Band Line-Ups for Weddings and Events
Every wedding or private event feels different, and so should the music. Some occasions call for relaxed, acoustic energy, while others need a full live sound that fills the room. Over the years, we’ve played at thousands of weddings and private events across the UK — from intimate garden gatherings to large venues like our residency at the Amex Lounge in the O2 Arena in London. What we’ve learned is simple: there’s no single “right” band setup.
What matters is the atmosphere you want to create. The sound and size of the band should fit your space, your crowd, and your style — not the other way around.
We offer three main configurations — our Trio, Four-Piece, and Five-Piece line-ups — designed to adapt easily to different venues and moods. Before diving into those, it helps to understand where we sit within the wider world of live music for weddings and events.
If you’re still deciding what kind of sound fits your day, you might find our article on how to choose a wedding band useful — it covers everything from style to setup and what to look for.
Understanding the Different Types of Live Bands
Weddings and events can feature every kind of live setup imaginable. At one end of the spectrum, there are solo performers — a single singer with a guitar or piano, offering quiet, intimate moments. At the other, there are large show bands with ten or more musicians, horn sections, percussionists, dancers, and full production.
Those big bands are incredible for large venues and statement celebrations. They create spectacle and energy that fills a room, but they also need space, higher budgets, and coordination with the venue’s sound limits.
We sit somewhere in the middle. Our setups are compact enough to work in almost any setting, yet powerful enough to deliver a full live experience. By combining acoustic instruments with professional PA systems, we can create clarity and warmth at lower volumes — or full, dynamic energy when it’s time to dance.
Essentially, the sound we produce as a Trio forms the foundation of everything we do. From there, adding saxophone and electric guitar builds on that base — widening the range, deepening the texture, and amplifying the atmosphere without losing the balance that defines our sound.
Our Experience and Approach
Because we’ve performed in so many different settings — from quiet garden ceremonies to city rooftop parties — we understand that every space behaves differently. A marquee feels different to a stone hall; a courtyard carries sound differently to a hotel ballroom.
We approach every wedding and event with flexibility. We don’t play louder for the sake of it; we play smarter. By mixing carefully, controlling low-end frequencies, and shaping each instrument to the room, we make sure the sound stays full and natural without overwhelming conversation.
Our setups are built for control and clarity — everything has a place in the mix. That’s what allows us to deliver the same level of quality whether it’s an acoustic Trio or a fully amplified Five-Piece.
The Trio Line-up - Polished and Versatile
Our Trio line-up includes Cajon, Electric Bass, and Acoustic Guitar. It’s a small setup with a surprisingly big sound, delivering the perfect mix of rhythm, warmth, and melody.
At the centre of it all are the vocals. That’s where the emotion comes from. Our lead vocals bring personality and depth, while the backing harmonies give the songs texture and lift. Together they create that signature Fairvue sound — full, rich, and instantly engaging.
The cajon drives the groove, the bass adds movement and depth, and the acoustic guitar ties everything together with natural brightness. It’s the setup most people have seen during our performances at the Amex Lounge in the O2 Arena — refined, balanced, and designed to fill a space without dominating it.
This configuration works beautifully for:
Drinks receptions or daytime sets
Smaller weddings or intimate venues
Private events that want a live but not overpowering atmosphere
The Trio brings the heart of what we do — clean acoustic energy, strong vocals, and natural connection. It’s the sound we build upon when expanding into larger line-ups.
The Four-Piece Line-up - Adding Power and Range
Adding a Saxophone to the Trio changes everything. The Four-Piece setup — Cajon, Electric Bass, Acoustic Guitar, and Saxophone — brings texture and movement that lifts the energy immediately.
The saxophone adds richness and versatility. It can be smooth and subtle during early sets or bold and expressive when it’s time to build momentum. But even with the added layer of sound, the vocals remain the centrepiece. The harmonies expand beautifully in this setup, creating lush, sing-along moments that draw everyone in without overpowering the room.
The Four-Piece is ideal for:
Medium-sized venues and weddings
Private parties with a mix of ages and music tastes
Events that move naturally from relaxed afternoons to livelier evenings
It’s the perfect balance of sound and space — full enough to energise the room, refined enough to stay intimate.
The Five-Piece Line-up - Full Energy, Full Sound
The electric guitar adds a new dimension, expanding our sound into modern pop, rock, and dance tracks while keeping the acoustic foundation intact. The saxophone brings colour and flair, while the rhythm section drives everything forward with precision.
But what really defines the Five-Piece is the vocal power. The lead vocals sit front and centre, carrying every melody with confidence and emotion, supported by layered harmonies that give the choruses real lift. It’s what turns familiar songs into shared moments — the kind where everyone’s singing together without even realising it.
This setup is perfect for:
Larger weddings or evening receptions with 100+ guests
Private events that want a high-energy live band feel
Venues that can accommodate a fuller, more dynamic sound
It’s the setup that delivers the best of both worlds — depth and energy without losing that personal, human touch. The vocals and harmonies are always at the heart of it, giving the performance warmth and emotion no track can replicate.
How to Choose the Right Line-up for Your Wedding or Event
Choosing the right configuration starts with how you want the atmosphere to feel.
Venue Size and Sound
Smaller rooms often sound better with fewer instruments. A Trio or Four-Piece will fill the space naturally. Larger venues, outdoor setups, or marquee events benefit from the Five-Piece’s added projection and range.
Atmosphere and Vibe
Think about the energy you want. The Trio offers intimacy and clarity; the Four-Piece adds warmth and richness; and the Five-Piece delivers full live energy. The difference isn’t just in volume — it’s in presence and feel.
Budget and Space
Each line-up is complete in itself. You don’t lose quality with a smaller band, just scale. Because our setups are modular, we can match your space, sound level, and timing without compromise.
Where We Fit in the Bigger Picture
In the world of live bands, we bridge the gap between acoustic and electric. We can perform completely unplugged for smaller spaces or use our PA system to project a full, rich sound that feels much bigger than our line-up suggests.
This flexibility means we can adapt instantly to the energy of the room — whether that’s a wedding dancefloor, a private celebration, or an evening corporate event. Our smaller setups sound polished and professional, while our full band creates the kind of atmosphere that keeps people dancing and connected all night.
Final Thoughts
Every event has its own character. Some are grand and theatrical; others are relaxed and intimate. We sit comfortably in the middle — adaptable, dynamic, and perfectly suited to weddings and private events that want energy without excess.
The sound we create as a Trio is the foundation. Each additional instrument — saxophone, electric guitar — builds on that core, enhancing the texture and power while keeping the clarity that defines our sound.
The key is choosing the line-up that feels right for your space and the atmosphere you want to create. When the sound matches the moment, everything flows naturally — and that’s what makes the music unforgettable.
