time and volume limits should be clarified early.
Important songs often need preparation and coordination.
Room size, guest count and desired impact are just as important as cost.
Coordination with the venue or planner helps ensure smooth setup.
Regional planning: Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland
For weddings in Vienna, access, setup times, volume rules and venue procedures are especially important.
In Lower Austria, venue size, outdoor areas, travel and flexible timing often play a major role.
In Burgenland, wineries, hotels, halls and outdoor areas are often part of wedding planning.
Questions before booking a wedding band
Before confirming a booking, clarify the lineup, the musicians who will actually perform, sound and lighting, setup, soundcheck, song requests, extensions and backup options – and put it all in a clear written agreement.
Checklist for a good enquiry
Date, venue, location, guest count, on-site contact, desired event phases and approximate schedule.
Ceremony, reception, dinner, first dance, party, special songs, desired atmosphere and preferred lineup.
Indoor or outdoor, stage area, power supply, load-in routes, volume rules, curfew and existing sound or lighting equipment.
What matters most: elegant atmosphere, full dance floor, compact lineup, greater stage presence, budget range or live music for the whole day?
A wedding day with live music: sample timeline
- 2:30 pm – Ceremony: duo or trio, subtle and emotional
- 3:30 pm – Drinks reception: jazz, lounge and bossa nova
- 6:00 pm – Dinner: conversation-friendly dinner music
- 9:00 pm – First dance: performed live
- 9:30 pm – Party time: the full band takes over the dance floor
- 12:30 am – Wind-down: a final live set or a fitting way to keep the music going
Every wedding is different – this timeline is a proven framework that we adapt to your schedule together.
Related pages
The compact service page for weddings.
From smaller setups to large lineups.
Genres, song worlds and musical possibilities.
Videos and impressions from different lineups.
The key factors behind a tailored quote.
More answers about live music, technical setup and planning.
Decision support for small, medium and large lineups.
Guidance for live band, DJ, playlist or a combination.
From enquiry, quote and booking to technical setup and soundcheck.
Plan event phases, volume, lineup and transitions throughout the wedding day.
Checklist for quotes, equipment, timing, song requests and booking conditions.
Checklist for power, stage, volume, load-in, soundcheck and multiple performance areas.
By Thomas Gindl – director of The Jetset Society
Frequently asked questions about wedding music
When should you book a wedding band?
Popular dates between May and September are often taken early. An early enquiry lets you plan with certainty. That said, a short-notice enquiry can still be worthwhile if the date, venue and schedule are already clear.
Does a wedding band also play the first dance live?
Yes. The first dance can usually be performed live. Early coordination regarding song version, tempo, length and transition is important, as well as a realistic assessment of which lineup best supports the song. Details are available on Planning the first dance with a live band.
How many musicians does a wedding need?
That depends on guest count, available space, budget, schedule and the atmosphere you want. Smaller lineups often work well for the ceremony, drinks reception and dinner. Medium-sized or larger lineups come into their own when you want a full dance floor later in the evening.
Which lineup is suitable for ceremony, reception, dinner and party?
Smaller setups can be a fine choice for the ceremony and dinner. For reception, first dance and party, flexible live band lineups from 4 musicians often work well. Larger lineups with several vocalists and horns are especially powerful for the party later in the evening.
Live band, DJ or playlist – which is best for a wedding?
That depends on the desired character of the wedding. A live band creates a visible, emotional and immediate atmosphere. For very late hours, an additional DJ or playlist solution can be planned if music is needed after the live set.
How much does a wedding band with 6 to 8 musicians including sound and lighting cost?
The cost depends on lineup size, performance time, sound and lighting requirements, venue, guest count, schedule, travel and setup time. A wedding band with 6 to 8 musicians is often suitable for reception, dinner and the later party section. The technical scope is planned according to the venue and included in the tailored quote where appropriate.
What information do we need for a wedding quote?
Helpful details include the date, venue, guest count, the parts of the day you would like covered, an approximate schedule, preferred lineup, technical setup, special song requests and notes on the event flow. The more precise your information, the better we can tailor the quote.
Can a wedding band also bring technical equipment?
Yes. Depending on the size of the venue, the band can provide or plan sound and lighting equipment. It is worth agreeing room size, power supply, setup time, band position and schedule in advance.
Does live music also make sense for smaller weddings?
Yes. Smaller lineups can create a high-quality, personal and stylish atmosphere without feeling intrusive. For the ceremony, drinks reception (Sektempfang) or dinner, a smaller lineup can be a very good fit.
Is a spontaneous extension possible on the night?
An extension can normally be arranged on the night, depending on schedule, venue and the overall setup. It is best to discuss this topic in advance.