Singing At Weddings: Make Money, Not Just Memories

If you're a singer with a golden voice, there are many ways to make money from your talent. One way is to sing at weddings. This can be a lucrative opportunity, as it is often considered a traditional and popular way for singers to earn an income.

The amount you can charge for singing at weddings will depend on several factors, including quality, experience, and duration. For example, one singer on Weddingbee charges $150 per song, while another charges $500 for the cocktail hour and $750 for the ceremony and cocktail hour combined.

To get started, you can reach out to event planners, talent agencies, and local musicians to establish connections and find paid gigs. You can also create an online presence through platforms like YouTube, SoundCloud, or social media to gain a wider audience and potentially monetise your content.

So, if you're looking to turn your passion for singing into a profitable endeavour, singing at weddings could be a great option to consider.

How to get gigs at weddings

Weddings are a lucrative business for musicians, but it is also a very competitive field. Here are some tips to help you get gigs at weddings:

Maximise your online presence

Having an online presence is essential to advertise your services and make yourself known to potential clients. This includes having a professional website and active profiles on major social media sites. Make sure to include good quality images, audio samples, videos, and a repertoire of the songs you can perform. It is also important to keep your content up to date and interact with your followers to stand out from the crowd.

Previous clients and testimonials

If you have played at impressive venues or for well-known clients in the past, be sure to showcase this on your website. Any big corporate events or celebrity weddings will add a "wow" factor for potential customers. Testimonials from previous clients are also valuable, as they show that you have experience and have done a good job at similar events.

Studio-quality recordings and professional photography

Invest in good quality photos and audio clips that accurately represent your talents. These are essential for making a strong first impression on potential clients.

Register with entertainment agents

Consider registering with entertainment agencies, especially those that specialise in providing music for weddings. However, make sure you have quality demo recordings and photos before approaching agencies.

Word-of-mouth and networking

Word-of-mouth recommendations are powerful in the wedding industry. Make connections with other musicians, friends, and family who may know of potential opportunities or recommend you to others. Networking with café owners, marketing and events staff, and venue booking managers can also lead to potential gigs.

Diversify your performance options

Don't limit yourself to only performing at weddings. Consider expanding your services to include corporate events, functions, and private parties. You can also approach entertainment agencies to see if they will add you to their books for a wider range of events.

Respond to 'musicians wanted' adverts

Keep an eye out for forums, online posts, or advertisements looking for performers for specific events, such as product launches or corporate parties. Responding to these calls can be a great way to get paid gigs and connect with potential clients.

How much to charge for singing at weddings

The amount of money to charge for singing at weddings depends on a variety of factors, including your level of expertise, the duration of the performance, the number of songs, and whether you are part of a choir or performing solo.

For beginners

If you are a novice singer, you may want to start by performing at discounted rates to gain experience and build a reputation. It is important to note that you should not undersell yourself, and charging a lower rate at the beginning can help you get a better understanding of your worth. For example, you could start by charging $100-$150 for a wedding performance, and gradually increase your rates as you gain more experience and build a portfolio.

For experienced singers

If you are an experienced singer, you can expect to charge higher rates. The range can vary depending on your level of expertise and the specific wedding package you are offering. For example, you could charge $250 to $400 for a professional-level performance or $400 to $600 if you are an elite singer in high demand.

Other factors to consider

When determining your rates, it is also essential to consider the specific requirements of the wedding. For instance, if you are asked to learn new songs or perform for an extended duration, you may want to charge extra. Additionally, travel costs and equipment rental may be additional expenses that you need to factor in when setting your rates.

Building your portfolio

To establish yourself as a wedding singer, it is crucial to build a strong portfolio that showcases your talent and experience. You can achieve this by performing at various venues, such as restaurants, cafes, and bars, as well as networking with event planners, talent agencies, and local musicians. Building a network can lead to more paid gigs and help you gain exposure in the industry.

Other income streams

In addition to performing at weddings, there are other ways to monetise your singing talent. You can offer private vocal lessons, create an online presence through platforms like YouTube or social media, or participate in singing competitions. Diversifying your income streams can provide a more stable source of income and help you build a successful career in the competitive music industry.

