Vintage & Retro Bands for Hire

What type of vintage bands do you represent?

A vintage wedding band can encompass a few different types of bands. If you’re looking to hire a band with a vintage theme, popular options include:

Postmodern Jukebox

Vocal Harmony Group

Gypsy Jazz

Rock ‘n’ Roll

Rockabilly

Jazz & Swing Bands

Can retro-style bands still play modern music?

Absolutely! Our vintage wedding bands for hire perform both authentic vintage music and modern chart hits. Popularised by the band Postmodern Jukebox, the fusion of contemporary music done with a vintage swing twist is a tantalizing toe-tapping treat and a fantastic addition to weddings, private parties, and corporate events.

During the band’s breaks, they can also provide pre-mixed playlists that consist of classic pop songs as well.

What instruments do vintage bands use?

The most common instrumentation you’ll find in a vintage band will be a mixture or combination of the following:

Vocals

Drums

Double Bass

Trumpet & Sax

Guitar

Piano

Most bands offer several lineups to choose from but typically always feature drums, double bass and guitar as a foundation. Our vintage and retro bands often work with additional musicians and can provide bespoke lineups to suit your musical tastes.

Are they suitable for weddings?

If your wedding is vintage-themed, then it goes without saying that hiring an appropriately themed swing, jive, or rock ‘n’ roll band is a must. With band options that range from small intimate duos to full bands for dancing, you can opt for music any time of the day, from the drinks reception to the evening wedding reception.

Most vintage bands on the wedding circuit perform modern songs in a retro style alongside traditional songs from the Great American Songbook, ensuring there’s a varied selection of music that appeals to all.

How much does a vintage-style band cost?

Prices vary depending on what line-up you opt to go for. Some quick guidelines are:

Duo: £400-500

Trio: £600-850

Quartet: £900-1200

Quintet: £1350-1600

If you’re looking at hiring for evening music and dancing, you’ll need to book either a quartet or quintet lineup. Although small line-ups are often lively and upbeat, they tend to be more suitable for background music earlier in the day.

How long does it take to set up?

It’s best to allocate an hour for the band to set up to ensure they have all their equipment set up and time to perform a quick soundcheck.

Can we choose the music?

No problem. Once your booking has been confirmed, you can browse the band’s repertoire online and pick any favourites. Our general recommendation is to let the band have the most creative control as they know what will work best, given their experience. If you have a song request in mind, such as a first dance, that you’d like the band to perform, most will happily oblige.

You’ll also be welcome to have a say in what music is played during breaks. These days, bands typically run a pre-mixed playlist through their PA system to keep the entertainment flowing and will generally be similar music to what they perform live. However, you’re welcome to use your own playlists if preferred.