Wedding singer: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What wedding singer is

A wedding singer performs at the ceremony or reception, handling the processional, the first dance and background music with vocals that suit each moment. Couples book a wedding singer when they want a personal voice for the most important songs of the day.

Signs you need it

  • You want a live voice for the processional or the first dance
  • You want background music during the ceremony or cocktail hour
  • You want a singer who can cover the couple's favorite songs at each part of the day
  • The ceremony or reception space is small enough for a vocalist and a simple setup
  • You want live vocals for the vows or a reading, with the singer leading a special song
  • You want the music to feel personal rather than recorded

What the pro does

  • Asks for the couple's processional, first dance, must-play and do-not-play songs
  • Builds a repertoire for ceremony, cocktail hour and reception that fits the wedding
  • Arrives early to set up the microphone, stand and any track needed
  • Sings the processional and ceremony songs at the times agreed with the planner
  • Performs background music during cocktail hour and reception sets at a volume that fits the room
  • Packs up after the last song and clears the space

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Length of coverage, including ceremony, cocktail hour and reception
  • Whether the singer uses a backing track or live accompaniment
  • Whether the singer needs sound equipment from the venue or brings it
  • Whether the singer covers both the ceremony and the reception, which need separate setup
  • Special arrangements for the first dance or a custom song
  • Whether the singer also emcees or runs any part of the timeline
  • Whether a second vocalist or duet is needed

What a written quote should spell out

  • Ceremony and reception coverage times, with the break schedule
  • Repertoire for each part of the wedding, including the first dance and processional
  • Whether the singer brings a microphone, backing track and stand
  • Sound equipment the venue must provide and when it must be ready
  • Setup and teardown times
  • What happens if the singer cannot attend or is ill on the day

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Will you sing the processional and ceremony songs, and do you bring the sound?
  • Can you sing my first dance song, and do you need the recording or sheet music?
  • Can I see a video of you singing at a wedding?
  • How do you work with the planner or the DJ on the timeline?
  • How long do your sets run during the reception?
  • What is your plan if you cannot attend on the day?
  • Do you carry liability insurance that covers you and your equipment?

Red flags

  • They cannot describe how they cover the ceremony and the reception
  • Their video is from a different singer than the one they plan to send
  • They do not ask about the processional, the first dance or the timeline
  • They say they will learn any song with no time limit
  • They will not confirm the sound equipment or the setup time in writing

What you can do yourself

You can list the processional, the first dance and the songs you want at each part of the day. You can also check the ceremony and reception spaces for a microphone, power and a clear spot for the singer. Hire the wedding singer for the vocals, the timing and the performance, since singing a ceremony song at the right moment takes practice.

Licenses and permits

No state license is usually required for a wedding singer, so ask for proof of liability insurance and wedding references instead. Venues often handle public performance licensing for recorded music and backing tracks, so confirm with the venue who covers it and check local noise rules with your state or local licensing agency.

Wedding singer questions

Does a wedding singer need a license?

Usually not a state license. Ask for insurance and wedding references, and check with the venue about backing track licensing and noise limits.

Can a singer do both the ceremony and the reception?

Many can. Ask whether the price covers both and whether the singer has a set for each part of the wedding.

Do I need to provide sheet music?

Ask the singer. Many can sing from memory, but some need the key, the tempo or a recording to learn a special song in time for the day.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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