The North West Wedding Band Checklist: Space, Power & Sound-Limiter Secrets

f you’re booking a female-fronted pop-punk & indie wedding band in Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside or Lancashire, this guide keeps your night loud (in the best way) and stress-free. From room layout to power and sound-limiter plans, here’s everything you (and your venue) should tick off.

TL;DR (copy this into your notes)

• Space: Aim for 4m × 3m for a 4–5 piece; absolute minimum 3m × 2.5m. Keep the band next to the dancefloor.

• Power: Two separate 13A sockets within 5m of the band area. No daisy-chaining venue extension leads.

• Limiter: Ask your venue the model, trip level (dB) and what cuts out (just sockets or the whole room?). Plan a limiter-friendly set if needed.

• Access: Confirm load-in route, stairs/lifts, parking and room access time.

• Curfew & schedule: Know the finish time and plan sets so the final chorus lands before curfew.

• Paperwork: PLI & PAT certificates ready for the venue.

Ready to chat details? Enquire now →

The 1-Page Wedding Band Checklist

Space & Layout

• ☐ Performance area confirmed: ≥ 4m (W) × 3m (D) (tight: 3m × 2.5m)

• ☐ Band positioned beside the dancefloor (not in a side room)

• ☐ Table layouts leave a clear sightline to the band

• ☐ Stage backdrop free of mirrors/fire exits; avoid doors opening into the band

• ☐ Safe cable runs taped or covered (no trip hazards)

Simple stage plan (text):
Front (audience) → Lead vocal (centre), guitar (L), bass (R) • Drums just behind centre • Keys/backing vocal to side • PA speakers left/right of the area

Power

• ☐ Two independent 13A sockets within 5m (avoid sharing with catering/fridges)

• ☐ Venue provides tested extensions or the band brings their own to spec

• ☐ Outdoor/Marquee? Dry flooring, weather-safe power with RCD protection

Sound-Limiter Questions (ask your venue)

• ☐ Limiter model & trip level (in dB)

• ☐ What cuts when tripped? (Sockets? Stage only? Whole room?)

• ☐ Is there a traffic-light display visible to performers?

• ☐ Where is the sensor located (and how close to speakers/dancefloor)?

• ☐ Any previous issues with bands? What worked well?

Limiter-Friendly Plan (if needed)

• ☐ Hybrid/acoustic option available (e.g., lighter drums, hot rods, brushes, e-drum snare/kick)

• ☐ Bass managed sensibly; subs avoided where necessary

• ☐ Set order front-loads sing-along energy while keeping peaks predictable

• ☐ Venue briefed: “We’ll keep it punchy but within their limits”

Access & Timing

• ☐ Load-in route confirmed (parking bay, lift, stairs, distance)

• ☐ Room access time (e.g., 17:00) and soundcheck window (30–60 mins)

• ☐ Two live sets planned (e.g., 19:30 & 22:00) with food break between

• ☐ Curfew and last orders aligned with the final chorus

Paperwork & Contacts

• ☐ Public Liability Insurance (PLI) provided

• ☐ PAT certificates available on request

• ☐ Venue duty manager name/number shared with the band

• ☐ Contract & deposit completed

Space: how much room do we really need?

• Comfortable setup: 4m × 3m for a 4–5 piece keeps instruments and vocal mics spaced sensibly and lets us perform with energy.

• Tight but workable: 3m × 2.5m—we’ll compact the kit and streamline stands.

• Flooring: Stable, level floor. No raised lips or wobbly staging.

• Pro tip: Put the bar near the dancefloor. When the bar’s in a separate room, crowds fragment and energy dips.

Power: keep it simple, safe and reliable

• We ask for two standard 13A sockets close to the performance area.

• Avoid sharing with refrigerators or catering kit that can cause surges or trips.

• Marquees/outdoor: ensure weather-protected power with proper RCDs. Tell us the power source distance so we can bring the right cable runs.

Sound-Limiter Secrets (and how we keep the vibe)

What a limiter does

A limiter monitors room volume and can cut power if sound exceeds a set threshold. Some use a traffic-light box; others are hidden.

Why rooms trip

Small rooms + low ceilings + the sensor near the dancefloor can spike readings. Bass energy and full-throttle drums are common triggers.

Our limiter-friendly toolkit

• Drum control: hot rods/brushes, tighter heads, smaller kick or e-drum elements

• Arrangement tweaks: punchy pop-punk feel without constant peaks

• PA balance: keep vocals crisp so the crowd still sings without the room getting harsh

• Set design: We’ll place the biggest bangers where they work best for your venue

Unsure about your venue’s setup? Send us their info and we’ll propose a limiter-friendly set that still feels like a party.

Example evening timeline (North West weddings)

• 19:30 First dance → Set 1 (45–60 mins)

• 21:00 Food/service + band playlist

• 22:00 Set 2 (45–60 mins)

• 23:00–00:00 Playlists/DJ handover, farewells

FAQs

Will a limiter ruin the party?
No. We’ve played countless limiter venues. With the right setup and set design, you get sing-along choruses and a full dancefloor—without trips.

Can you still do pop-punk at sensible volumes?
Absolutely. Great female-led vocals, tight rhythm section, and smart arrangements carry the energy even at responsible levels.

What if the venue’s space is tight?
Tell us the size. We’ll adapt the layout and bring a compact footprint to fit.

Do you cover Greater Manchester and beyond?
Yes—Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire and wider North West.

Helpful resources & next steps

• See our Setlists for crowd-pleasers and first-dance ideas

• Watch our videos & photos in the Gallery

• Read recent Testimonials

• Have a date in mind? Check availability