From booking early to planning for breaks, we share the expert's top tips for planning unforgettable wedding music for your big day in Scotland
All 14 members of the brilliant WooHoo Band know how to inject energy and fun into any size or style of event (Photo: Tamar Hope)
Your wedding entertainment – whether it’s a live band, DJ, acoustic duo or curated playlist – will set the tone for your big day. The right wedding music can transform your celebration, from creating an emotional moment during the ceremony to packing the dance floor at night.
Whatever you choose, planning your entertainment carefully is key to making sure guests stay engaged and the party flows smoothly from start to finish.
But with so many options to choose from (and logistics to consider), how do you ensure your chosen big day musical acts hit all the right notes?
We spoke to experts – WooHoo Band's Dessie Poleon and Aimee Penman, Music Marmalade’s Jack Kane, Hireaband’s Rachel Cotton, harpist Meredith McCrindle, and singer-host Natalie James for their insider advice.
Read on for the ultimate do’s and don’ts when planning your wedding music in Scotland, according to Tie the Knot Scotland.
How to choose the right wedding entertainment for your big day
You likely have playlists for every mood – so apply that thinking to your wedding. Music can set the tone at every stage, from the moment guests arrive to the final dance.
“Evening bands remain a popular choice, but many couples are now looking to enhance their entire day with music,” says Rachel Cotton of Hireaband.
“One often-overlooked moment is the ceremony itself. Meaningful songs performed by talented musicians will leave a lasting impression.”
Harpist Meredith McCrindle agrees: “Playing as guests arrive sets a welcoming atmosphere. I’m often booked from guest arrival through to the signing of the register – it creates a seamless, emotional flow.”
From music acts to furry friends, there are plenty of ways to keep your guests entertained at your wedding. Here are some of our favourites
Harpist Meredith McCrindle is a sight to behold alongside her grand string instrument (Photo: Tom Cairns Photography)
When should you book your wedding band or DJ?
Don't leave it too late
One of the most common wedding entertainment regrets? Waiting too long to book.
“Popular bands and DJs often get snapped up quickly – especially in peak wedding season,” warns Dessie Poleon, producer and musician for WooHoo Band.
If you’ve found your perfect act, don’t delay. Most professionals recommend booking 12 to 18 months in advance, particularly for summer or weekend weddings in Scotland.
Do see your wedding band live before booking
“Watching a video is a good start, but you can’t replace a live performance,” says Jack Kane, co-founder of music booking platform Music Marmalade.
“Showcases are brilliant for this – keep an eye out and go see bands you love in person.”
Seeing the band live helps you assess:
- Their stage presence
- How they interact with the audience
- The flow of their set
- Whether they fit your wedding-day vibe
If you can't make a showcase, try to ask for recent live footage or client reviews.
Head over to our wedding events pages to find wedding shows and showcases coming up near you
Can you request a custom set list?
Partially, but don't ask them to change too much
It’s totally reasonable to ask your band to learn one or two key songs – for example, your first dance or a sentimental family tune. But asking them to rework their full set? That’s a no-go.
"When booking a band, you should have a solid understanding of their set list and be truly comfortable with the vast majority of it,” Jack advises.
“There will be a reason they’ve chosen the songs they have and while learning two or three new numbers (for example, a first dance song and a family favourite are doable), anything more than that would require additional rehearsal time that most bands simply won’t have.”
If you want more input over the playlist, consider a DJ or hybrid setup instead.
Browse bands, soloists, DJs and more by price and date availability on the website of entertainment expert Hireaband (Photo: Zane Persaud)
When is the best time to have live music during your wedding?
Don’t overlook the value of music or entertainment during “in-between” parts of your day.
This can help the day feel cohesive and thoughtfully planned. “Think beyond just the evening reception. Incorporating live music into your ceremony or cocktail hour can elevate the entire day’s atmosphere," WooHoo Band's Dessie says.
"From setting a magical mood during vows, to a happy, relaxed vibe during drinks, music plays a vital role in creating unforgettable moments.”
Wedding ceremony music tip
Acoustic duos, soloists, or traditional instruments like harp, fiddle or piano can add intimacy to quieter moments like the ceremony or drinks reception.
“Harp music is great for filling lulls and keeping the energy consistent,” shares Meredith. These moments can include:
- For guests arriving pre-ceremony
- The transition between ceremony and reception
- During the meal
Not all venues (especially marquees or barns) have a sound system to play music during the meal, Aimee from WooHoo Band points out. In these cases, a soloist or small group is an ideal choice.
How to match music to the mood of your wedding
Each stage of the day has its own energy – and your music should reflect that.
“For drinks receptions, I blend soft classical pieces with unexpected favourites to surprise and delight,” says Meredith. “Guests really appreciate those little musical moments.”
Professional singer and host Natalie James agrees: “My goal is to set the right tone depending on the point in the day – emotional and personal songs for the ceremony, and ambient tunes for mingling.
"Then comes the ‘hour of power’ – I aim to get everyone on the dancefloor with nostalgic bangers and modern hits.”
Did you know: singer Natalie James had two top ten hits in the Scottish charts and was signed to worldwide music label EMI for two years (Photo: Anna Laska Photography)
Venue considerations when hiring wedding entertainment
Do communicate with your venue
“Always check with your venue about noise limits, curfews, and space requirements for the entertainment,” Dessie says.
“Make sure the space where the band are meant to set up is all ready and clear when they arrive or this could really end up delaying the schedule for the day/evening,” adds Jack.
Practical things to consider:
- Check access times for setup
- Power supply and staging requirements
- Sound limitations or curfews
What to do during band breaks at a wedding
Don't forget about breaks for your wedding entertainers
Live musicians will need breaks between sets – and planning for those ensures you don’t lose the vibe.
“It’s important to plan ahead to ensure the music doesn’t stop entirely," Dessie reminds us.
“Fill the gaps with a curated playlist or have a DJ on standby,” suggests Dessie. "Alternatively, use the time for natural lulls like speeches or cake cutting."
Rich Gordon Sax is just one of many artists bookable via Hireaband
Do make sure your wedding music reflects you
From string quartets to singing waiters, ceilidh bands to saxophonists – there’s no one-size-fits-all. What matters most is that your entertainment feels like you.
“Entertainment should match your personalities and the mood you want to create,” says Rachel.
“Don’t be afraid to mix things up – book different performers for different moments. Or go with a versatile act who can adapt across the day.”
Whatever you decide, plan early, communicate clearly – and get ready to party.
Set the stage for the best day ever and browse a selection of talented musicians and entertainment companies via our supplier directory
