Frequently asked questions about choirs

What are the choir's duties?

A choir's main function is to support the congregation in the singing of the hymns - the British are notoriously bad congregational singers! However, it usually sings during the signing of the register and often at the entrance of the bride (processional), and at the exit of the bridal couple (recessional) too.

My church doesn't have a choir. How do I go about finding one?

Local schools, churches and choral societies can sometimes arrange choirs for weddings, which (hurrah!) will usually be an inexpensive option. The down side is that it is unlikely that the musical standard will be particularly high, and the performers will probably have little or no experience of wedding music. Still feeling confident?

Alternatively, you could always engage a professional adult choir, so that your wedding ceremony music has the same level of professionalism and polish that will no doubt have been lavished on every other aspect of the day!

How big a choir would I need?

Professional adult choirs are usually engaged in multiples of four (soprano, alto, tenor and bass). As a rule of thumb, you should engage four singers for every seventy-five guests, though unless you are choosing very complicated repertoire, it's rare to require more than twelve singers. A choir of just eight singers often suffices.

What music should I choose?

This depends on the standard of the choir you book. It is always better to have straightforward music done well than more adventurous music done badly. If the musicians in your church are unwilling to perform what you want, don't press the point. Either get them to make suggestions about what they are happy to perform, or engage professionals.

Is it possible to engage a professional choir, whilst using the local organist?

Yes, but it's not usually a good idea. The local organist is likely to be of modest ability at best, and the choir and organist will probably not meet for the first time until an hour or two before the ceremony. If the local organist is not of a good standard, and 'political' considerations mean that he or she must nonetheless be engaged, there is an extensive repertoire of suitable music that is sung unaccompanied. We'd strongly advise that you pursue this route.

What happens if I'd like a soloist as well as a choir?

If you engage a professional choir, all the individual members work as soloists too, so you will not usually need to engage a separate soloist as well. If you are using your church's own choir, you may like to engage a professional soloist to sing a special piece during the signing of the register.

It is generally not advisable to book a semi-professional singer. Although cheaper than a professional, the standard is rarely better than that of a gifted amateur, and we normally recommend that you use the church choir only, and buy a couple of extra bottles of champagne instead!

Can I book a children's choir?

Yes, contact us for details. But bear in mind that it is particularly difficult to arrange children's choirs in July and August, firstly because it is a busy time for weddings anyway (and so the choirs are in particular demand), and secondly since schools are on holiday at that time, lots of children are away.

How do I go about engaging a professional adult choir?

Contact us. We have specialists in all areas of vocal music, and can advise you as to repertoire suitable for your wedding, taking into account the denomination of the ceremony, the style of wedding that you want, and your own musical tastes. We can provide specially-compiled CDs of this music too, free of charge, if you engage musicians through us.