The short answer
For a Saturday wedding in spring or autumn, book live music 6 to 12 months in advance; in the low season or on weekdays, 3 to 6 months is enough. The busiest weekends in May and June are often already full by December–January.
The short version: book earlier than you think
For weddings on a Saturday in spring or autumn (April–June and September–October), 6 to 12 months in advance is the norm with most ensembles in our line-up. Those who book later may find their first choice no longer available.
For weddings in the low season (November–March, excluding the festive period) or on a weekday, 3 to 6 months is usually enough.
Why in-demand ensembles fill up so fast
The Belpopband, the Desguin Kwartet and Along Comes Mary perform regularly every weekend — not just for weddings, but also for corporate events and galas. A Saturday evening in June can only be booked once. Once that date is full, it's full.
In practice, we see that:
- The busiest weekends in May and June are booked as early as December–January of the previous year
- September and October — popular months thanks to pleasant weather — are already full by spring
- Sunday weddings offer slightly more flexibility, but fill up faster than expected too
Step by step: when do you do what?
12 months before the wedding
An ideal time to plan the first conversation. You know your date and venue, but the programme isn't fixed yet. This is exactly the moment for a music consultant: we discuss the mood of your day, your budget and which ensembles suit your profile. No obligations — just clarity.
9–10 months before
Reserve your date with a deposit. The contract is drawn up. The date is now fixed, both for you and for the ensemble.
3–4 months before
Discuss the programme in detail: repertoire, timing, technical requirements, a contact person at the venue. This conversation takes 30–45 minutes on average and determines how smoothly the day runs.
2–3 weeks before
Confirm the final schedule: exact times, address, loading zone for equipment, contact details for the venue manager. Everything on paper, so the day itself runs flawlessly.
What if you're (too) late?
No need to panic, but be realistic. If you're still looking for an ensemble 3 months before a popular summer date, your choice is limited. We then look together at what's still available — and sometimes there are quality alternatives that fit just as well but are less well known.
What we avoid: booking an ensemble that's available but doesn't suit your day, just to fill the date. That's a guarantee of disappointment.
Practical advice from ReinoutEvery month you wait means less choice — not a sales tactic, just the reality of the live music market. Reserve the date as soon as it's fixed; you can refine the programme later. The first conversation costs nothing and commits you to nothing.