The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Entertainment in the East Midlands
By Lucy | Live Weddings
If you’re planning your wedding in the East Midlands—first of all, congratulations! Whether you’re tying the knot in a rustic barn in Nottinghamshire, a sleek city hotel in Leicester, or a stately manor in Lincolnshire, one thing’s for sure: unforgettable entertainment can take your day from lovely to legendary.Planning a wedding in the East Midlands? From surprise singers to party-starting bands, we’ll help you find the perfect entertainment—local, reliable, and totally unforgettable. This guide covers everything you need to know to make your big day as joyful and stress-free as possible.
But where do you even begin?
We’ve helped hundreds of local couples find the perfect act, and we’ve seen (and heard!) it all—from aisle ballads that brought a tear to everyone’s eye, to party bands that kept the dancefloor bouncing until the lights came up. So we’ve put together this region-specific guide to help you navigate the world of wedding entertainment—with no stress, no jargon, and all the fun bits.
💍 Why Local Entertainment Makes a Big Difference
Booking artists who are based in the East Midlands means fewer travel costs, fewer logistics to manage, and more reliable timings—especially if the weather turns or the venue’s tucked away in a countryside spot (looking at you, Peak District!).
Now, here’s the thing a lot of agencies won’t tell you: when they say a band is “available” in, say, Leicester… that doesn’t always mean they’re based nearby. Musicians are usually happy to travel—so that act could be coming from Devon, Norfolk, or beyond. They’ll still deliver, of course, but it’s not ideal—for them or for you.
At Live Weddings, we believe in local talent for local people. That means whenever possible, we book acts who are genuinely based nearby. Not only does this cut down on travel costs and reduce the risk of delays, but it also supports the brilliant musicians living and working here in the East Midlands.
It means your band isn’t arriving frazzled from a four-hour drive and a service station meal. They’ve had half a day with their families, they’re rested, and they’re ready to give you everything they’ve got.
💡 Top 5 Questions East Midlands Couples Ask Us
1. Will the band play our first dance?
Absolutely. Most acts will happily learn your special song if it’s not already in their setlist.
2. Can we choose the songs?
Yes – you can select favourites from their repertoire, or we can help curate a vibe that fits your day perfectly.
3. What if our venue has a sound limiter?
We’ve got acts specifically set up for this—think silent stages, DJ-live setups, acoustic duos and percussion-based alternatives.
4. Should we feed the performers?
Yes please! A hot meal or good buffet keeps your entertainers fuelled and focused.
5. What if something changes last-minute?
We’re here. Whether it’s a guest singer needing a mic or a surprise rain shower, we handle the curveballs behind the scenes.
🎤 Entertainment Ideas That Work Brilliantly in the East Midlands
- Surprise Singing Waiters – We blend in as venue staff, then burst into song. Big impact. Big fun.
- Acoustic Duos & Roaming Bands – Great for intimate barns or outdoor drinks receptions.
- DJ Live Acts – Sax, vocals, percussion + a DJ = party vibes with volume control.
- Full Party Bands – Big sound, big lights, big finish. Perfect if your venue allows it.
🛠 We Handle the Boring Bits (So You Don’t Have To)
There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that comes with booking entertainment—venue paperwork, PAT tests, insurance, setup logistics, and more. It’s not glamorous, but it’s crucial.
We take care of all of it, so you don’t have to worry about power points, decibel limits, or whether someone’s remembered to bring an extension lead. You get the fun parts—like choosing the first dance or singing your heart out to Mr Brightside—and we deal with the techy bits.
📝 Want the Cheat Sheet?
We’re putting together a free East Midlands Wedding Entertainment Checklist, which includes:
- Venues with known sound limiters
- Best entertainment setups for barns, marquees & hotels
- Power requirements (and what your venue might not tell you)
- Weather tips for outdoor acts
- Soundcheck dos and don’ts
Drop us a message and we’ll send you the first copy before it goes live!
💌 Let’s Talk
Whether you’re on your tenth wedding Pinterest board or just realised you haven’t sorted a band yet—we’re here to help.
Drop us a message, send an email, or let’s grab a coffee. We’re Lucy and Jess: local, friendly, and obsessed with helping couples like you have the best wedding ever.
📍 Based in Tuxford | Covering Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire & beyond
💌 hello@liveweddings.co.uk
📞 07912 345 678