How to promote yourself as a wedding singer

To promote yourself as a wedding singer, you need to market yourself effectively. Here are some strategies to help you get started:

Build an Online Presence

Create a professional website that showcases your talent and services. Include details such as the type of music you sing, your contact information, a calendar of events, links to demos and videos, and a photograph of yourself. Consider using a streaming platform like YouTube, Dailymotion, or Vimeo to host your demo videos and reach a wider audience.

Utilize Social Media

Establish a strong presence on various social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and Instagram. Post engaging content regularly, including videos of your performances, notifications of recent gigs, and relevant music-related articles. Follow other musicians, music venues, and producers, and interact with them to gain more followers and increase your visibility.

Connect with Local Businesses

Advertise your services in local newspapers, both print and online. Put up flyers in clubs, coffee shops, and venues frequented by potential clients. Create business cards and carry them with you to hand out to interested individuals.

Network with Industry Professionals

Reach out to local wedding planners, venues, and producers to introduce yourself and offer your services. Ask if they would be willing to listen to your demo or meet with you to discuss potential collaboration. Building relationships with industry professionals can lead to referrals and performance opportunities.

Prepare a Demo

Record a high-quality audio or video demo that showcases your vocal abilities and performance style. This will help potential clients remember you and assess your talent outside of a live audition.

Join a Band

Consider collaborating with other musicians by joining a band. This will increase your exposure and provide you with more performance opportunities. It will also help you network within the local music industry and connect with producers, audio engineers, and promoters.

Determine Your Target Audience

Understand the type of music and performances your target audience is looking for. If you're aiming for wedding ceremonies, prepare slower, more religious songs. For wedding receptions, trendy hits and wedding classics are usually expected, but be prepared to take requests and learn popular songs.

Collaborate with Wedding Planners

Get in touch with local wedding planners and offer your services. They often have a list of recommended wedding singers for their clients, and they may ask you to audition. Building a relationship with wedding planners can lead to regular referrals.

Ask for Client Reviews

After each performance, ask your clients for feedback and positive reviews. Most people will be happy to provide a review if you've done a good job. Display these reviews on your website and online profiles to build trust and credibility.

Set the Right Price

Research the market to determine the appropriate fee for your services. Consider factors such as your experience, the services you offer, and the location of the wedding. Don't forget to include travel expenses in your pricing.

Be Prepared and Punctual

Always be prepared and arrive early for your performances. Practice your songs, memorize lyrics, and take care of your vocal health. Know how you will set up your equipment in advance to ensure a smooth and timely performance.

By implementing these strategies, you will be well on your way to promoting yourself effectively as a wedding singer and building a successful career.

How to network with wedding planners

Networking is a crucial aspect of the wedding industry, and building solid connections with wedding planners can significantly boost your career as a singer. Here are some strategies to effectively network with wedding planners and increase your chances of being hired for weddings:

Identify Networking Opportunities:

Research wedding industry events, organizations, and groups in your area. Attend meetings and choose one or two that align with your interests and goals. Larger organizations to consider include WNUSA, ILEA, WIPA, ABC, and NACE.

Connect with Wedding Planners:

Before attending networking events, identify wedding planners or event professionals you want to connect with. Reach out to them beforehand and express your interest in chatting with them at the event. If you've connected with them on social media or at a previous industry event, let them know you'll be attending and would love to continue the conversation.

Offer Help and Build Trust:

Approach networking with a mindset of how you can help others, rather than what you can gain from them. Ask venues if they need help styling an open house or offer to assist a dress shop with planning a trunk show. By volunteering your time and talents, you build trust and increase the likelihood of referrals.

Follow Up:

After the industry event, follow up with the connections you made. Send helpful information or resources related to your previous conversations. Invite them to meet one-on-one for coffee or lunch. If you feel a strong connection, consider sending a small gift as a token of your appreciation.

Attend Weddings and Offer Your Services:

Promote yourself by attending weddings, especially those organized by friends or acquaintances. Ask if you can sing a song or two, dedicating it to the newlyweds. This allows you to showcase your talent in a relevant setting. Be sure to stick to appropriate songs and avoid explicit or controversial pieces.

