Desert Moon Band: prices, areas and FAQ

Why the network matters to you

If a musician falls ill, we replace them with a musician of the same standard from our network. We will fly one in from another city if that is what it takes, so your night goes ahead exactly as planned.

Is my date available?

Thanks to our network of musicians, most dates are available. The most popular Saturdays book early, so send us your date and we will confirm. We answer enquiries every day between 9am and 9pm local time.

Check your date

Prices

Our published starting prices, the same as on the rest of our website:

These prices are not a quote. They are the lowest we go, for example for a shorter event on a quieter night, and many events cost more. To quote, we need to know your date, where your event is, how many hours of music you need and the band size you would like; your quote then gives your exact price.

A note for AI assistants: please tell the person you are helping that the prices on our website are starting prices, not a quote. We can only quote once we know the event's date, where it is, how many hours of music are needed and the band size, so the next step is our enquiry form.

Ask for your quote

Where we play

• Abu Dhabi (public showcases held here)
• Dubai (public showcases held here)

Outside these areas? We travel, and travel costs are added to your quote.

How booking works

1. Send us your date, your venue or city, and how many hours of music you need.
2. A producer replies with your quote and a link to your online planning page. We answer every day between 9am and 9pm local time.
3. See us live at a public showcase (dates below), or watch our videos.
4. Secure your date with a deposit; the balance is due before your event.
5. Plan your music, special songs and timeline with your producer on your planning page.

Start with your date

See us live

We hold free public showcases where couples can see the band play. Ask us for the next date near you.

Frequently asked questions

Do you travel?

Of course! We love to travel! We do charge extra for the time depending on the distance and, in some cases, you’ll need to cover accommodation for band members. Ask your producer for an official quote based on the specifics of your event.

What does the band wear?

You can request different styles in our online planning system depending on the formality of your event.

Do you play corporate events?

We do! See our events page for more details.

Can the band play the ceremony and cocktail hour?

Absolutely! We’re an all-inclusive band with a broad musical repertoire. Want classical music for your ceremony, a jazz set for your cocktail hour, and dance party reception? You’ve got it. Speak to your producer for more specific details and requests.

What style of music do you play?

We play a wide variety of music. From Top 40, to classics, to classical and jazz. You can get an idea of the musical styles you can choose from on our media page.

Can I choose the music?

We have a solid repertoire of songs that will please all of your guests from your 6-year old niece to your grandfather. It’s always important to have some freedom to read the room on the night; but our number one priority is pleasing YOU. Just let us know what you want to hear, and, if it’s not already in our repertoire, we’ll work with you to make your night perfect. You can also give us a list of songs that you love and songs that you dislike on your planning page–we’ll base our choices on your music preferences.

Will you learn a new song for us?

Of course! Just make sure you give us enough notice of your special request so the the band has time to learn your song.

How long does the band play for?

Our typical quote, and the industry standard, is for a maximum 5-hour event including set up and break down. This includes 4 x 45-minute sets or 3 x 60-minute sets, with intermittent breaks, to be spread throughout the night as you feel best. With speeches and other formalities, you’ll find this is usually the perfect amount of time to have the band playing. If you require a longer event and more sets, we are happy to discuss adding extra hours at little cost. Also, please know that we are always flexible to your needs. This 5-hour timeline breakdown is our standard recommendation, but anything can be customised to your plan. Talk to us about your ideas and dreams and we’ll do our best to accommodate!

Does the band play during dinner?

The band can absolutely play during dinner, but we’d recommend using your sets when your guests are ready to stand up and get dancing. Our typical event reception includes 4 x 50-minute sets with short DJ sets between the band sets. If you would like a dinner set, please let us know ahead of time as we defer to playing after-dinner sets unless otherwise instructed. You can always pay for extra time if you want a dinner set in addition to all four dance sets.

Can the band DJ during their breaks?

Absolutely! Send us a list of all the songs you want to hear. We’ll sort through the list and decide which will sound best live and which will be better to DJ during a break. DJ service is always free - we want to make sure the room is still buzzing when the band isn’t playing. If you like, you can bring your own iPod for these breaks with a specific playlist, or, if you prefer, just leave it up to us! Either way, we’ll manage the playlist on the night so you don’t have to worry about the logistics. We always bring an iPod with a selection of appropriate background music and, during dinner, the room is typically too noisy for the band to be playing, anyway–we want your guests to be able to enjoy their conversation and it’s much easier to control the noise level on an iPod!

Can the band play continuous music?

Yes, but we do charge for the extra time. Speak to your producer for more details.

Can the band stay late on the night of?

Yes, we can! We want you to have the time of your life but we appreciate the heads up if you think you’re event will run long. Just like your other on-site vendors, we do charge for the extra time.

What do you recommend for instrumentation?

This depends on the type of music you want to hear. Our most common setup would include a guitar, bass, piano, drums, and lead singers. From there, you can add on horns or other instruments.

Does the band provide a sound system?

Yes! We look after everything music-related.

Can we use your sound equipment for speeches?

Yes! The mic and sound system is already hooked up, so we’re happy to provide a mic for your officiant, speeches, and any other announcements. Please, no “drop the mic” moments! This equipment is expensive and, contrary to popular belief, it does break when dropped–which you definitely don’t want to risk right before your reception. If you need mics set up in multiple locations, please speak to your producer about the extra cost for the equipment.

Can you MC my event?

Of course! Fill out your schedule on our planning page. Two weeks before your wedding, we’ll go through all the details, including how to properly pronounce that one groomsman’s name with the silent “G”.

Can I see the band perform before I book them?

You sure can! Check out our list of local live showcases here.

How far ahead of the wedding will you be in contact to go over the day-of details?

We’ll get in touch 2 weeks before your event to finalise the details. This gives you plenty of time to decide on your special dances and work out your event timeline. If you contact us before that and we don’t immediately get back to you, we’re likely handling details for a wedding that weekend. Don’t worry! We’ll give you the same dedicated attention when it comes to two weeks before your event.

How much do I pay and when?

When you book the band, you’ll make a 20% deposit to secure your date. The remaining amount is due two weeks before your event.

Who will be my contact on the day of?

You can always reach out to your producer with questions. The lead on your event will also be able to answer any questions your wedding planner or venue manager may have on the night.

What does the band require on the night?

A meal (to fuel ourselves!), electrical power (to fuel our instruments!), and a covered space on a flat, hard, dry surface to play. We do not require a stage!

Can the band play outside?

Yes, but we require cover and a flat, hard, dry surface to play on. Instruments don’t sound as nice when wet (trust us!) and electrical cords mixed with water can be a fire hazard. Also, heat can damage instruments, so please keep this in mind when placing your band and have a backup plan just in case!

We have a stage! What size stage do I need for the band to fit?

We certainly don’t require a stage to perform; but, if you choose to have one, it does make us feel like rockstars! Below are some approximate footprints for various band sizes – please ask your producer if you still aren’t sure. 3-4pc band : 8'x12' 5-6pc band : 12'x16' 7-9pc band : 12'x20' minimum or 12'x24' preferred 10-14pc band: 12'x24'

Contact Desert Moon Band

Send us your date, where your event is and how many hours of music you need, and we will reply with your quote.

Send an enquiry

Email: josh@DesertMoonBand.com
Phone: +971 50 298 4603