Hiring a Band for Destination Weddings in Italy – A Short Guide
22 September 2019 (Updated 27 October 2023)
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Hiring a Band for Destination Weddings in Italy – A Short Guide

In this blog post, we'll outline some of Italy's best wedding bands, the average cost to hire a wedding band in Italy and some other frequently asked questions that we receive from couples looking for live music for their wedding in Italy.

Italy is increasingly becoming a destination wedding hotspot for couples – Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Rome, Venice, Sicily and Lake Como are particularly popular locations.

The beautiful countryside, pleasant climate and excellent cuisine are just some of the factors that make Italy such a popular destination for tying the knot, especially with British and American couples.

FixTheMusic is free to use – we're a secure platform for connecting directly with and booking outstanding musicians worldwide.

Browse Italy Wedding Bands

Whether it be at a private villa in Tuscany, a luxury hotel on the Amalfi Coast or at a rustic wedding barn in Sicily, there are so many beautiful and unique wedding venues to choose from.

But when it comes to hiring a live wedding band in Italy, it can be difficult to find exactly what you want for your special day.

In general, couples who head to Italy for a destination wedding want a band that plays covers of British and American pop, rock and indie music (as well as some funk and soul thrown in for good measure). As such, British wedding bands are increasingly in demand to make the journey to entertain at destination weddings in Italy.

Italian wedding bands and Italian wedding singers offer a good range of styles (from pop and rock, jazz and swing to hip hop, garage, soul and Britpop) and many of the bands offer something a bit different to make your wedding truly memorable.

View our complete list of outstanding wedding bands in Italy ➡️

Our website is frequently updated with the best cover bands Italy has to offer for weddings and private events. As it is often difficult to see the bands performing live (especially when planning a destination wedding from afar), when booking an Italian wedding band, reviews are essential – and we ensure all of our local bands are top-rated professional musicians you can rely on.

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We also have excellent relationships with all the major Italian wedding planners, photographers and many other wedding suppliers, so we would be very happy to help in that area as well.

Wedding bands on FixTheMusic have public liability insurance and PAT tested equipment.

Based on confirmed bookings on FixTheMusic, here's the list of the 15 best wedding bands in Italy for 2024...

1. Trio Toscano (Tuscany)
2. The Puppets (Bologna)
3. The Sonics (Rome)
4. The Somethings (Florence)
5. The Florence Jazz Band (Florence)
6. Soul Drive (Rome)
7. The Prodigal Duo (Tuscany)
8. Slipstream (Arezzo)
9. Andiamo Duo (Rome)
10. Traffic Lights (Florence)
11. The Italian Roamers (Milan)
12. The Hopeless Wanderers (Padua)
13. Stardust (Puglia)
14. Cosmic (Rome)
15. The Tuscany Folk Band (Florence)

Due to the demand for British cover bands to entertain at Italian weddings, some have relocated to the continent permanently. But several of FixTheMusic’s UK-based wedding bands are proving popular for destination weddings in Italy.

View our complete list of UK-based wedding bands who frequently travel to Italy for destination weddings ➡️

Of course, travel expenses mean that it can cost roughly double the price of hiring these bands to perform in the UK.

We also work with all of the best local Italy-based wedding bands. You can view all of our local Italy-based bands here.

So, how much does it cost to hire a wedding band in Italy?

The average cost to hire a wedding band in Italy is €1,676. This is for a 4-piece pop and rock band; larger groups will cost more depending on the number of band members.

On FixTheMusic, bands always provide quotes directly to you with a clear breakdown of costs so you can make an informed decision – no other costs are added, and once you’re happy to book, you can pay securely online via credit or debit card.

FixTheMusic is free for event planners to use. View our carefully curated selection of wedding bands available to hire for weddings in Italy. har We’ve tried to make it as easy as possible to hire English wedding bands in Italy as well as local musicians, and we hope to help many more couples find their perfect wedding band in the years to come.

Browse Italy Wedding Bands

If you're interested in seeing some of our international and Italy wedding bands performing live, then check out the videos below...

