How Do I Choose Between A Solo Sax Player, A DJ Or A Band For My Wedding, Party Or Event?

Once you have booked your venue for your wedding or party date and you’ve chosen your theme and food then there is really only one major thing left to decide; the entertainment.

Do not underestimate the impact of your entertainment. I’m being biased but unsuitable performers at odd times can really kill a wedding, especially if they’re in a space that doesn’t work for them. A wedding I did last summer had a belly dancer performing to a crowd who had come down from Scotland who didn’t appreciate the performance as much as others might and that had a significant impact on the vibe - the dancer was fantastic but just the wrong choice for those guests. To add to that, the ballroom space we were performing in was sized for approximately 500 guests and so, with only about 60 guests, the space felt a bit empty and the performances felt less convincing.

You can never go wrong with good music though, be that hiring a DJ, a solo saxophonist or a band. The choice is up to you and will most likely be dictated by budget. Hiring a decent, professional 5 piece band will be anywhere from £1500 to £10,000 and beyond. These will always have the option of additional horn players, normally a sax and a trumpet which adds a lot to the set. Most bands will do 3 X 40 minute sets and play music through their speakers in the breaks between sets. If there is a sax player attached to the band then they can always do a sax and DJ set after the last set (assuming the venue’s license allows a late performance).

DJ’s are great and will cover you for the whole evening. They will costs anywhere from £500 to thousands but will keep the party going solidly throughout. Not all DJ sets will necessarily lead to the excitement that live music can add, so I would always suggest hiring in a live element… namely a saxophonist. Having a sax player on the dance floor interacting with the guests adds a wonderfully unique dimension and will be a very memorable part of your wedding, party or event.

The common thread here is a sax player. Whether you hire a saxophonist as a solo element or as an add-on to a band or DJ, they will bring a touch of class and cool to the proceedings… an investment you won’t regret. They are versatile and can perform classy background jazz as well as jumping around in a crowded dance floor playing your favourite club anthems. Prices vary from £300 up to big money but you’ll likely be paying somewhere in the realm of £500 for a good player who knows their stuff.

They are worth every penny… you can thank me later!

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Looking for a wedding saxophonist in Hertford, Oxford, Bucks, or across the South East?

Whether you're planning your big day in Guildford, Harlow, Tring, Coulsdon, Berkhamsted, or beyond – including Chichester, Dulwich, Forest Hill, Peckham, Honor Oak, East Dulwich, Croydon, Southend, Chidham, Farbridge, Fleet, Farnborough, Slough, Essex, Surrey, Sussex, Kent or London – Nick brings unforgettable live saxophone music to your celebration. Get in touch to check availability and make your wedding truly special.