How the Music Works
Every wedding runs slightly differently, so I don’t work with rigid packages. Instead, we can build the music around the parts of the day where you’d most like it.
For the parts of the day where I’m performing sets, such as your drinks reception, wedding breakfast or evening reception, a typical live performance might be:
1 x 60 minutes
Ideal for a shorter drinks reception, wedding breakfast or a single focused part of the day.
2 x 45 minutes
One of the most popular options, giving you plenty of live music while allowing a natural break between sets.
3 x 45 minutes
A good option for longer receptions or when you’d like the music to develop over a few hours.
Where appropriate, I can also play a carefully chosen background playlist through my PA between live sets, so the atmosphere doesn’t suddenly disappear when I put the guitar down. This is simply background music between performances rather than a DJ service.
Ceremony Music
Ceremony timings work a little differently because the music follows the natural shape of the ceremony rather than being performed as a conventional set.
This can include:
- Live music as your guests arrive and take their seats
- Your chosen song for the entrance
- Music during the signing of the register
- Your chosen song as you leave the ceremony
- Special songs learned and arranged for you where required
Drinks Reception
For a typical drinks reception, 2 x 45-minute live sets works particularly well. I can begin fairly relaxed while everyone gets settled, then gradually bring in more rhythm and energy as the reception develops.
Background music can continue through my PA during the break between sets.
Wedding Breakfast
Live music can be performed as one longer set or two shorter sets, depending on your timings and the atmosphere you want.
The emphasis here is usually on creating warmth and atmosphere without making conversation difficult, although the energy can lift as the meal progresses if that suits your guests.
Evening Reception
For the evening, 2 x 45-minute sets gives me room to build a much more upbeat performance.
This is where the fuller side of my live setup comes into play, combining vocals and acoustic guitar with foot percussion, harmonica, vocal harmonies and bass-style accompaniment to create a rich, rhythmic sound while keeping everything unmistakably live.
If you’d like your first dance performed live, that can also form part of the evening.
Built Around Your Day
These timings aren’t packages you have to choose from. They’re simply examples of how the live music can work.
You might want me only for your ceremony, for a couple of hours during the drinks reception, or for several different parts of the day. Once I know your plans, I can recommend a format that makes sense and quote accordingly.