Planning your wedding music? Here are answers to the questions I'm asked most often by couples booking live acoustic guitar for their ceremony, drinks reception, and wedding breakfast. If there's anything else you'd like to know, just get in touch, I'm always happy to help.
Services & Pricing
What services do you offer?
I offer live acoustic guitar performances at weddings, specialising in the ceremony, drinks reception, and wedding breakfast. My most popular package combines the ceremony and drinks reception, but I'm flexible and happy to create a custom package around your day. I also perform at celebration-of-life services, private events, and intimate corporate gatherings.
How much does a wedding guitarist cost?
Pricing depends on which parts of the day you'd like me to play and how far I need to travel. As a guide:
- Ceremony and Drinks Reception, £500
- Ceremony and Wedding Breakfast, £550
- Drinks Reception and Wedding Breakfast, £550
Pricing for celebration-of-life services, corporate events, and private parties is available on application. I'm always happy to put together a bespoke quote based on your specific requirements.
What's included in your price?
Everything you need for beautiful live music on your day:
- Professional PA system and speakers, positioned around the venue
- All setup and sound checks
- Happy to learn a special song for your ceremony
- Pre-wedding consultation, at my home or via video call
- A copy of my electronic album as a keepsake after your wedding
- Full Public Liability Insurance
How long do you play for each part of the day?
- Ceremony, around 45 minutes (pre-ceremony music, your entrance, signing of the register, and exit)
- Drinks Reception, typically 1.5–2 hours
- Wedding Breakfast, usually 1.5–2 hours during the meal
Timings are flexible and I'll work around your photographer's schedule and venue timings.
Do you charge for travel?
Travel within Worcestershire is included. For weddings in Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Shropshire, and the wider West Midlands, I may add a small travel supplement depending on distance. I'll always confirm this upfront in your quote, no surprises.
What if we want you to stay longer on the day?
If you'd like to extend my playing time on the day, I can usually accommodate this at an additional hourly rate, subject to availability and prior arrangement. Just mention it when we're planning your day and we'll build it in.
Can you play all three parts of the day, ceremony, drinks reception, and wedding breakfast?
I can do this, but to be honest it is a lot of playing and very tiring. I play non-stop — I'm not the kind of musician who insists on breaks every 45 minutes — so I can be playing for 3.5 to 4 hours. There would be an added cost for this. Personally, based on many years of performing at weddings, I feel the options I offer are perfect. Too much of anything can be too much — it's nice to have light and shade in a day.
Music & Personalisation
What style of music do you play?
I play relaxed, contemporary acoustic guitar, modern love songs, acoustic classics, and popular requests, rather than strict classical pieces. There's a mix of slow, medium, and faster-paced songs woven throughout the day. My style creates a warm atmosphere without overpowering conversations. It's background music that complements your wedding, not a concert performance.
Can we request specific songs?
Absolutely. I love learning new songs for couples and I'm happy to learn special requests for your ceremony, entrance, or any other moment. Just let me know what's meaningful to you, I'll always do my best to make it work beautifully on guitar.
Will you learn a song specially for us?
Yes, always. I'll be honest with you if a song doesn't translate well to guitar, for example, if it takes too long to build and your aisle walk is relatively short. Most songs work beautifully, and I'll adapt them to fit the moment perfectly. This is included in your package at no extra charge.
Can we choose from a setlist?
Yes. I have an extensive setlist covering everything from classic Beatles and Oasis to Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, and even some Disney. You're welcome to pick your favourites or leave it to me to read the room on the day, whichever feels right for you.
Can we give you a "do not play" list?
Of course. If there are songs you'd rather I avoid, perhaps linked to an ex, an artist you're not keen on, or a memory you'd rather not stir, just let me know. I'll make sure they don't feature.
Can I have religious songs in my civil ceremony?
The simple answer is no. Registrars do not allow these. You can however have songs that may have a religious title, for example Heaven by Bryan Adams or Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen. Always best to check with your registrar if you are in any doubt.
Do you sing as well as play?
No, I focus purely on instrumental acoustic guitar. This creates a beautiful, elegant atmosphere that allows your guests to chat comfortably while still enjoying live music. If you're looking for a singer-guitarist, I'm happy to recommend some excellent performers.
Can we meet you before booking?
I always invite couples to come to my home so we can go through song ideas for the ceremony together. It's completely informal, there's no pressure, and you'll leave feeling confident your music is sorted. There's no additional charge, it's simply part of how I like to work.
