Your Wedding Evening Timeline – When the Band Should Start Playing

Timing can make or break your evening reception. Start too early and the dancefloor’s empty. Start too late and half your guests have disappeared to bed (or to the bar).

At Sugar Coat, we’ve performed at hundreds of weddings across South Wales and beyond - and we’ve learned exactly when the magic happens. Here’s how to plan your wedding evening timeline so the energy builds naturally and your guests stay dancing all night long.

💍 1. Let the Day Flow Naturally

Every wedding runs differently, and that’s okay. Sometimes dinner runs over, or the speeches go long — don’t panic. The best parties are flexible. We recommend allowing at least 90 minutes between the end of your meal and the start of the band. That gives your evening guests time to arrive and everyone a chance to grab a drink before the music begins.

🎶 2. When Should the Band Start Playing?

The golden window for the first live set is usually between 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM.

By then:

• Speeches are done

• The cake’s been cut

• Guests have settled in

• And everyone’s ready to let loose

If your venue has sound restrictions (for example, a curfew at midnight), this timeline gives you plenty of time for two live sets, your first dance, and a DJ or playlist finish.

🕺 3. Timing the First Dance

Your first dance works best just before the band’s first set.

It kicks off the evening, grabs everyone’s attention, and lets us flow straight into an upbeat song to fill the dancefloor.

We can also perform your first dance live — it’s one of our favourite moments of the night — or play the original track if you prefer the exact studio version.

⚡ 4. The Setlist Flow

Most weddings follow this kind of structure:

7.30PM

Evening guests arrive

8:00PM

First dance & first live set (45–60 mins)

9:00PM

Break / buffet & playlist

10:00PM

Second live set (45–60 mins)

11:00PM

Playlist or manned DJ until close

12:00AM

Curfew / end of night

We’ll always adapt this to your venue’s schedule, curfew, and catering timings.

💡 5. Trust Your Band

We’ve done this a few times! We know how to read a room, adjust tempos, and choose the right songs to keep your night building. Sometimes your guests will want a singalong - other times they’ll want pure floor-fillers. Let us do our thing, and we’ll make sure the night hits the perfect rhythm.

🎤 6. Keep It Smooth

If your venue doesn’t have a DJ, we’ve got you covered.

Our Party Package includes a playlist before, between, and after our live sets - so there’s never any awkward silence (and no “bingo-style” mic chatter either).

For couples who want someone taking requests and keeping the party energy flowing, our Deluxe Package includes a fully manned DJ service.

❤️ Final Thought

Your wedding night is all about energy — and the timing of your live band is what keeps that energy rolling.

Plan around your meal, your guests, and your curfew, and we’ll make sure your timeline runs perfectly.