When you plan a wedding, music is often one of the last things on the list — yet it is what holds the mood of the whole day together. A well-chosen live wedding band can move guests to tears during the ceremony, warm up the reception and keep the dance floor full long past midnight. As a jazz singer and bandleader I have played dozens of weddings, and here is what matters most to decide in advance.
My name is David Kleňha and I lead a jazz trio (jazztrio.cz) that plays weddings, balls and corporate events. Whoever you choose in the end, the tips below will help you ask the right questions.
1. Start with the atmosphere, not the playlist
The most common mistake is to begin by listing specific songs. It is better to first decide on the mood: do you want elegant, gentle jazz for the toast, or lively entertainment that keeps people dancing until dawn? A professional wedding band can do both — and, above all, can move smoothly between them as the evening unfolds.
2. Choose the line-up to match the moment
The size of the band changes both the sound and the price. Here is the breakdown I use most often:
- Jazz duo — intimate, ideal for the ceremony, congratulations and a reception in a smaller space (jazzduo.cz).
- Jazz trio — the versatile sweet spot: full enough for the evening, yet still elegant and unobtrusive.
- Jazz quartet — when you want a proper dance party and a big sound in a larger hall (jazzquartet.cz).
- Jazz quintet — the fullest sound for large receptions and concerts (jazzquintet.cz).
Not sure which line-up to choose?
Our website has an interactive tool where you can put together the band by event type and instantly hear how it will sound. Try it in a minute.
Build a band3. The wedding march and music for the bride's entrance
The ceremony has its magical moments where live music shines most. The first is the wedding march and the music for the bride's entrance. We can play the classics by Mendelssohn or Wagner traditionally, or in a gentle jazz arrangement that suits a civil or romantic ceremony beautifully.
Songs for the aisle in a chamber arrangement are also popular — slow jazz standards or acoustic versions of well-known songs. We cover the ceremony in detail in our article on the wedding march and aisle songs.
4. What does a wedding band cost?
The question everyone asks. The price of live wedding music depends mainly on the size of the line-up, the length of the performance and the venue. Here is a rough guide to start from:
| Line-up | Best for | Indicative range |
|---|---|---|
| Duo | ceremony, reception, smaller space | lower price level |
| Trio | ceremony + evening programme | mid level |
| Quartet | large hall, dancing | higher level |
| Quintet | large reception | highest level |
We always prepare a tailored quote based on your date and programme — just get in touch. The cheapest option is not always the cheapest in the end: an experienced wedding band saves you worry over sound, timing and hosting the key moments.
5. What to ask before you book
- Does the band bring its own PA system and handle the space (garden, hall, historic interior)?
- Can they play the wedding march and your "first song" on request?
- Is the repertoire broad enough for all generations of guests?
- Who will host the key moments in the evening (first dance, cake cutting)?
- What is the travel distance and are travel costs included?
About the author
David Kleňha is a jazz singer and bandleader based in Prague, performing across the Czech Republic and abroad. He leads ensembles from duo to quintet and specialises in live music for weddings, balls and corporate events. Learn more on his personal site davidklenha.cz.
Frequently asked questions
What does a wedding band cost?
The price depends on the line-up (duo, trio, quartet, quintet), the length of the performance and the venue. We prepare a tailored quote — send us your date and an idea of the programme.
Which line-up should I choose for a wedding?
A duo or trio suits an intimate ceremony and reception; a larger line-up up to a quintet works for an evening dance party. We often combine an acoustic trio by day and a full band in the evening.
Will you play the wedding march for the bride's entrance?
Yes — Mendelssohn and Wagner, classic or in a gentle jazz arrangement. The same goes for aisle songs and your "first song" on request.