Wedding Singer: Tips And Tricks

If you're a singer with good stage presence, you could consider a career as a wedding singer. It's a competitive market, but with talent and good marketing skills, you can earn a good living.

It's important to look after your voice and consider it your most important asset. You may be singing a lot, so think about getting a vocal coach to help train your voice and protect it from damage.

As a wedding singer, you need to understand what type of songs your audience wants. It's not about what you want to sing, but what they want to hear. Romantic songs are usually the order of the day, so create a set of love songs and practice them regularly until you're extremely confident.

You can perform with backing tracks or find a live band to perform with. Offering both will allow you to cater to different budgets and mean you'll get more jobs.

Once you've had a few wedding gigs, you may want to invest in your own PA system, which you can hire out to couples for an extra charge. Most wedding venues don't have their own, so it's advantageous if you can provide one.

To market yourself, record a demo in a professional studio and set up a website. You may also want to advertise in brochures and wedding magazines, or attend wedding fairs. Alternatively, you could sign up with an entertainment agent, who will take a percentage of your fee but will likely be able to get you more work.

Learn a wide selection of love songs and be prepared to learn new songs at short notice

To be a singer in a wedding band, it's important to have a wide repertoire of love songs under your belt. Couples will often have specific songs they want to be played at their wedding, but they will also be open to suggestions. It's a good idea to ask about their preferences and the style of their wedding. Do they want lively, danceable tunes or more slow and sentimental songs?

• "You Are the Best Thing" by Ray LaMontagne
• "At Last" by Etta James
• "Grow Old With Me" by Tom Odell
• "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran
• "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
• "All of Me" by John Legend
• "Marry You" by Bruno Mars
• "Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls
• "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis
• "Let the Bright Seraphim" by Handel
• "Panis Angelicus" by César Franck
• "Ave Maria" by Bach/Gounod or Schubert
• "Bist du bei mir" (If You Are With Me) by Bach
• "Irish Wedding Song" (Traditional)
• "Ich Liebe Dich" (I Love You) by Beethoven
• "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban
• "Amazing Grace" (Traditional)
• "Have I Told You Lately" by Van Morrison
• "I Choose You" by Sara Bareilles
• "I Will" by The Beatles
• "Ribbon in the Sky" by Stevie Wonder
• "We've Only Just Begun" by The Carpenters
• "When You Say Nothing At All" by Alison Krauss
• "We've Only Just Begun" by The Carpenters
• "At Last" by Etta James
• "Just the Way You Are" by Billy Joel
• "All of Me" by John Legend
• "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran
• "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
• "First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes
• "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper
• "All of Me" by Gerald Marks & Seymour Simons
• "Crazy Love" by Van Morrison
• "I Feel Fine" by James Taylor
• "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz
• "Dark Eyes" by Bob Dylan
• "Too Shy to Say" by Stevie Wonder
• "How Can I Tell You" by Cat Stevens
• "Into My Arms" by Nick Cave
• "Come Away With Me" by Norah Jones
• "Falling Slowly" by Glen Hansard

It's also important to be prepared to learn new songs at short notice. Couples may have specific requests for songs that hold a special meaning for them, so you need to be able to learn and perform these songs well.

• Familiarize yourself with different musical styles, such as pop, jazz, and classical.
• Practice regularly to improve your sight-reading skills.
• Work on your ear training to be able to pick up melodies and harmonies quickly.
• Break down the song into smaller sections and focus on mastering each part before putting it all together.
• Use online resources, such as video tutorials or chord charts, to help you learn the song.
• Collaborate with your band members to learn the song together and provide feedback to each other.

Decide whether to sing with a band or to a backing track

Deciding whether to sing with a band or to a backing track is an important choice to make when becoming a wedding singer. There are several factors to consider when making this decision.

Firstly, it is important to think about the size of the wedding and the budget of the couple. If the wedding is large and the couple has a generous budget, they may prefer to hire a full band. However, if the wedding is more intimate or the couple is working with a tighter budget, they may opt for a singer with a backing track.

Another factor to consider is the type of music the couple wants. If they are looking for a specific genre or era of music, such as Motown or 80s music, a band may be a better option. A band can also provide a wider variety of music to accommodate guests with different tastes and ages. On the other hand, if the couple is looking for a more modern or electronic sound, a backing track may be more suitable.

The level of interaction and engagement with the guests is also worth considering. A live band can create a unique and magical experience for the guests, with visible musicians playing instruments and singing. They can also easily adapt to the energy and mood of the guests, which is something that a backing track may struggle with. However, a singer with a backing track can still be engaging and interactive, especially if they encourage audience participation and pour emotion into their performance.

Additionally, the level of customisation and flexibility is an important factor. A band can learn and perform specific songs requested by the couple, such as for the first dance or father-daughter dance. They can also easily adapt their set list to include songs that will get guests on the dance floor and keep the party going. With a backing track, the singer may have more limited options for customisation, although they can still choose the songs that will resonate with the couple and their guests.