Booking & Admin
How do I book you?
Once you've decided to go ahead, a deposit secures your date and we can begin planning your music together. Get in touch via the contact page and I'll come straight back to you.
How much deposit is required?
A deposit of £100 secures your wedding date exclusively. This is non-refundable, but it means your date is held for you from the moment I receive it.
What are your payment terms?
The deposit is £100 at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due four weeks before your wedding day. Some couples prefer to pay the full balance early, and that's absolutely fine. I accept bank transfer or cheque.
What's your cancellation or postponement policy?
If you need to postpone, I'm happy to transfer your booking to your new date if I'm available, at no extra charge. If you cancel entirely, the deposit is non-refundable. I always try to be as flexible as possible, just get in touch and we'll work something out.
Are you insured and is your equipment PAT tested?
Yes. I carry full Public Liability Insurance and all my equipment is PAT tested annually. Many venues require these as standard, and I can provide certificates upon request, so you and your venue coordinator can book with complete confidence.
Logistics & Equipment
What time do you arrive on the wedding day?
I always arrive around 90 minutes before the ceremony. This gives me plenty of time to set up, sound-check, and position speakers at multiple locations, for example, one for the ceremony room and another outside for the drinks reception. I like to cover everything in advance so there's no rushing or packing down between sets.
What do you need from the venue?
Just a standard plug socket and approximately 2×2 metres of space. I bring my own professional PA system, multiple speakers, and all cables. I'm very experienced working with different venue layouts and will liaise with your coordinator in advance if needed.
Can you play outdoors?
Yes, I love playing outdoors for drinks receptions, weather permitting. I have portable equipment as a backup but ideally like access to power. If the weather turns, I'll always have a contingency plan to move under cover, so you don't need to worry whatever the British weather decides to do.
Do you provide your own PA and sound system?
Yes. I use a professional Bose PA system with multiple speakers positioned throughout the venue and grounds. The sound is spread evenly, ambient and pleasant, never overpowering. You don't need to arrange anything through the venue.
Can you work with our registrar or celebrant?
Absolutely. I'm very used to working alongside registrars, celebrants, and venue coordinators, chances are I've worked with them before and know them well. I know when to play and when to stop, and I'll take cues from them throughout the ceremony so everything flows naturally.
Day-of Experience
What do you wear on the day?
I dress smartly for the occasion, typically a suit or a smart jacket and trousers. I want to blend in professionally with your day, not stand out.
Do you take breaks?
The only time I take a short break is when moving from the end of the drinks reception to the wedding breakfast, and that's usually no more than 10–15 minutes. It's barely noticeable and fits naturally with the flow of the day.
Do I expect a supplier meal?
Absolutely not. This is an added expense to your day and I am there to play for you. It's always nice to be asked but honestly, I don't expect it or require it.
What if you're unwell on the wedding day?
In the extremely unlikely event that I'm unable to perform, I have a trusted network of professional musicians who can step in to cover your wedding. In over 20 years and 450+ weddings, this has never happened, but your day is always covered and you will never be left without live music.
How do you handle requests from guests on the day?
I'm always happy to take requests from guests during the drinks reception or wedding breakfast, as long as I know the song! It's a lovely way to make the music feel interactive and personal, and guests always appreciate it.
General Questions
How many weddings have you played at?
I've played at over 450 weddings across Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Shropshire, and the West Midlands over the past 20 years. Each one has been a privilege.
Do you play at venues you haven't visited before?
Yes, absolutely. If it's a new venue for me, I'll always contact them in advance to confirm setup space, power points, and timings so everything runs smoothly on the day.
What's the benefit of booking someone who knows local venues?
I know the layouts, the best spots for sound coverage, the staff, and often the registrars at many Worcestershire and West Midlands venues. I also know where couples are typically taken for photographs, which means I can position speakers to follow you around the grounds. It means everything runs smoothly, with no last-minute surprises.
Can you provide reviews or references?
Yes. I have many reviews from previous couples and I'm happy to provide references upon request. Many couples mention that I helped them feel relaxed, that their guests loved the music, and that I was a pleasure to work with throughout the whole process.
Do you offer a sample or demo?
Yes. I can send you recordings of previous performances, and you're welcome to visit my home before booking where I can play live for you as we discuss your song choices together. It's a great way to get a feel for exactly what your day will sound like.