What to Expect When Booking a Wedding Guitarist

I find that most couples are not entirely sure what to expect when they enquire about a wedding guitarist, how the process works, what decisions they need to make, and what they get on the day. Here is a clear walkthrough of how it works when you book me.

Step 1: The initial enquiry

You use the enquiry form to get in touch. Tell me your wedding date, your venue if you have it, and roughly what you are looking for (ceremony only, ceremony and drinks reception, a full day). I will come back to you within 24 hours with my availability and initial pricing.

Step 2: The conversation

We exchange a few emails or have a phone call. I like to understand a little about your day before we confirm anything, the venue, the format, the approximate number of guests, whether there are any specific songs you have in mind. This also gives you a chance to ask me anything you want to know.

Step 3: Booking

When you are ready to go ahead, a £100 deposit confirms the booking. I send you a simple booking form with the details, you pay the deposit, and your date is secured. I turn away any other enquiries for that date from that point.

Step 4: The pre-wedding visit

A few months before the wedding, I invite you to come to my house in Worcestershire to sit and listen. You can hear me play any of the songs you are considering, talk through the running order for the ceremony, and tell me anything specific about how you want the music to work. Most couples spend an hour or so with me, it is relaxed, enjoyable, and always useful.

Step 5: Final confirmation

A week or two before the wedding, we confirm the final details: what time I should arrive at the venue, the specific songs for each moment, and any logistical details I need to know. The balance is due at this point.

Step 6: The wedding day

I arrive at the venue in good time to set up and do a sound check. I dress smartly and introduce myself to your venue coordinator. And then I play. I stay until we have agreed I should leave, and I make sure the music flows exactly as planned.

After the wedding

I send every couple a digital album of the songs I played on their wedding day, a small memento that many couples tell me they value more than they expected.

If you would like to know more or check my availability, get in touch here.

Stuart Toogood is an acoustic wedding guitarist based in Worcestershire, available across the Midlands for weddings, private events, and celebrations of life. With over 20 years experience and approximately 450 weddings performed, he specialises in contemporary acoustic arrangements for wedding ceremonies, drinks receptions, and wedding breakfasts. Read more about Stuart or enquire about your date.

450+

Weddings performed across the Midlands

20+

Years as a professional wedding musician

Recommended

Curradine Barns · Gorcott Hall · Arley House & more

Fully insured

PAT tested equipment · Public liability cover

Questions answered

Frequently asked questions

What information do you need when I first get in touch?

Your wedding date is the most important thing, that tells me immediately whether I am available. After that, your venue (or the area if not confirmed), and roughly which parts of the day you would like covered: ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast, or some combination. Everything else can be worked out from there.

What happens at the pre-wedding visit?

I invite couples to come to my house in Worcestershire a few months before the wedding. You can hear me play any of the songs you are considering, work through the ceremony running order, and talk through how the day will flow. It is completely relaxed and informal, most couples spend an hour or so with me. There is no extra charge; it is just how I like to work.

How do you communicate with the venue on the day?

I introduce myself to your venue coordinator when I arrive and confirm the setup location, timing, and any specific logistics. I always arrive around 90 minutes before the first performance slot to allow for a full setup and sound check without rushing. Throughout the day I stay in contact with the venue team as needed so the music flows naturally alongside everything else.

What if something changes before the wedding?

Life happens and plans change. If you need to adjust your song choices, timing, or the parts of the day I am covering, just get in touch and we will sort it. I am flexible and want your day to be exactly right. The one thing I ask is that significant changes are confirmed in writing so there is no confusion on the day.