Today we’re sharing a guest blog from FixTheMusic- a platform for hiring wedding musicians and DJs- along with photos from some of our favourite wedding parties.
Read on for more tips… and a discount code!
Planning your wedding music can feel like a big job, especially when Birmingham gives you so many choices, from cool industrial venues in Digbeth to elegant spaces in the city centre and rustic barns in the West Midlands. But the good news? Your wedding soundtrack doesn’t need to be complicated. With a little thought, you can put together music that suits you, your venue and the kind of party you want.
If you’re just starting out, it can help to explore what’s out there. FixTheMusic is a great place to browse different styles of bands and musicians, watch videos and compare options all in one place.
If you want ideas, this summary of wedding bands in Birmingham is a great starting point for different styles and lineups.
And here’s our simple guide to choosing wedding music that feels like you, and keeps your Birmingham dancefloor buzzing all night long.
Ellen & Dom - Venue: Fazeley Fazeley Studios, Digbeth - DJ: Curtis from The Best Men
1. Match the music to your Birmingham venue
Different Birmingham venues suit different musical vibes. And sometimes even different sound setups.
Digbeth venues (The Bond, Fazeley Studios, The Button Factory)
These cool, industrial spaces work brilliantly with upbeat party bands, soulful singers, indie groups and DJ-led lineups. They’re often flexible with lighting and staging, so evening bands can really make an impact.
City-centre classics (The Grand Hotel, The REP, The Council House)
Ceremonies here often feel elegant and atmospheric, so you might consider live strings, piano or acoustic musicians earlier in the day. For the evening, DJ & sax works really well in these spaces.
Rustic barns + countryside venues (Shustoke Barn, Foxtail Barns, Hogarths Stone Manor)
Live acoustic acts sound great during drinks receptions, and folk-inspired, festival-style bands fit beautifully with these relaxed outdoor-friendly venues.
Venue tip: Some Birmingham venues (especially in the city centre) have sound limiters. It’s a good idea to ask your venue about their limit before you book a big band or full horn section.
Matt and Esther - Venue: Shustoke Barn - Music : The Money
2. Think about the flow of your day
You don’t need music everywhere, but choosing the right moments can shape the whole feel of the day.
Here are the key points couples usually plan for:
● Ceremony
Live strings, guitar or piano create something really special. Acoustic is usually easiest in Birmingham town halls or inside smaller rooms.
● Drinks reception
Acoustic duos, jazz trios or relaxed singers are perfect for mingling — enough atmosphere without taking over the space.
● Evening party
This is where you can go big!
If you love dancing (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), consider if you’re looking for a live band, a DJ or a combination of both into the night. How about a DJ with sax or live percussion? Here’s our guide to DJ & sax acts for weddings. It works especially well in city venues where space might be tighter than at a barn wedding.
Many venues around Birmingham have late licences, particularly in Digbeth, so you can keep the dancefloor going longer than you might think.
Steve and Katie - Venue: Swallows Nest Barn- DJ: Two Tone DJ and Drums
3. Decide what kind of evening you want
Every couple has a different idea of the perfect night. Ask yourself:
Do you want a big party band?
A DJ who knows how to keep the room packed?
A mix of live and electronic?
Something quirky, like brass or roaming musicians?
James and Ellie - Venue: The Old Vicarage Boutique Hotel - Music: George Simpson
4. Check the logistics early
Some key details to check ahead of time:
Space
Some venues have small dancefloors (hello, Birmingham pubs and restaurants!), so ask how big a setup your band can bring.
Sound limiters
City-centre venues often have them, so ask about the limit before booking a large lineup.
Load-in
Venues near Broad Street or in Digbeth can be trickier for parking. Bands may need a little more time to unload gear.
Curfew
Some Birmingham venues shut earlier; others can keep the party going until late. It’s always worth checking.
Steve and Katie - Swallows Nest Barn- Live music from: Georgia Clementine
5. Don’t forget your own taste
The most important thing: Pick music you actually love.
Your favourite bands, the songs you sing in the car, the ones that remind you of each other. Those are the tracks that will make your day feel personal.
Even if your guests aren’t expecting it, they’ll love seeing you two completely in your element.
6. Keep your suppliers in the loop
Once you’ve chosen your musicians:
Tell your venue
Share any important timings
Send over your do-not-play list (highly recommended!)
Good communication = a smoother, happier evening.
A final tip…
Your wedding music doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with what feels like you, choose acts that suit your venue, and build from there. Birmingham has an incredible mix of venues and music options. Whatever energy you want, you’ll find it.
If you’re browsing musicians and wedding bands, FixTheMusic is a great place to start. It’s free to use, you can watch videos instantly, and you can message bands directly to check availability. If you find your perfect wedding music through FixTheMusic you can use NOMANDMALC50 for £50 off your booking.
