Planning guide
Engagement & anniversary party entertainment
Celebrating an engagement or a milestone anniversary? Here's what to book, rough UK guide prices, and when to lock everything in.
On this page
Engagement parties
Engagement parties are usually afternoon or early-evening affairs with guests of all ages, think conversation-friendly music with a spark of occasion.
Acoustic duo or solo singer
Live versions of songs you both love during arrivals and the toast. The most-booked act for engagement parties.
Browse acoustic duo or solo singersClose-up magician
Perfect during the mingling hour, gives the two families something to talk about before they've met.
Browse close-up magiciansPhoto booth
Guests in their glad rags plus props makes a great keepsake for the happy couple.
Browse photo boothsDJ for the later part
A short set to lift the energy after the food, ending the night on a high rather than drifting to a close.
Browse dj for the later partsMilestone anniversaries (25th, 40th, 50th, 60th)
The music matters more than at any other party. The first dance from the wedding itself is often the emotional centrepiece.
DJ who plays the decades
A set that moves through the couple's lifetime, 60s and 70s for a golden anniversary, 80s and 90s for a ruby. Send them the first-dance song in advance.
Browse dj who plays the decadessFunction band
A live band playing the songs from their wedding era turns a nice dinner into a night people talk about for years.
Browse function bandsToastmaster or host
Keeps speeches, toasts and the cutting of the cake flowing smoothly, especially useful when the couple don't want to run the room themselves.
Browse toastmaster or hostsLED screen for photos
A rolling slideshow of family photos through the years, with the visuals crew handling the tech so it just plays.
Browse led screen for photossRough guide prices
Ballpark UK estimates only, most engagement and anniversary entertainment falls somewhere between £300 and £3,000 depending on the act, date and location. Every act on Veya sets their own fee, so treat these as a starting point for your budget, not a quote.
| Act | Rough estimate | Typical length |
|---|---|---|
| Acoustic duo or solo singer | £300 to £700 | 2 × 45 min sets |
| Close-up magician | £300 to £600 | 1 to 2 hours |
| Caricaturist | £300 to £700 | 2 to 3 hours |
| Party DJ | £350 to £800 | 4 to 5 hours |
| Photo booth | £350 to £700 | 3 to 4 hours |
| Toastmaster or professional host | £400 to £900 | Full event |
| LED screen and visuals | £500 to £1,200 | Full event |
| Function band (4 to 6 piece) | £1,200 to £3,000 | 2 × 60 min sets |
When to book
3 to 6 months before
Saturdays in spring and summer are the busiest dates for bands and DJs. Book early if your party falls on one.
6 to 8 weeks before
Lock the running order: arrivals, food, speeches, entertainment, finish. Send the DJ or band your must-play list, including the original first-dance song for anniversaries.
2 weeks before
Confirm arrival, parking and set-up details. Let the venue know what's coming so power and space are sorted.
On the day
Give every act a named contact with a phone number, and allow 60 to 90 minutes of set-up before guests arrive.
Planning the celebration?
Browse musicians, DJs, bands and photo booths, vetted acts are badged and shown first, message them directly and confirm everything with a simple contract, deposits and balances handled securely through Veya.