View more videos and read verified reviews of The Puppets ➡️


View more videos and read verified reviews of The Sonics ➡️


View more videos and read verified reviews of The Italian Roamers ➡️


View more videos and read verified reviews of Trio Toscano ➡️


View more videos and read verified reviews of Stardust ➡️


View more videos and read verified reviews of Slipstream ➡️


View more videos and read verified reviews of Cosmic ➡️


View more videos and read verified reviews of The Somethings ➡️


View more videos and read verified reviews of The Prodigal Duo ➡️


View more videos and read verified reviews of Tuscany Sax & DJ ➡️


View more videos and read verified reviews of Double Sax & DJ ➡️


View more videos and read verified reviews of The Hopeless Wanderers ➡️


View more videos and read verified reviews of Party Sax & DJ ➡️


View more videos and read verified reviews of Soul Drive ➡️


View more videos and read verified reviews of The Florence Jazz Band ➡️


View more videos and read verified reviews of Andiamo Duo ➡️


Several of FixTheMusic’s UK-based wedding bands are proving popular for destination weddings in the region. Of course, travel expenses mean that it can cost roughly double the price of hiring these bands to perform in the UK.

If you're looking to hire a brilliantly fun and charismatic band for your wedding, you've come to the right place.

FixTheMusic is free to use – we're a secure platform for liaising with and booking outstanding musicians worldwide.

On their profiles, you can watch their videos, read their verified reviews from clients on FixTheMusic, view recent event photos and enquire with them directly.

Wedding bands on FixTheMusic have public liability insurance and PAT tested equipment.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about hiring a wedding band...

FixTheMusic provides bands for thousands of weddings and private events each year across Europe and worldwide. We've put together some Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about hiring a wedding band, a few of which are listed below:

