Are There Any British Wedding DJs or Bands in France?

If you're planning a destination wedding in France, you're likely in the midst of organising what feels like 101 things, including catering, accommodation, and even flights for your guests.

With so much going on, it can be easy to forget one of the most critical aspects of your celebration: the music. Moreover, because French wedding receptions last much longer than their standard English wedding counterparts, your DJ or band will have a much more significant influence over the overall atmosphere.

This is why, if you need an English-speaking DJ or band at your French wedding, it's important to start your search as early as possible. But are there any out there to begin with?

Can I Hire an English-Speaking Band or DJ for My French Wedding?

Yes, there are plenty of English-speaking and bilingual DJs and bands available for French weddings. Many British DJs and performers are even based in France permanently, with the South of France a popular destination for music industry professionals from all over the world.

That said, there's not an endless supply of them, so if you're set on having an English-speaking DJ or band at your wedding, it's not a good idea to leave your search to the last minute.

Where Can I Find English-Speaking DJs or Live Bands for My French Wedding?

When it comes to finding English-speaking DJs in another country such as France, Google is your best friend. A quick search will reveal a number of agencies and directories that list professional DJs and bands available for hire in France.

Another great way to find an English-speaking DJ or band for your wedding in France is through recommendations. If you know anyone recently married in France or hired an English-speaking DJ or band for an event, see if they have any recommendations.

Finally, don't forget to ask your wedding planner or venue if they have any contacts. Many weddings in France are destination weddings, so the people who work in the industry have a good network of international suppliers, including DJs and bands.

When Should I Start Contacting DJs or Bands for My French Wedding?

As mentioned above, you should conduct your search as early as possible. While there is a good stock of British or English-speaking DJs in France, they are in high demand, particularly during the peak wedding season from May to September.

If you're getting married during this time, or if you have your heart set on a particular DJ or band, it's a good idea to start your search up to a year in advance. This will give you the best chance of securing your first choice.

How Much Do British Bands or DJs Cost in France?

This will depend largely on the band or DJ you choose, as well as the length of their set and any special requirements you have. That said, you can expect to pay anywhere from €1,000 to €5,000 for an English-speaking DJ or band in France.

This price usually includes their expenses, such as accommodation, travel and equipment. Accommodation is a key consideration for a French wedding since they often run into the early hours of the morning and sometimes right through to 6 or 7 am, meaning they'll need somewhere to crash afterwards before returning home.

Another bonus is that they can usually lower their fee if you can provide the DJ with accommodation at your venue.

Should I Hire Someone From the UK and Pay for Them to Come Out to Our Wedding?

It's your wedding, which means it's your choice regarding the music. If you really want an English-speaking DJ or band, there's nothing wrong with hiring someone from the UK and paying for their travel and accommodation to get them out to your wedding in France. 

However, it's worth considering whether it might be easier (and cheaper) to hire a local French (bilingual) DJ or band or a British DJ based in France.

Not only will they be familiar with the French wedding scene and know how to work a crowd (vital if you've got both French and English guests), but they also won't have to worry about transporting equipment hundreds of miles or dealing with the hassle and expenses associated with travel in a foreign country (such as taking out extensive business travel insurance).

Why Should You Have an English-Speaking or British DJ at Your French Wedding?

You might want to hire a British or English-speaking DJ or live band for several reasons. Firstly, communication is vital when it comes to weddings. You want to be able to discuss your vision for the day with your suppliers and feel confident that they understand what you're looking for.

When it comes to music, this is especially important because the right playlist can make or break a party atmosphere. If you're not fluent in French, it can be challenging to explain your taste in music and what you want for your wedding.

Secondly, there's the cultural aspect. While there are French DJs that understand British crowds and tastes, British DJs possess a deeper cultural understanding of the British music scene. They know which wedding bangers will always go down a treat, and they're more likely to be able to read a room and play the right music at the right time.

Thirdly, English-speaking DJs or bands will be able to understand and communicate with your guests, which is important for ensuring everyone is having a good time. From handling guests' musical requests to making announcements, you want someone who will be able to understand and respond to your guests' needs.

Lastly, if you're having an entirely British guest cohort, you'll need someone with a perfect grasp of the language to MC your wedding.

Final Thoughts on Hiring an English-Speaking DJ for Your French Wedding

In summary, while it's true that you can quite easily hire a French DJ or a French band that speaks English for your celebration, there are several benefits to be had by hiring an English-speaking or British DJ/band for your wedding in France.

From ensuring clear communication to providing a deeper understanding of British music culture and connecting with your guests on a more personal level, hiring a British DJ or band can be the perfect way to add a touch of home to your destination wedding.

Whether you fly one out from the UK or hire locally is up to you, but either way, make sure you do your research to find the perfect party partner for your big day.