Create a Professional Portfolio:

Develop a professional portfolio that showcases your vocal skills and stage presence. Include audio and video recordings of your performances, especially those at weddings or similar events. This will help wedding planners and organizers visualize you as a potential entertainer for their clients' special days.

Establish an Online Presence:

Build a strong online presence through a website or social media platforms. Ensure your profiles include recordings of you performing popular wedding songs, dressed appropriately, and exuding a professional image. This will allow wedding planners and potential clients to discover and assess your talents easily.

Talk to the Right People:

Networking in the wedding industry goes beyond just wedding planners. Speak to photographers, videographers, bartenders, and other staff members. These individuals often have insights and connections that can benefit your career. Befriend them, and they may recommend you to their clients or colleagues.

Avoid Long-Term Contracts:

While collaborating with wedding planners can be beneficial, avoid signing long-term contracts that restrict your freedom to choose your gigs and set your rates. Instead, focus on building friendly, informal relationships where you can refer clients to each other without being bound by strict agreements.

Brand Yourself as a Wedding Singer:

Position yourself as a wedding singer specialist. Get your name out there by performing at as many weddings as possible, even if the initial gigs are for free or a small fee. This will help establish your reputation and attract potential clients.

Remember, networking is about building genuine relationships and offering value to others. By adopting a helpful attitude and showcasing your talent, you'll be well on your way to establishing yourself as a sought-after wedding singer.

How to build a wedding performance portfolio

Building a portfolio is a crucial step in launching your wedding performance business and attracting clients. Here are some steps to help you build an impressive and effective wedding performance portfolio:

Determine your specialty:

Think about the type of weddings and couples you want to work with. Consider factors such as location, age group, income level, aesthetic, and personality. Do you want to be known for beach weddings, traditional weddings, LGBTQ+ weddings, or something else? Knowing your specialty will help you create a focused and appealing portfolio.

Convey emotions:

Remember, you're not just selling your singing skills; you're selling an experience and a transformation. Think about the emotions you want to evoke in your clients. Is it confidence, joy, romance, or fun? Choose photos and videos that showcase the emotional experience couples can expect when they work with you.

Establish consistency:

Once you know your specialty and the emotions you want to convey, start curating your portfolio. Select images and videos that best represent your specialty and the emotional experience. Look for consistency in colours, editing style, or overall aesthetic to create a cohesive portfolio.

Prioritize the homepage:

Your website's homepage is crucial for making a strong first impression. Use 5-10 high-quality, consistent images or videos that showcase your specialty and evoke the desired emotions. Pay special attention to the header, hero, or banner image, as it will be one of the first things potential clients see.

Create visual balance:

Arrange your images and videos on your website thoughtfully. Strike a balance between tight shots and wide shots, people, objects, and spaces. This will make your portfolio look more high-end and visually appealing.

Optimize your images:

Resize your image files to speed up your website. Large image files can slow down your site, which can be frustrating for users. Aim for each image to be under 500 KB. Also, rename your image files with keywords for better search engine optimization (SEO).

Fine-tune your mobile site:

Don't forget to optimize your website for mobile devices. Check how your images and content appear on different screen sizes. Ensure that photos are not cropped awkwardly, text is legible, and all elements are visible and functioning properly on mobile.

Practice and build connections:

Before you have wedding bookings, you can build your portfolio by offering free couple shoots to friends, family, or colleagues in exchange for using the images. You can also participate in styled shoots, which are like pretend weddings, where you can collaborate with other wedding vendors and build connections. These images will give potential clients a taste of your work and style.

Seek second shooting opportunities:

Reach out to established photographers and offer yourself as a second photographer. This will give you valuable real-world experience and help you build a portfolio of actual wedding images. Remember to agree on the terms of image usage so you can use them in your portfolio.

Diversify your income streams:

While building your wedding performance portfolio, consider diversifying your income streams. You can offer private vocal lessons, create online content, or perform at other types of events like corporate events or house parties. This will help you build experience, connections, and a steady income while you establish your wedding performance business.

Remember, your portfolio is a living document that you can continue to refine and improve as you grow your business. It's a powerful tool to showcase your talent, attract your ideal clients, and build a successful wedding performance career.

Frequently asked questions