How early should I book a wedding band?
You should aim to book your band as soon as possible. Most of our best wedding bands have bookings at least two years in advance. If your wedding is on a Saturday in May, June, July, August or September, you should really be looking to book at least a year in advance of your date. This is because most weddings fall on a Saturday during summer so our bands receive the most enquiries for these days. That said, there are more and more weddings taking place on Sundays and mid-week (especially on Thursdays and Fridays) so it’s best not to wait too long before locking down your band.
Can I see wedding bands perform live before I book?
Usually it’s not possible to see the band live. Most professional bands perform at private events only, such as weddings and corporate events. It’s not usually possible for the bands to allow potential clients into these venues to watch them perform. It is occasionally possible so there’s no harm in asking. And sometimes wedding bands will do the odd gig at a pub or festival that’s open to the public.
How long do most wedding bands perform for?
Most bands play 2 x 45 minute or 2 x 1 hour live sets at weddings. Some bands will play for longer than this. The bands will usually tell you how long their sets are when they provide you with their quote.
What happens between and after the wedding band's live sets?
Most bands provide a “laptop DJ” service. This isn’t the same as providing the service of a professional DJ who reads the room and adapts to the feel on the night. Instead, they will have a playlist (usually on something like Spotify or iTunes) that they play out of their PA system. It's worth checking the details of this with the band, as some wedding bands only provide the live music and prefer to leave the rest of the evening's music to the couple or a professional DJ.
Can I choose the music that the wedding band plays in between and after their live sets?
Yes, usually you can send the band a list of requests before the wedding and the band will download them onto their laptop or device, ready to play on the night. Alternatively, you can compile a playlist and bring your own device to plug into the band’s PA system. You should check this with the band first, as not all bands are comfortable with others using their own equipment.
What songs will wedding bands play?
Most bands have a repertoire of songs that they perform regularly at weddings. This will be a tried-and-tested playlist that they know works well at weddings: it appeals to guests of all ages and keeps people on the dance floor. The set list will change throughout the year, as the band adds and removes songs.
Will the wedding band learn my first dance song?
Yes! Most bands will be delighted to learn your first dance song and perform it live for you on your wedding night. If it doesn’t fit the band’s style (e.g. if your first dance song is a jazz song, but you’ve booked an indie-rock band), then they might suggest you use the recorded version of the song and the band will play this out of their PA system.
Can I give a list of songs to the band to play at my wedding?
Most bands will usually learn one song for your wedding that isn’t already in their setlist. Some bands will offer to learn 2 or 3 new songs, but in our experience they are rarely able to learn more than this. It can be very time consuming for the band to learn and rehearse new songs, and especially so for singers to learn all the new lyrics.
Can I indicate my song preferences to the wedding band?
Yes. Most bands will be happy for you to indicate which songs from their set list you dislike and don’t want them to play, and songs that you like and absolutely want them to play on the night. The band will usually then build their setlist around these preferences.
What time will the wedding band arrive?
Most bands aim to arrive at around 5pm to be ready to play by 7pm. During this time they will set up their equipment and carry out a sound check, essential to making sure the volume of the band is appropriate to your venue and that any sound / noise limiters are taken into account.
Can the wedding band turn up earlier than that?
Yes, most bands will be happy to turn up earlier than 5pm, but you should expect to pay them for the extra time. A lot of wedding couples worry about the band setting up while guests are at the venue. Bands with lots of experience of weddings should be able to set up discreetly and without making too much noise and mess. The noisiest part is when they have to carry out the sound check, but this should only last about 15 - 30 minutes.
What time will the wedding band finish?
Most bands expect to finish by midnight. This suits most weddings as the majority of UK venues require live music to stop by this time.
Can the wedding band stay later than midnight?
Usually, yes, the band can finish after midnight. But bands will normally charge a slightly higher fee for this later finish, and this should be arranged with the band in advance.
Can I use the wedding band’s PA system after midnight?
Usually, yes. Though this will also attract a slightly higher fee, as it means that at least one band member has to wait until the end of the party to pack up the PA system and head home. Some band members might be a couple of hours’ drive away from your venue, so finishing at 1am means they won’t arrive home until 3am or 4am.
Will the wedding band bring their own equipment?
Yes. Professional wedding bands will bring their own equipment. This includes a PA system, mixing desk, some basic lighting for the dance floor and their own instruments. If you are planning a particularly large wedding with hundreds of guests, you might consider hiring a larger PA system and more lighting. Not all bands in Europe provide their own equipment (e.g. they might not bring lighting), so you may wish to check this before booking.
Do wedding bands need a stage?
No. Most bands are happy to perform without a stage, though it can look special if you can offer them a stage to perform on.
If I do provide a stage, how much space will the wedding band need?
This will depend on the size of the band of course, but to give you a rough idea, a 4-piece band would usually need at least 5m x 4m. This is to provide room for not only the band members themselves, but also their instruments (keyboards and drum kits take up quite a bit of space) and other things like speakers and a mixing desk.
Can I or my guests perform or sing with the wedding band?
If you ask the band in advance, most will be happy to allow you or one of your guests to sing or play along with them for one or two songs. We always advise checking this with your band first.
Do I need to hire a DJ as well as a wedding band?
Most bands will provide pre-recorded playlists between and after their live sets, so your entire evening will be covered. However, if you want a professional DJ who will adapt his music choices on the night and interact with guests, then it’s better to hire a DJ as well.
If I do hire a separate DJ, can the wedding band and DJ share equipment?
Bands and DJs will often share the same PA system, as it can look cluttered to have two sets of speakers around the dance floor. However, you’ll need to discuss this with both the DJ and band before the event to check the equipment suits everyone’s requirements and that everyone is happy to share. One problem can arise when the DJ is booked to provide music into the small hours, but the band is to finish at 11pm. In this case, it would make more sense for the band to use the DJ’s equipment to save the band from having to wait until the DJ had finished his set.
Do I need to provide anything for the wedding band?
Professional wedding bands will normally bring all their own technical equipment and instruments. However, most will expect to be provided with a hot meal each and soft drinks. The musicians will probably have left their homes around lunchtime to arrive at your venue in good time to set up and soundcheck. It can be a long day for them and they will be much more energetic on stage if they’ve had a good meal and refreshments before performing for you. The bands won’t expect to be given the same meal as you provide for your guests. Most wedding venues have an option you can purchase in advance for your suppliers or you can give the musicians access to your buffet if you’re having one.
Will the wedding band members be the same as the ones I’ve seen in their videos?
Not always. Most professional bands will have a core group that plays at the majority of weddings they are booked for. However, they will also have a group of deputies (or “deps” as they are known in the industry) that they call upon frequently to cover for band members. This is a standard and essential practice in the music industry. Most musicians work as freelancers, meaning they might work for different function bands or tour with famous pop groups for example. Being able to draw upon a deputy musician to cover a band member who is unavailable (or ill) means the rest of the band can still work.
What do wedding bands wear?
You should get a good idea of what the band wears from their videos online. Most will opt for a smart shirt, but if you have a particular theme or any requests, let them know well in advance. For example, if you’re having an 80s style wedding, you might want to check if the band could wear appropriate clothing to match!
Will the wedding band need parking spaces?
Most bands will arrive by car as it’s the easiest way for them to bring their equipment and instruments. Having 1 or 2 parking spaces available for them to use that are close to the venue will be appreciated by the musicians. In certain cities such as London, you might also need to cover the costs of parking.
Can wedding bands play outside?
If you’re getting married in Europe, it’s a good idea to make the most of the summer months and have as much of your wedding outside if possible. That said, the weather isn’t always the most reliable – so whilst many bands will be happy to play outside in principle, they will always require access to a shelter from the elements, whether that’s strong sunlight or rain. Musicians’ instruments can be worth thousands of pounds and a small amount of water damage or sun can have a devastating impact on the instrument.
Do I need a contract with my wedding band?
The most secure way to book a band is to do so via FixTheMusic. All bookings are governed by the agreement on our website, which is based on the UK Musicians Union standard contract and amended by the particular details that you agree with your band by email (date, venue etc.). The contract provides protection to both parties.

