Now booking weddings for 2026-27
– One Musician, Full-Band Sound
– A More Personal Feel
– Great Value for a Full Day of Live Music
– A Sound That Works in Any Venue
If you’re planning a wedding in Hertfordshire and you’ve been looking into live bands, you’re not alone. Live music can completely transform the atmosphere — it’s a big part of what makes the day feel special.
But hiring a full wedding band isn’t the only option.
I’m a live looping musician, which means I build up each song live using guitar, vocals, harmonies, and percussion — all played and recorded in real time, right there on the spot. It gives you the sound and energy of a band, but it’s all done by one person.
According to Google, the average UK wedding band costs between £1,400 and £2,000, often just for a couple of evening sets.
For around £1,000, I can cover:
🎵 Live ceremony music (walking down the aisle, signing, and exit)
🥂 A chilled acoustic set for your drinks reception
💃 Your first dance performed live, plus an early evening set
🍽️ A curated playlist during your wedding breakfast
🎧 A smooth handover into your DJ or evening entertainment
That’s live music at every key moment, without the complexity of managing a band — fewer people to coordinate, less setup, and no worries about fitting five musicians into your venue.
And because I work solo, volume is easy to manage too — especially handy at venues with sound limiters. Everything is controlled and well-balanced, so your guests can enjoy the music without it ever being too much.
The first time I saw Ed Sheeran loop live, I was completely drawn in. He wasn’t just singing — he was creating a full accompaniment right in front of you.
This video of him performing You Need Me, I Don’t Need You is what started it for me:
👉 Watch on YouTube
Since then, I’ve developed my own setup that works beautifully for weddings — everything from gentle ceremony songs to high-energy tracks to get everyone singing and dancing.
One of the biggest things couples tell me after their wedding is how nice it was to have one consistent musician throughout the day. Someone who gets the feel they’re after — and can shift gears from emotional to upbeat without skipping a beat.
With looping, I can keep things soft and romantic for your ceremony, bring a relaxed acoustic vibe to the drinks reception, and then turn it up with bigger singalong songs in the evening.
I’ll always work with you on a setlist that suits your style.
Here’s what some of my couples have said — independent kind words I’ve embedded directly from my Google Business profile.
Mariana and Thomas - Northamptonshire (The Granary at Fawsley)
Kat and Dave - Bedfordshire (Eversholt Hall)
Becci and Joe - Hertfordshire (Milling Barn)
Photograph - Ed Sheeran
Can't Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley
Stand by Me - Ben E King
Champagne Supernova - Oasis
Planning your wedding music should be just as exciting as planning the rest of your day! To help make things easier, I’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions about my services. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out – I’m always happy to chat.
Can we request specific songs for the setlist?
Absolutely! I typically learn 2–3 special songs for each couple, especially for important moments like the ceremony or first dance. I also ask if there are any songs you don’t want played, to ensure everything fits perfectly. I use my experience to shape the rest of the setlist, adjusting it throughout the day to keep the vibe just right for your guests.
Do you take requests during the event?
I don’t take song requests during the event. I’ve honed my craft over years of performing, and I know what works best to create the right atmosphere for each part of the day. I’ll tailor the setlist beforehand, and make sure it flows perfectly. However, for key moments like first dances or father-daughter dances, I’m happy to play your personal song choice.
How long will it take to set up?
Setup typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, but I like to arrive 90 minutes early to make sure everything is perfect. This gives me time to set up the sound, check levels, and ensure everything’s running smoothly without rushing, so you can enjoy a stress-free day.
How long are your sets?
My standard performance includes 2 x 45-minute sets, with a 15-minute break in between. However, I’m happy to play for up to 90 minutes straight if preferred – whichever works best for your timeline.
What if my wedding venue has sound restrictions?
I use a Bose portable speaker for my performances, which allows me to adjust the volume as needed. This is one of the advantages of my setup, as I can work within the venue’s sound limits and still deliver great sound. I’m always happy to work with your venue to ensure everything meets their guidelines.
Do you use strobe lighting?
I keep lighting to a minimum, as I believe minimal lighting works better for the style of music I play. Unlike a DJ setup, I prefer to focus on the music itself, creating a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere that suits the vibe of your day.
How far do you travel?
I’m based in Hertfordshire and regularly perform across the surrounding counties and beyond. I’m happy to travel nationwide as long as travel expenses are covered, with additional costs applying for bookings over 100 miles from Hertfordshire.
Can we see you play or watch a video before we book you?
Yes, absolutely! I regularly perform at public events across the Home Counties (listed on my event page). You can also watch videos of my live performances on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@tomwackettmusic or get a behind-the-scenes look on my Instagram www.instagram.com/tomwackettmusic.
Enquire now If you’re looking for a live wedding band in Hertfordshire, and you like the idea of something a bit different — something that’s flexible, full of heart, and sounds amazing.
As a member of the Musicians’ Union, I’m fully covered with public liability insurance up to £10 million. All of my professional-grade sound equipment is PAT tested to ensure everything sounds great and runs smoothly.
Artist Approved on Entertainment Nation (as ‘Tom James’) – trusted for weddings and events across the UK.
Proud to be a Verified Encore Artist – professionally reviewed and trusted for delivering high-quality live music.