Last updated: April 2026
Getting a group of musicians together in order to jam out some songs for the fun of it is relatively straightforward. However, starting a successful function band is nowhere near as easy. It can lead to many complications and pitfalls, which can leave many talented musicians clueless. In this blog, we look at the five steps to putting together a professional band…
Unlike a standard pub cover band (who may still charge a couple of hundred pounds for an evening’s entertainment!) clients booking a function band will expect a night of utmost professionalism, both in the performance and in the way musicians behave off the stage.
This seems fair considering the average function band costs around £1,164 to hire for an evening’s entertainment, with budget acts from as little as £150 and top-tier acts reaching £10,000 and above (based on live Last Minute Musicians directory data – fees vary over time and by region).
The first thing a fledgling band needs to realise is that the underlying key to successful initial bookings is this professionalism.
It’s vital that musicians understand that a high-end corporate client is under the impression they are hiring unconditional entertainment for the evening.
It may sound a little harsh, but they probably do not care if an amplifier does not work properly, if the singer loses their voice or if the van breaks down – they are paying to get a job done.
If they are paying money for a service, they (acts of god aside) will expect it delivered accordingly. These are problems that, as paid professional musicians, must be taken responsibility for.
As such, it is important to surround yourself with professional bandmates, not just in their musicianship, but also in their attitude.
Preparing as much as possible for those initial bookings will give you a fighting chance of encountering less issues.
What is a function band?
A function band (sometimes called a party band, covers band or wedding band) is a group of professional musicians hired to perform live at private events. Unlike a gigging pub band or an originals act, function bands focus on delivering polished, crowd-pleasing versions of well-known songs, tailored to the event they are playing at.
You will typically find function bands for hire performing at weddings, corporate events, private parties, anniversaries, charity balls and milestone birthdays. The core job is simple: keep a mixed-age audience entertained and the dancefloor full. Because of that, most function bands build their sets around chart hits, soul, Motown, disco and modern floor-fillers, pulling from across several decades so there is something for everyone.
Put simply, if you want to start a successful function band, you are really starting a small entertainment business. Clients are not just booking musicians; they are booking a night of professional wedding and party band entertainment, and they expect everything (from the performance to the kit to the dress code) to match that.
Step 1: Choose the right band members
As previously alluded to, the importance of picking band mates cannot be overstated. It’s tempting to go all in with a virtuosic musician, without asking many further questions.
However, you are not just picking a colleague – music is, in many ways, a lifestyle. As such, it’s important to remember you’re picking someone who you’ll (hopefully!) be sharing a lot of time with; playing, traveling, setting up gear and even sharing hotel rooms with.
Some potential things to think about when auditioning new members:
- What is their personal situation? Can they commit to a lot of time on the road, as well as performing and rehearsing?
- Are they easy to be around, with a good sense of humour?
- What does their work ethic seem to be like?
Setting these points aside, you’ll now be looking at what instrument/instruments they play, and how well. Finding a suitable, versatile singer or lead vocalist is vital, but can also be one of the hardest aspects of putting together a function band.
When auditioning, it’s important that any or all existing members agree on what type of voice they are looking for. Singers could potentially be asked back to audition more than once, or perhaps to a rehearsal so band members can gauge how well the singer fits in the band.
It’s a good idea to try and source as many band members as possible who can, at the very least, sing a bit of back-up.
Not only do rich harmonies add to your sound (potentially even being crucial, depending on the style of music!) but anyone who can take some of the vocal work, even if it’s for just a few numbers, will help reduce the pressure on the lead singer’s voice.
If you are aiming to do night after night of gigs, this must be considered.
While the voice is arguably the most unique instrument there is, this is a system that should really be applied, no matter what kind of vocalist or instrumentalist you are looking for.
It’s often the case that musicians will choose others they have played with before to join a band. Whilst this is obviously preferable, it’s important that all members agree for the band to be heading in the same direction.
If you’re struggling to find professional members, take a look around the Last Minute Musicians directory of solo musicians and search by area.
Typical function band line-ups
One of the first decisions you will make when forming a function band is how many members it should have. Line-up size directly affects your sound, your fee, the size of stage you need and how many people you need to pay at the end of the night. Most UK function bands sit somewhere between a three-piece and an eight-piece, with the following formats being the most common:
- 4-piece (the classic): lead vocals, guitar, bass and drums. Compact, reliable, easy to transport and ideal for smaller venues and tighter budgets.
- 5-piece: adds keyboards or a second vocalist. Keys open up huge chunks of repertoire (80s pop, Motown, modern chart hits) and a second voice makes harmonies and male/female song choices much easier.
- 6-piece: often a 5-piece plus a sax or trumpet, or a dedicated male and female vocalist pairing. A popular sweet spot for weddings where clients want a bigger sound without a bigger stage.
- 7-piece and above: adds a horn section, percussion or backing vocalists. Ideal for soul, funk and Motown-focused acts that want a genuine showband feel, although fees and logistics scale up sharply.
There is no single right answer. Larger line-ups generally win on sound and visual impact, but smaller line-ups are easier to rehearse, cheaper to run and more likely to be booked for mid-budget events. Many successful function bands actually operate across multiple line-ups, offering clients a 4-piece, 5-piece and 6-piece version of the same act at different price points.
