Planning A Wedding in 2026? Here’s How to Find the Musician Perfect For You

What’s the one thing they don’t tell you about arranging your wedding? You probably expect the anticipation, excitement, and the odd worry. You’ll immediately start working out which of your friends and family will be the first (and last) to invite, the colours of the bridesmaid dresses, and what you definitely don’t want your partner to wear…

All of this is likely to be at the front of your mind as soon as you set off on your new role as a first-rate wedding planner, but one thing that people tend not to talk so much about…

The music!

Not exactly as central to a typical wedding as a perfect outfit or a stunning venue, but nonetheless it is something that quietly shapes a day. Get the music wrong, and you might quickly feel as if there’s something big missing. 

It’s also true that - if you do decide that you’d like some live music as a part of the wedding - choosing the actual performer is one of those decisions that will probably feel small at first. I often hear from couples that it’s one of the later appointments they make - and hey, that’s okay! Music often takes a bit of a back seat, with couples assuming that it’s one of the choices that won’t make much of an impact…

…until you realise how much of the day they shape!

And it’s not just the ceremony: music sets the tone while guests arrive, fills the gaps between moments, and becomes a real focal point towards the end of the evening. Chosen well, a great musician will make everything feel effortless. There will be no awkward pauses or inflexible timings, and guests will have a shared ‘meeting point’ as a conversational pivot - particularly important as often there will be groups who don’t normally interact with one another. 

So, how exactly do you choose? Well, luckily, it’s not all guesswork! Here are a few things worth thinking about before you book.

1. Think About the Feel You Want, Not Just the Songs

When thinking about wedding music, it’s natural to think in terms of the actual songs that will be played - just as you would if you’re putting together a Spotify playlist - but the special appeal of live music is that it’s not just about the songs the musician plays, it’s about how they’re played. 

Your favourite song played at the ceremony in an intimate, relaxed setting can make for a truly magical moment, but equally, the same song could be played as a late night floor-filler! Both will make for memorable moments, but with live music you have the choice as to how the song feels. A good wedding musician understands how to adjust tone, volume, and pacing throughout the day, and most importantly, how to work with a couple to set a perfect tone. 

This goes for asking for the musician’s repertoire, too. While it can be a vital tool in selecting the performer you want to shape your day, it’s also important not to obsess over it.

Most professional wedding musicians have a broad repertoire spanning decades and genres: everything from old favourites (Take Me Home, Country Roads) to modern classics (Pink Pony Club – a personal favourite of mine!). What matters isn’t that they play everything, but that they understand what tends to work - and what doesn't - in spaces where not everyone likes the same stuff day to day.

This means that, a musician with a repertoire of only 100 songs - but who curates music for the audience - is much more effective than someone who can simply list 10,000!

Rather than asking “Do you play this song?”, it’s often more useful to ask “How do you normally shape music across the day?”.

2. Look For Polish, But Not Perfection

Wedding performances are a little different from concerts or studio recordings: sometimes an entrance will run a little late, a walk down the aisle that moves faster than expected, speeches that overrun (sometimes only concluded with a sharp nudge), and guests who suddenly insist on getting up to sing their song! An experienced wedding musician knows how to adapt to any live situation, without overpowering the moment.

It’s important for live to feel alive, after all!

It’s also worth bearing in mind that live requests (from both the guests and the couple!) can play a big role in shaping a great live performance. Considering how a musician chooses to facilitate requests from the audience can make a big difference to how smooth the set plays out. A good musician will know not only how to incorporate a suggestion from the audience, but also how (and when) to gently steer things elsewhere when the moment calls for it.

That means that, rather than searching for someone who is flawless, finding someone who can carefully balance the shifting roles of live performance will often make for a more secure and enjoyable live music experience.

3. Think Practically

Great wedding musicians don’t just turn up and play – there’s a lot involved in the planning, preparation, and execution of a great performance.

An experienced musician will:

• Find out as much from you and the venue as possible before arriving

• Think ahead about power, space, and volume

• Coordinate where possible with other vendors (celebrant, venue etc.)

• Communicate with you when necessary (not too much, not too little)

• Plan how best to transition between parts of the day and move equipment

• Always have a ‘Plan B’, just in case

Music shouldn't have to feel 'managed' by you. Before you book, ask the musician what is usually involved in their planning process, and whether they’ll send over any documents (itinerary, setlist etc.) to provide peace of mind in the run-up. If you find yourself worrying about cables, timings, or awkward silences on the day, something’s missing.

4. See It to Believe It

It might seem like a no-brainer, but viewing a good portion of a performer’s past work before you book is a vital part of the process, and one that sometimes couples overlook. Not only does seeing past performances verify that they can produce the sound you want, but it will also give you peace of mind that they have experience and can convert that to a great performance on the day.  

It’s also worth noting that, particularly in today’s online and AI-powered world, there can be a big difference in how a musician sounds on their socials and how they might sound at your wedding. Where possible, try to find recordings made live, rather than at home or in a studio. Even better – try to see them live! Not only will this give you ultimate peace of mind, but also, from a musician’s perspective – it feels great to speak to couples who have really done their research, and it helps to build a great working relationship quickly!

5. Finally: Trust Your Gut

At the end of the day, how you feel about a musician is often the most telling sign about whether or not they will fit into your perfect day. As I always tell clients (it’s almost becoming a catchphrase!) – “it is your wedding” – so it really matters that you feel comfortable with every aspect of the day, and that includes the music.

If you’re struggling to work out whether there’s a good personal fit, here’s a few things to think about:

• Do they communicate clearly?

• Do they seem relaxed and prepared?

• Do they talk about weddings in a way that feels thoughtful, and not transactional? – is it ‘just another job’ to them?

• Do they seem excited by the prospect of playing an important role in your celebrations?

If the answer is yes, it’s likely they will be the right fit for your day - and you'll feel much better for it.

A Final Thought

Live music in any context, but especially at weddings, works best when it feels like it's being breathed in alongside the day, rather than feeling like it's being performed at an audience. And that starts with the right musician: who won't try to steal the spotlight with an 'impressive' performance, and who won't overshadow the day with what should be quiet, background preparation and execution.

They will support the moments that matter, lift the energy when it feels right, and let thet day breathe when it needs to.

When all that happens, people tend to remember how the wedding felt, not just what was played.

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If you are searching for the perfect musician for your wedding: consider visiting my dedicated wedding page and getting in touch to discuss exactly what you're looking for.