Finally, the level of production quality and sound is a key consideration. A live band can provide a rich and dynamic sound that fills the room, but there is also the potential for human error or inconsistencies in performance. A backing track can ensure a perfect and consistent performance, replicating the sound of a studio recording. However, some guests may find this inauthentic or prefer the raw and natural sound of a live band.

In conclusion, both options have their advantages and disadvantages. The decision should be based on the specific needs and preferences of the couple, the budget, the level of interaction desired, the flexibility required, and the expected production quality.

Invest in your own equipment, such as a PA system

As a singer in a wedding band, investing in your own equipment, such as a PA system, can bring numerous benefits. Firstly, it can provide you with more control over your performance and sound quality. With your own PA system, you can ensure that you have the right tools to project your voice clearly to the audience and create a more immersive and engaging experience for them.

A PA system is an essential tool for projecting sound to a large group of people and can be tailored to your specific needs as a performer. It typically comprises microphones, mixers, amplifiers, and loudspeakers. By investing in your own equipment, you can choose a PA system that suits your vocal range and performance style, ensuring optimal sound quality for your performances.

Additionally, owning your own PA system can make you more attractive to potential clients. Wedding couples often prefer bands that can provide their own sound system and are willing to pay a little extra for this convenience. By investing in your own equipment, you can increase your earning potential and reduce the need to rely on venues or couples to provide sound equipment.

Furthermore, having your own PA system allows you to familiarise yourself with the equipment and its capabilities. This can help you improve your performance and reduce technical issues during shows. You will also save time setting up and soundchecking before each performance, as you will already be comfortable with your own equipment.

Lastly, investing in a PA system can provide you with more flexibility when it comes to choosing performance venues. With your own equipment, you can perform at a wider range of venues, from intimate wedding venues to larger outdoor spaces, without worrying about whether they can accommodate your technical requirements.

Market yourself: create a demo, set up a website, and consider advertising in wedding magazines

Marketing yourself as a singer in a wedding band is crucial to your success. Here are some tips to help you market yourself effectively and stand out in the competitive wedding singing market:

Create a Demo

A professional demo recorded in a studio will showcase your singing abilities and allow potential clients to hear how well you can sing. Invest in a good demo, as it will make a strong first impression and increase your chances of being hired for weddings.

Set Up a Website

Creating a website is essential for marketing yourself as a wedding singer. It provides a platform for couples to learn about you, hear you perform, and get a sense of your style. Make sure your website includes a professional recording and, ideally, videos of your previous performances. Keep your website updated with new content, such as photos and videos from your gigs, to showcase your talent and engage potential clients.

Advertise in Wedding Magazines

Consider advertising in wedding magazines or brochures to reach a wider audience. Wedding magazines are often a go-to resource for couples planning their big day, so having a presence in these publications can increase your visibility. You can also attend wedding fairs to promote yourself and network with potential clients.

Additional Tips

• Utilise social media platforms to build a following and engage with your audience. Post regularly, interact with your followers, and showcase your personality and performance style.
• Invest in professional photography to present yourself and your band in the best light.
• Build an electronic press kit (EPK) to provide a comprehensive overview of your work, including your bio, press links, social media profiles, and music reviews.
• Reach out to blogs, playlist curators, and press outlets to pitch your music and gain exposure.
• Network with other artists and influencers to cross-promote each other and build a stronger fan base.
• Consider signing up with an entertainment agent who can help secure more gigs, although they will take a percentage of your fee.

Be prepared to perform up to three sets, lasting into the early hours

Wedding singers should be prepared for a long day, with weddings sometimes continuing into the early hours of the morning. It is not uncommon for a wedding band to play three sets, and singers should be ready to perform for several hours.

The first set is often more relaxed, starting or ending with the first dance. The second set is usually more upbeat, with dance music to get the party going. The third set is the grand finale, with rockin' tunes to end the night. Singers should be prepared to perform a variety of songs, from slow dances to upbeat numbers, and be able to read the room to keep the energy high.

It is also important to note that weddings are high-pressure gigs. Singers should be well-rehearsed and professional, with the ability to adapt to unexpected changes and keep the party going. They should also be open to taking requests, as couples often have specific songs they want to be played for their first dance, father-daughter dance, and other special moments.

Additionally, wedding singers should be aware of their attire. While not always necessary, it is important to dress appropriately for the event, especially if there is a specific dress code such as black-tie. Singers should also be prepared to negotiate their fees, as couples may want to discuss pricing, especially if they are working with a tight budget.

Overall, being a singer in a wedding band requires a lot of energy, flexibility, and the ability to perform for extended periods. With the right preparation and mindset, it can be a fun and rewarding experience.

Frequently asked questions