When the subject of wedding bands is brought up, what comes to mind is the Maroon 5 music video for “Sugar,” where the famous group “surprises” newlyweds and performs at multiple receptions. If you aren’t expecting Adam Levine to drop in on your big day, then we’d suggest starting your music search now. The whole band versus DJ debate is still very much alive (with older relatives mostly opting for the former), but we’ve seen the combo of band then DJ, later in the night, to be a true winner too. A live wedding band may seem like a risk, but trust us when we say that the ones listed below are guaranteed party starters and will keep guests happy until their feet hurt. Below, find our favorite live wedding bands, available in the United States and beyond!
Party On The Moon
Nationally recognized as one of the best private party bands, Party On The Moon has played for President Obama and brides all over the country. Book this band and you’ll get a three-hour non-stop show with major touring artists who have performed with Diana Ross, Prince, Jennifer Lopez, and more. Their set includes more than 100 customized songs performed with high-energy choreography and costumes. Want a formal atmosphere? Go with the string quartet they offer. A DJ and a drum-line are also options. You can’t go wrong.
Liquid Pleasure
With two decades of experience, this band of guys has played with Hootie and the Blowfish and REM, and in their early years, they were paired up with Chuck Berry, Whitney Houston, and Aretha Franklin—you seriously can’t beat that. Liquid Pleasure even performed at President Clinton’s Inaugural Ball and has an impressive list of corporate clients like Budweiser and American Express. With a CV as strong as theirs, guests will be in good hands all night.
The Midnight Special
Three lovely ladies and two dapper gentlemen make up this new group, who perform American dance tunes from the 50s to now. The Midnight Special has performed at loads of West Coast weddings—and even one in Hawaii! Guests rave about their talents, professionalism, and positive energy.
The Soul Jets
This group began as the first ever house band at The Arts Club in Mayfair, London and have quickly garnered a reputation as one of the best bands for hire. All members are of graduates of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and as a group have performed with the likes of Paolo Nutini, Gary Barlow, and Olly Murs. If you’re looking for a band in Europe (they specialize in destination weddings in France and Italy), you’ve found an amazing one in The Soul Jets.
Simply Irresistible
Ronnie Garrett, Tyler Perry’s musical director, leads Simply Irresistible with Party On The Moon’s Dennis Smith and Beyoncé’s choreographer, Kimmie Gibson, to create a 31-piece show. The horns have played with Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, and Maroon 5, while the singers have toured with the likes of Elton John and Earth, Wind and Fire, and the band has arranged shows for the Super Bowl, Jay-Z, and Beyoncé. The talent speaks for itself in this group.
Big Swing and The Ballroom Blasters
Swing, jazz, soul, Motown, rock, and pop come together in the three hour, non-stop show that this band provides. Artists that make up the group have performed with acts like OutKast and Lionel Richie. For the couple that wants a mix of old and new to ring in their newlywed status, go with Big Swing and The Ballroom Blasters.
Powerhouse: The Next Generation
A favorite with celebrities and three U.S. Presidents, Powerhouse formed more than twenty years ago and has performed in 14 countries. The director of the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, American Music Awards, Kennedy Center Honors, and Billboard Music Awards chose this group to play at his wedding—if that doesn’t convince you to check them out, we don’t know what will.
The Brit Pack
Love British artists or maybe one-half of your party is from across the pond? This U.K-inspired group, comprised of four young, dapper men, plays tracks from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Queen, and more! You’ll have guests excited and up out of their seats as if Beatle Mania just hit.
The Social
Made up of four performers, The Social has glowing reviews from weddings all over the country. Guests repeatedly left comments about not leaving the dance floor and how it felt like a professional concert with talent belonging at the Grammys. The group plays jazz, Motown, soul, disco, funk, 80s, pop, hip-hop, rock, country . . . basically anything you could want or every imagine.
Just A Few Cats
This Alabama-based cover band, comprised of five talented men, travels up to 275 miles for your big day. Founded in 2000 by Grammy-nominated songwriter Alvin Garrett, the group is known for being interactive and energetic while covering genres ranging from Motown, funk, pop, r&b, jazz, and more!
Is there a group we left off that you love? Let us know in the comments below.
