How to choose a wedding band in Portugal: nine things to check

Most couples planning a wedding in Portugal choose their band from abroad, from videos and messages. These are the nine checks we would make in your place, from the first video to the contract.

1. Is it really live?

Ask whether the band plays with backing tracks. A live band plays every part on stage, so it can follow your guests, stretch a song that is working and change direction in a second.

2. Watch unedited videos from real weddings

Studio promos sound perfect by design. A phone video from a real dance floor tells you how the band really sounds.

3. Read reviews under the name you are booking

Look for recent reviews on Google, Casamentos.pt, WeddingsOnline or Hitched, with names, venues and dates, under the same name that will appear on your contract.

4. Ask about the venue’s sound rules

Many venues in Sintra, Lisbon and the Algarve have sound limits and curfews. A professional band plans its volume, layout and timings with the venue and your planner in advance.

5. Check what production is included

Who brings the sound system, the lighting and the microphones for the ceremony and the speeches? Is there a sound engineer all evening?

6. Plan the whole day, not just the party

Ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, first dance, party and after-party: one team for the whole day avoids gaps and handovers between suppliers.

7. Agree the timings and breaks

How long is each set, when are the breaks, and what plays during them? Make sure there is never a silence when your guests expect music.

8. Understand travel and logistics

For destination weddings, ask what is included: travel, accommodation, meals and arrival time. A band based in Portugal avoids flights and baggage limits for instruments.

9. Read the contract

Look for the deposit and the payment dates, what happens if the party runs late, the meals and the private room the musicians need, and the policy if the date has to change.

How The Keys works

We play fully live, with no backing tracks, bring our own sound, lighting and crew through The Keys Productions, and plan every timing with your planner. Based in Lisbon and Quinta do Lago since 2019, we perform across Portugal and travel to Spain, Italy, the UK and Ireland. See The Keys Wedding Band, the Roaming Band and our frequently asked questions.

Frequently asked questions