One of the questions I get asked most often by couples is “when should we book our wedding entertainment?” The answer is: earlier than you think. But it’s not just about when to book — it’s about understanding how entertainment fits into your entire wedding day timeline. Here’s my guide to getting it right, based on years of performing at weddings across Lancashire and the Lake District.
12-18 Months Before: Start Researching and Booking
This might sound early, but the best wedding entertainers get booked up fast — especially for peak season Saturdays between May and September. As soon as you’ve got your venue and date confirmed, start looking at entertainment. Watch videos, check Instagram, read reviews, and shortlist the performers who match your style.
At this stage, you’re ideally booking and paying a deposit to secure your date. I’ve had couples contact me 18 months out and their date was already gone, so don’t leave it to chance. If you’re still exploring options, my guide to choosing your wedding entertainment is a good starting point.
6-9 Months Before: Discuss the Details
By now, your entertainment should be booked. This is when you start thinking about the finer details: what song do you want for the bridal entrance? Do you want live music during the drinks reception? Who’s going to host the wedding breakfast? Do you need background music during the meal?
This is also a great time to chat with your entertainer about your package options. Many couples start off thinking they just need evening entertainment, then realise they’d love ceremony music and daytime entertainment too. The earlier you decide, the easier it is to plan.
3-4 Months Before: Song Choices and Running Order
This is when it gets fun. Time to think about your first dance song, your ceremony music, and any special requests for the evening. I always send couples a planning form at this stage so they can tell me about their must-play songs, their absolute no-go tracks, and any special moments they want music for.
We’ll also confirm the running order for the day: what time the ceremony starts, when the speeches are, when the evening guests arrive, and when the first dance happens. Having all of this nailed down early means there are no surprises on the day.
1 Month Before: Final Confirmations
About four weeks out, I’ll touch base with you to confirm everything — the timeline, the song choices, the setup arrangements with the venue. If anything’s changed since we last spoke (and things always change with weddings!), this is the time to update me. I’ll also liaise directly with your venue coordinator to make sure the load-in, setup, and sound check are all sorted.
Your Wedding Day: How the Entertainment Timeline Works
So what does a typical wedding day look like from an entertainment perspective? Here’s a rough timeline based on how most of my full-day bookings run:
12:00-13:00 — Ceremony Music: I arrive and set up discreetly before guests are seated. As guests arrive, I play soft background music to set the mood. Then the big moment — the bridal entrance performed live. During the signing of the register, I play two or three acoustic tracks, and then something upbeat as the couple walk back down the aisle together.
13:00-15:00 — Drinks Reception: While the couple are off having photos, I play live acoustic music in the bar or garden area. This is relaxed, feel-good music — think chilled acoustic covers and easy-listening vibes. It keeps the atmosphere alive while guests enjoy their drinks and canapés.
15:00-17:00 — Wedding Breakfast: If I’m hosting, I’ll introduce the meal, announce each course, and manage the speeches. Between courses, I might play some gentle background music. The key here is keeping everything flowing smoothly so the couple can relax and enjoy their meal.
17:00-19:00 — Changeover Entertainment: This is the bit so many couples forget about. The gap between the meal finishing and the evening party starting can feel like a real lull. I fill this with live acoustic entertainment — keeping the energy up, engaging with guests, and bridging the gap perfectly. By the time the evening guests arrive, the party’s already warming up.
19:00-19:30 — First Dance and Evening Kickoff: The first dance is always a highlight. Whether it’s performed live or played through the PA, it sets the tone for the evening. After the first dance, I launch straight into the live set — my loop act builds songs up live, layer by layer, and it always gets people straight onto the dance floor.
19:30-00:00 — Evening Party: A mix of live performance and DJ, keeping the dance floor packed all night. I read the room, take requests, and make sure the energy stays high right through to the last song.
Ready to Plan Your Wedding Entertainment?
Whether you’re looking for a Ribble Valley wedding singer, entertainment for your Preston or Burnley wedding, or you’re getting married at a venue anywhere across Lancashire, I’d love to help you plan the perfect entertainment timeline for your day. Get in touch and let’s start planning.
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