Step 2: Source the right gear
Once you have all the members of your group together, it’s time to look at the equipment situation.
As a rule, each member should probably be expected to supply the gear they require for their respective instruments. However, if you are starting a truly collaborative group from scratch, there is some communal equipment that you’ll probably need and all have to chip in for. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Versatile PA system
- Professional lighting set up
- Van/ transport solution
If you’re looking to be gigging soon (and often) then reliability should be a big factor on your choice of equipment. For this reason, you might well choose to source brand new gear from a reputable dealer, with a warranty.
If this is the case, make sure you double check the sales they often have on at stores.
However, if you’re look to source a lot of gear in one go, then smaller independent music retailers may be able to give you a discount price on a bulk buy.
If your budget is limited, you can also try sourcing gear second-hand through specialist Facebook groups, online marketplaces and local classifieds. Just be careful to inspect everything thoroughly before parting with any money, and ideally test kit in person where you can.
For more advice, check out our blog on buying and selling online.
Sort the business side: insurance, PAT testing and contracts
This is the bit every fledgling function band is tempted to skip, but it is also the bit that separates a professional act from a weekend hobby project. Weddings, corporate gigs and larger venues will usually require you to tick a few essential boxes before they will book you, so it is worth getting set up early:
- Public Liability Insurance (PLI): most venues ask for at least £5 million of cover. It protects you if a guest is injured or property is damaged as a result of your kit or your performance. Policies are relatively inexpensive and some are available through Musicians Union membership.
- PAT testing: Portable Appliance Testing certifies that your electrical equipment is safe to use. Many wedding venues, hotels and corporate bookers will ask to see a current PAT certificate before letting you load in.
- Written contracts: always agree the fee, timings, break structure, cancellation terms and payment schedule in writing. It protects the band and reassures the client that they are dealing with professionals.
- Bookkeeping and tax: keep receipts, track income and speak to an accountant about self-employment or setting the band up as a limited company once the gigs start rolling in.
Step 3: Choose a style of music and a suitable set list
For a party band, it’s important to have a varied repertoire that will appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Pick a range of tunes that are popular, and you can read our summary of over 2500 band’s set lists for inspiration if needed, as well as our blog on how to write a great set list.
It’s also important to keep updating the setlist to keep it fresh. Many bands offer clients the option to suggest up to three unique songs they wish the band to perform.
Not only is this a great way of ensuring every show is unique, but also adds more songs onto the band’s repertoire as you go.
If you love one particular style of music or one particular artist, then there is also nothing to stop you starting a themed band like a Motown act or a tribute band.
Step 4: Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!
As professional musicians, it’s crucial that the band rehearses. Not only practicing new songs, but also adapting well known songs to your bands style or coming up with new and interesting arrangements.
There are some bands, formed of highly-skilled musicians, that rarely (or never) rehearse. Generally, they will have been around for a while and be so established that they know the material so well they could do it blind folded.
However, there is always room for improvement, especially when coming up with new arrangements of classic tunes.
Adding elements of improvisation, perhaps for a solo or an opportunity for the bandleader to get the audience involved will show the client that a band is able to provide something much more exciting than a standard wedding DJ.
A worthwhile rehearsal will also allow a band to work through a set list that flows one song into another, leaving appropriate gaps for audience communication and performing songs with emotional highs and lows.
It’s always a good idea to road test your set list, so maybe try booking some pub shows or other low-key gigs as a try out.
Step 5: Promote, promote, promote!
You’ve got your line up, and the set list is slick and well rehearsed. What do you do now? Book some gigs, of course!
Promoting your band is essential to booking shows. This can come in many forms, both online and in person.
First things first – you’ll need some good promo material. Get a photoshoot organised, some good demo recordings made, and preferably a really good promotional video for your band.
You can then begin to hit up booking agents, facebook groups and the Last Minute Musicians entertainment directory!
Some resources for promoting your band
- Why promotional videos are important for musicians
- How to make an effective showreel
- 60 quick tips for promoting your band
Function band FAQs
What is a function band?
A function band is a professional covers group hired to perform at private events such as weddings, corporate functions and parties. They focus on popular, danceable material and are expected to deliver a polished, crowd-pleasing performance rather than original songs.
How many members should a function band have?
Most UK function bands are between a 4-piece and a 6-piece. A 4-piece (vocals, guitar, bass, drums) is the most cost-effective format, while 5 and 6-piece acts add keys, a second vocalist or horns for a fuller sound. Larger 7 and 8-piece acts are usually specialist soul or showbands.
How much does a function band cost in the UK?
Based on live data from the Last Minute Musicians directory, the average UK function band currently costs around £1,164 per booking. Budget acts can start from as little as £150, while top-tier acts with horn sections and bigger production can command £10,000 or more. Your own fee will depend on line-up size, experience, location and the type of event.
Do function bands need insurance?
In practice, yes. While there is no legal requirement to hold Public Liability Insurance, the vast majority of wedding venues, hotels and corporate bookers will ask for a certificate (typically £5 million of cover) before confirming a booking. Most professional function bands also PAT test their kit annually for the same reason.
Do you have any tips for starting a covers or function band? Let us know in the comments below!
