A good wedding singer can carry you from the ceremony to the last dance. The right booking takes a little more thought than picking a voice you like on video, though. This guide walks through the process in the order we would tackle it.
Step 1: Decide which parts of the day need music
Wedding singers are booked for some or all of these:
- The ceremony. Walking-in music, signing of the register and the exit. This needs a quiet, controlled sound, and for civil ceremonies your registrar must approve the songs. Many registrars won't allow religious lyrics.
- The drinks reception. Relaxed background sets while photos are taken.
- The wedding breakfast. Gentle music that people can talk over.
- The evening. Upbeat party sets to fill the dance floor, often including your first dance.
Some singers cover the whole day, which keeps things simple. Others specialise in evening party sets. Decide what you need before you look, because it changes who is suitable.
Step 2: Pick a style that suits your guests
Think about who will be on the dance floor. A swing and Motown vocalist such as Alex Slater suits a mixed-age crowd. A piano or ukulele vocalist like Adam Press works well for a ceremony and drinks reception. A powerful party vocalist such as Lisa Pearson or Carrie Michaels suits an evening where dancing is the priority.
Our wedding entertainment quiz can help if you are torn.
Step 3: Watch them live, not just in a studio
Studio tracks show what a singer sounds like in perfect conditions. Live footage shows how they handle a room. Look at the videos on each act's profile and, if you can, catch a public show.
Step 4: Check the practical details with your venue
Before you commit, ask your venue about:
- Sound limiters. Many wedding venues have them. A solo singer usually copes well, but tell the act in advance.
- Curfews and finish times. These decide how the sets are timed.
- Power and space. Most singers need one or two sockets and a modest floor area.
- Load-in. Where the act can park and how far they need to carry equipment.
Step 5: Plan the timings
The usual pattern is two sets of around 45 minutes in the evening, or shorter sets spread through the day. Fit them around the meal, speeches, cake cutting and buffet. A common running order is first dance, first set, buffet, second set, then recorded music until the end.
Step 6: Talk about special songs early
If you want a particular first-dance song, or a song learned for the ceremony, mention it when you enquire. Many singers will learn a song, but they need notice.
Step 7: Confirm everything in writing
Your booking confirmation should include the date, venue, arrival time, set times, what the act provides and the agreed fee. With Flair there are no hidden agency booking fees: the price we quote is the price you pay.
Quick answers
How far ahead should I book a wedding singer?
Saturdays from May to September go first, often 12 months or more ahead. Weekday and winter dates usually have more choice.
Can one singer cover the ceremony and the evening?
Often, yes. Many of our vocalists offer day-to-night packages. Ask when you enquire.
Do wedding singers bring their own sound system?
Most do. We confirm equipment, power and space with the act and your venue before the day.
Next steps
Browse our wedding singers, then send us your date and venue and we'll come back with singers who are free.
Ready to find your act?
Flair Entertainments has been booking entertainers for clients across the UK since 1984. Send us your date, venue and the kind of night you want and we’ll come back with acts that suit.
