The short answer
A standard set with most ensembles lasts ±90 minutes; a cover band plays two sets of 45–60 minutes with a break, a ceremony package 20–40 minutes, and a DJ the whole evening with no break. Add 20 to 90 minutes of set-up and soundcheck time on top.
Why playing time matters so much
Anyone drawing up a programme for a wedding day or corporate event needs to know how long each musical moment lasts. A surprise on the day — an ensemble that stops earlier than expected, or a break that runs long — has consequences for the rest of the evening.
Playing time by ensemble type
Desguin Kwartet (string quartet)
Ceremony package: 20–40 minutes of active playing, present throughout the entire ceremony.
Full performance: ±90 minutes, continuous or split across two sets with a 15–20 minute break.
Along Comes Mary / Swamba (jazz, bossa nova)
Standard set: ±90 minutes per set. For longer bookings, two sets with a 15–20 minute break in between.
Belpopband (cover band)
Standard: two sets of 45–60 minutes each, 15–20 minute break. Total active playing time: 90 minutes to 2 hours. A third set is possible for a surcharge.
De Jartellen (brass ensemble)
- Unplugged: 45 minutes — walking performance, welcome
- Live On Stage: 60 minutes — full show
- Gold: 90 minutes — extended show
Ensemble DRE / Belpop Acoustic (acoustic)
Standard set: ±90 minutes. Fully acoustic — no PA, no mandatory break.
DJ Stecks
A DJ plays the whole evening with no break — from the start of the after-party to the end of the event. No interruptions, continuous music.
| Ensemble | Standard playing time | Break |
|---|---|---|
| Desguin Kwartet (ceremony) | 20–40 min. active | No |
| Desguin Kwartet (full) | ±90 min. | Optional |
| Along Comes Mary / Swamba | ±90 min. per set | 15–20 min. |
| Belpopband | 2× 45–60 min. | 15–20 min. |
| De Jartellen | 45, 60 or 90 min. | No |
| Ensemble DRE / Belpop Acoustic | ±90 min. | Optional |
| DJ Stecks | Whole evening | No |
Set-up time and soundcheck
- String quartet / acoustic ensemble: 20–30 minutes, no soundcheck
- Jazz band with PA: 30–45 minutes set-up + soundcheck
- Belpopband: 60–90 minutes set-up + soundcheck
- DJ: 30–45 minutes set-up
Practical advice from ReinoutAlways schedule the soundcheck at least one hour before the first musical moment. The most common planning mistake is allowing too little time: a band due to play at 7pm that only arrives at 6:30pm is a guaranteed problem.