If you want to hire a singer or musician in the UK, here are some handy tips and FAQs to get you started. It’s important to ask questions so you get the right supplier for you!
I have worked as a Wedding & Events Singer & Musician for 15 years. I started very young and have worked across the UK and overseas. Though I am based in Yorkshire, I do travel and regularly perform through Yorkshire, Lancashire, Midlands, London, Manchester, Scotland, Wales, and more.
- How long do you perform for?
This is a difficult question, as it’s very much ‘how long is a piece of string?’ I perform as much or as little as you require. I have set packages that offer (you can view these here) or I can build a bespoke package that suits your event, your guests, and what you want to achieve from your entertainment. The best thing to do is drop me an email with your requirements and we can tailor everything to you.
2. Do you charge more for weddings? Everyone seems to triple the price when the word is mentioned?
No, I charge the same for any event for my base price. It depends on which package you book, not what type of event it is. If you book me for a 2 x 45 mins performance – the base price is the same whether it’s your birthday or wedding. Travel is not included in my base prices but I do quote with all travel costs and other associated costs included. I can break down the costs on request.
The only difference with a wedding is I am usually required for more time, often the full day or a half-day. I have created tailored packages for these to keep things simple.
3. How much time do you need to set up?
I usually need around an hour to set up if I am only setting up in one location.
4. You’re based in Yorkshire…Can you do my event in insert location here?
Absolutely, I am happy to travel absolutely anywhere! I will provide a quote for any location, I just need to know the date of your event and the venue address. I have performed all over the UK and overseas and love to travel.
5. Do you have Public Liability Insurance? My venue requires it.
Absolutely, I am registered with the Musicians Union and have PLI of up to 10 Million. All performers should have public liability insurance and whoever you book should be able to provide this on request.
6. Will you learn a specific song for our first dance/ceremony or do we have to choose from your repertoire?
I will learn any song you like for your first dance and the cost for this is already included in my package costs. Some people charge an additional fee for this – I do not. If I am performing at your ceremony, I also include learning songs for your walk-in, register signing, and exit. You may also choose as many favourites as you like from my repertoire so I can include these throughout the day. My repertoire is very large (over 800 songs currently) and what I have listed on my website is only a sample of this as I am constantly learning new material. If the song isn’t on there, it’s always worth asking – as I probably know it.
7. Do you require refreshments?
If I am only there for a couple of hours – no. I do bring my own water and some snacks if needed. However, if I am booked for a full day, I do request soft drinks/water and a hot meal to be provided. This is because a lot of wedding and event venues are in rural locations where there is no easy access to purchase anything and I do not have time to leave the venue (nor do I want to as I’d like to focus fully on your day). Often, venues will offer a supplier meal option which you can ask your event coordinator about, they are usually very helpful. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but a hot meal goes a long way for re-energising a worker on a long day and is much appreciated.
8. What happens if you have to cancel? Will I be left without any entertainment?
If for any reason I am unable to perform, I will always endeavour to provide a replacement. If it is short notice, I have a network of performers I can call on should I need cover, but it’s entirely up to you whether you accept the replacement performer on offer. Cancellations are incredibly rare, but I do cover all bases on this which are covered in the contract I issue on booking. Always ensure you read the Ts and Cs of any performer you book before paying a deposit or signing an agreement.
9. Do you provide all your own equipment?
Yes, I provide all my own PA & lighting required for the event. As I also offer DJ services, this means I can cover your entire day from start to end (see my full-day packages for further information). I am often asked if another person can run through my equipment, and due to insurance purposes, I cannot do this. My equipment can only be used by me. If you need mics for speeches, and I am covering that part of your day then I can provide these. However, due to Covid, this has to be arranged in advance as I now bring separate microphones and provide alcohol sanitisation between speakers to protect everyone.
10. You provide singing waiters too?
Yes, this is an incredibly fun and interactive show available with 1-4 singers and I have singers based all over the UK.
When booking anything for your special event or wedding, it’s important to ask questions so don’t be afraid to ask as many as you need to. It’s important you know everything you need to, and that you feel comfortable with the supplier you are booking.
