It’s February!
It’s Valentine’s Day this week, and couples planning to get married in 2025 are finalising their budgets for the main elements of their big day. Now, they’re looking at how to allocate any extra funds.
Many couples love having live musicians to add that extra ambience to their wedding, so here are a few tips on how you can fit in!
1. How to Gain Wedding Bookings
There are several ways to acquire bookings:
- Visibility – This is one of the best ways to get booked! While performing in pubs, restaurants, bars and busking you’re exposed to large audiences, and you may catch the attention of someone who loves your look and sound.
- Wedding Fairs – These events are excellent opportunities to network with other suppliers and venues. Contact the events team in advance and ensure you have promotional materials ready to send over.
- Specialist Websites – Platforms like Hitched, Encore, LastMinuteMusicians, and similar websites connect performers with potential clients. Make sure your promotional materials stand out to attract more bookings.
TIP: No matter which method you use, ensure your marketing is on point—this includes having a professional showreel, business cards, social media channels, and even a website. Potential clients may not book you on the spot, so make their decision as easy as possible!
2. Wedding Set List
Wedding performances typically take place in the afternoon, between 12–4 PM. This could be during the ceremony, drinks reception, or meal. Keep in mind that you are not the main focus—guests will be catching up, so your set should be more laid-back compared to a pub show or busking session.
Your song choices should centre around love and romance. A great starting point is checking out wedding playlists on major streaming platforms.
If you’re performing in the evening, you’ll need to bring more energy! In that case, tailor your set towards danceable, singalong songs to keep the party atmosphere going.
3. What to Wear at Weddings
It’s important to dress appropriately for a wedding. You don’t necessarily need to wear a suit, but a smart-casual outfit that suits the environment is ideal. If you’re unsure, check with your client in advance.
Note from the editor: I usually wear a smart shirt and waistcoat, paired with black jeans or light chinos and smart shoes.
4. How to Prepare for Wedding Performances
Wedding gigs require more preparation than a typical event, and you don’t want to inconvenience your client unnecessarily. Here are some key points to consider:
- Package Template – Not every inquiry will turn into a booking. Have a clear template outlining your rates and what’s included to save time.
- Insurance & Testing – Many wedding venues require Public Liability Insurance and PAT testing. Look out for upcoming newsletters for discounts on PAT testing.
- Contact Person – Get a contact for the day—this is often an usher, planner, or family member who can guide you, as some venues can be tricky to navigate.
- Performance Space – Confirm in advance that there’s enough space for your setup (e.g., 4m x 4m x 2m).
- Deposit Requirement – Taking a deposit secures the booking and shows commitment from both sides.
5. Charge Accordingly
Weddings are (hopefully!) a once-in-a-lifetime event, and for many, it’s the biggest day of their lives. This means extra attention to detail is required, and there’s little chance of repeat business.
Because of this, you can justify charging a higher rate compared to pub and restaurant gigs. Establish your price, sell yourself confidently, and when you secure the booking—deliver! Your reputation will precede you, leading to more work in the future.
6. Song Requests
If a couple asks you to learn more than one new song for their wedding, consider charging a fee. Learning songs involves rehearsal time and sometimes rearrangement or transposition to perform them well. This can take several hours or even days to perfect.
By explaining this to the client upfront, they will understand and be happy to pay for your time. The last thing you want is to overpromise and underdeliver—especially if the requested songs hold sentimental value.
This is the best time of year to secure wedding gigs! As the sun comes out and people recover financially from Christmas, they start finalising their wedding entertainment. Get yourself out there and get noticed—you could be the highlight of the biggest day of their lives!