Wedding music for destination weddings in Italy

Italy has become such a popular destination for weddings from Tuscany and Lake Como in the north to Rome and Puglia in the south.

Since 2015, we've been helping clients from all over the world to hire the finest local wedding bands Italy has to offer, as well as pianists, string quartets, wedding harpists, violinists, cellists, singers, singing waiters, DJs, sax players, jazz and swing bands, acoustic duos and folk groups.

This could range from an outstanding pop covers band performing pop and rock from the 50s to current chart music, to an amazing jazz band performing classic Italian jazz as well as American jazz standards for a laid-back cocktail reception in Italy.

Our destination wedding bands have performed in all of the regions of Italy, including Abruzzo, Aosta Valley, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Le Marche, Liguria, Lombardy, Molise, Piedmont, Puglia, Sardinia, Sicily, Trentino-Alto Aldige, Tuscany, Umbria and Veneto.

They have performed in all the major cities in Italy, including Rome, Milan, Naples, Turin, Palermo, Genoa, Bologna, Florence, Bari, Catania, Venice, Verona, Messina, Padua, Trieste, Taranto, Brescia, Parma, Prato, Modena, Reggio Calabria, Reggio Emilia, Perugia, Ravenna, Livorno, Cagliari, Foggia, Rimini, Salerno and Ferrara.

How much does it cost to hire a destination wedding band in Italy?

The average cost to hire a wedding band in Italy is €1,676. This is for a pop and rock covers band made up of 4 or 5 band members, e.g. The Somethings.

Larger groups (e.g. soul, funk and Motown bands in Italy) will cost more as there are more musicians and singers in the band. They can cost up to 3,000 - 4,000 EUR, or more depending on the size of band.

Other factors that will affect the cost of hiring a wedding band will be travel expenses – e.g. if the band has to travel from the south of Italy to a venue in the north, then the cost will be increased significantly.

As a final note, we're frequently asked whether quotes include the SIAE licence fee that is required for any performance of music at an event in Italy. Generally, our bands and DJs do not include the cost of the SIAE licence in their quotes, as the fee varies according to factors beyond their control. You can read more in our blog post on the SIAE licence fee for weddings in Italy.

Adam is a co-founder of FixTheMusic and works on everything from copywriting and marketing to design and user experience. He studied Music at Cambridge University. Adam is a keen pianist, and also learned cello and trumpet from an early age.

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