How Much Should You Budget for Wedding Music? (DJ vs. Band vs. Quartet vs. Soloist)

Music is one of the widest-ranging line items in a wedding budget because the options vary so much. Here's how the main choices compare.

DJ

Cost: Often the most budget-friendly option for recorded music. Best for: Couples who want a wide range of music genres and announcement services. Trade-off: Recorded music, even mixed well, doesn't carry the same live presence during emotional ceremony moments.

Live Band

Cost: Typically the highest of the four options, scaling with the number of band members. Best for: Couples seeking a large, stage-led sound. Trade-off: Highest cost, largest physical footprint, and often not used for the ceremony itself.

String Quartet

Cost: Mid-to-upper range, reflecting four musicians being booked and coordinated. Best for: Larger or more formal ceremonies wanting a full, layered orchestral sound. Trade-off: Higher cost than a soloist for a similar ceremony-length booking; more setup coordination.

Solo Musician (Cellist, Violinist, Harpist)

Cost: Generally the most accessible way to get live, professional music, especially for ceremony and cocktail hour coverage. Best for: Couples who want a live, intimate, non-generic sound without the cost of a full ensemble or band. Trade-off: A single instrument's sound rather than a full ensemble.