Top tips about wedding music

A few top tips when choosing wedding music

  • Ask for a repertoire list and demo recordings before booking to ensure that the act is right for you and your guests. This information is usually supplied online, although some bands and ensembles still use CDs.

  • Don’t be afraid to book a band without having seen them play live, provided you are happy with their demo, songlist and experience. The top wedding bands tend only to play at private events because they have enough private work never to need to play pub and club events. Realistically, the only time you would be able to view such a band would be at someone else’s wedding. How would you feel about other couples coming to your reception just to view the band?

  • Be absolutely clear as to what you want the musicians to do. You may have read about the unfortunate bride who wanted "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" by Bryan Adams - from the film Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves - at her wedding . Her local organist didn’t know the song and decided instead to play what he thought was a suitable alternative. The bride therefore found herself walking down the aisle to the strains of Robin Hood, Robin Hood, riding through the glen!

  • Write everything down, and ask for written confirmation from the performers. It's a good idea to draw up a contract or letter of engagement, signed both by you and the musicians. If you know how to do this, and what the contract or letter should cover, then you’re probably a lawyer who plays in a band at the weekend. There aren’t many of you about. If you’re not a guitar-toting solicitor, book through us and we’ll take care of all that boring admin!

  • Specify timings, although bear in mind that all wedding receptions run late.

  • Don't pay a penny until you have agreed the details of the musicians' performance with them.

  • Once you’ve booked your musicians, don’t be too prescriptive about repertoire. Of course the bride and groom should choose the first dance, and the pieces to be played during the ceremony. Beyond that, you’ll get the best out of your musicians if you leave it to their experience and expertise to read the mood and adjust their set accordingly on the day.

  • Call the musicians at the start of the week of the wedding to reconfirm everything.

  • Supply a contact phone number (eg the Best Man’s) in case of a problem on the way to the wedding.

  • And finally, remember, musicians are people! If you look after your musicians – for example, providing a bite to eat and a comfortable room for their breaks – they’ll go the extra mile for you in their performance.

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