How Much Does Wedding Music Cost? The 2025 Average Revealed
What’s a wedding without music? From the moment guests arrive to that final song on the dancefloor, music plays a huge role in the vibe of your day. It sets the mood, fills the quiet moments, and yes — it’s probably why your uncle broke into a solo Jerusalema dance while everyone else was still figuring out the steps.
Whether it’s a string quartet for your ceremony, a DJ for the party, or a live band that keeps everyone dancing till midnight, your choice of music helps shape the whole celebration. But with so many options, how do you decide? And how much should you budget?
In this guide, we’ll break down the average cost of wedding music in South Africa — from ceremony musicians to reception DJs and live bands — plus all the factors that can influence the price.
What’s the average cost of wedding music?
As revealed in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, the average amount South African couples spend on wedding music ranges from R6,000 to R25,000 or more. On average, you might pay around R8,000–R15,000 for a DJ and R15,000–R25,000+ for a live band — depending on the size and experience of the group.
For the ceremony alone, a solo musician or small ensemble could cost anywhere from R3,000 to R10,000. And if you’re planning to include additional entertainment like dancers, drummers, or a magician for the kids, budget at least R3,000 to R10,000 extra, depending on what you book.
As you might expect, a five-piece band playing from start to finish will cost significantly more than a DJ for a few hours. Your final price will depend on the number of performers, the type of music, how long they play, and how far they have to travel.
How much do wedding bands, singers and DJs cost?
The average spend may be R6,000 to R25,000, but the price you pay for music at your wedding may be vastly different depending on what you’re after.
Solo musician
A solo musician typically plays an instrument like a piano, guitar, or saxophone, and may also perform with pre-recorded backing tracks to create a fuller sound. It’s a great option for intimate ceremonies, cocktail hour, or even during dinner. Prices for a solo wedding musician usually start from around R3,000, but can go much higher depending on their experience and how long you book them for.
Duo
A musical duo brings twice the talent and energy, with one or both playing instruments like guitar, piano, or even percussion. Perfect for your ceremony or canapés, duos can create a rich sound without taking up too much space. Prices typically start from around R5,000.
Band
A live band is a brilliant choice for the evening reception — guaranteed to get your guests onto the dance floor. Whether you’re into jazz, pop, rock, or a mix of all three, there’s a band out there to match your vibe. Expect to pay from R15,000 to R25,000 or more, depending on the size and reputation of the group.
String quartet
Want something classical and elegant for your ceremony? A string quartet will have you walking down the aisle to timeless melodies — or even classical covers of your favourite pop songs. Prices start at around R6,000, with higher-end quartets charging more.
DJ
A classic choice for South African weddings, a DJ keeps the music flowing from first dance to final track. They’ll tailor the playlist to your taste — and yes, even take those questionable requests from your uncle. DJs typically charge R4,000 to R10,000, depending on equipment and playing time.
Choir
Nothing gives goosebumps quite like a live choir. Whether it’s a soulful gospel group or a contemporary a cappella ensemble, a choir brings warmth, harmony, and a powerful start to your ceremony. Prices start at R4,000 for smaller groups.
Bagpiper
Want to honour Scottish or Celtic heritage? A bagpiper adds a moving, traditional touch to the day — often used during the ceremony or grand entrances. Hiring a bagpiper usually starts from around R2,000.
Harpist
Soft, romantic, and elegant — a harpist creates a peaceful, dreamy atmosphere as guests arrive or as you walk down the aisle. Pricing usually begins at R3,500, depending on experience and playing time.
Organist
If you’re getting married in a church or formal venue, an organist or pianist brings a sense of tradition and ceremony to the moment. Costs often start from R2,000, with variations based on location and experience.
Do you need a live musician for your wedding?
If you’re on a tight budget, then a live musician isn’t a must-have for your wedding — your guests will still have an incredible time celebrating your big day by throwing some shapes thanks to a DJ. But, if you do have a larger budget to dedicate to musical entertainment, then it will add a unique and personalised touch.
A talented live musician or band doesn’t just set the mood — they often become a highlight of the day. Great music gets people talking, dancing, and remembering your wedding long after it’s over. There’s so much variety to choose from, whether you’re into pop, rock, classical, jazz, or homegrown sounds like amapiano, Afro-jazz, gqom, or traditional drumming. South Africa’s music scene is incredibly rich, so whatever your style, there’s a performer who can bring it to life.
How much does wedding ceremony music cost?
It’s unlikely you’ll want a band or singer at your wedding ceremony (but if you do, go for it!) but live music can add a lovely, personal touch. A string quartet, a harpist or even a bagpiper ensures a welcoming atmosphere and ambiance that pre-recorded music can’t match.
Because your wedding ceremony is one of the shortest parts of your big day, the cost of a live musician at the ceremony can be far more affordable than a musician you may hire for the entire day or evening reception. If you’re looking for a musician to perform during the ceremony only, costs typically range from R2,000 to R6,000. More specialised musicians — like a harpist or string trio — may charge more, especially if they need to travel or bring their own sound equipment.
What factors affect the cost of wedding music?
Several factors can affect how much you’ll pay for wedding music, including:
- Location: If you’re in a major city like Johannesburg or Cape Town, you’ll likely pay more than if you’re hiring a musician in a smaller town or rural area. Musicians may also charge extra for travel if your venue is outside their usual area or requires an overnight stay.
- Date: Expect to pay more for a musician during peak times, such as during the summer months and at weekends.
- Type of music: The type of music played can affect how much you’ll pay. For example, a band will usually be pricier than a DJ.
- The number of musicians: It may seem obvious, but you’ll pay more for a band than a solo singer.
- Experience: An experienced performer will cost more than an up-and-comer, but is more likely to entertain your guests for longer.
- Time: The longer you want the musician at your wedding the more they’re going to charge.
- Extras: A lighting package, smoke, bubble or confetti machine, plus mics for the speeches, may be available for an additional cost.
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