7 Requirements For Wedding Musicians

We have compiled a list of essentials that you’ll need to make sure that the musicians you have hired are able to perform effectively and have a great experience as part of your special day.

1. Power

Unless you have hired a bagpipe orchestra for your wedding, the chances are that the musicians you have hired will need access to power to plug in their amplification system/instruments. This is a really essential but easy thing to get sorted. Generally speaking, the musicians will want to be as close to the power supply as possible. This is because they need to run cables to their equipment and want to avoid trip hazards. There are exceptions. If you have hired a solo singer who uses a wireless microphone and a portable battery-powered speaker, they shouldn’t need access to power to perform. This is always a good thing to check with them beforehand though.

2. Communication

If you don’t know a kettle lead from an XLR lead, don’t worry. The best thing to do would be to put the lead contact from the band in touch with the wedding organiser/venue manager. From there they can discuss the technical requirements. Then, it is always a good idea to check in with the musicians before the day to make sure that the power has been arranged.

3. Indoors or Outdoors?

Generally speaking, if the wedding is in a building with electricity there should be access to power. By the way, access to power just means wall plug sockets. Most of the time this is all the musicians will need.
However, if the wedding is outside the chances are the power requirements will be a bit more involved. Sometimes the venue will have a fancy outdoor power system. Sometimes the outdoor space will be close enough to a power source to run an extension cable. And for truly remote locations, a generator might be needed. The venue will be able to give you information regarding distances, access etc.

4. Permission

Some venues do not allow amplified music. This generally means that acoustic music is allowed but no amplifiers. That is an important thing to check right at the start when you are choosing the venue as it has a big effect on the kind of music you can have at your wedding. Speak to the venue manager about this if music is going to be an important part of your day (which it definitely should be!)
Some venues have a noise limit, meaning they can only have music up to a certain volume. This is also important to check with the venue right at the beginning as that 8-piece party band that you had in mind might not be appropriate for the quaint village hall with elderly neighbours next door, just a heads up 😉

5. PAT Testing

British law (the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989) requires that all electrical systems (including electrical appliances) are maintained (so far as it is reasonable and practicable) to prevent risk of injury or danger. The venue might ask you for the musician’s PAT certificates. This is very straight-forward. The musicians will either have a certificate that they can forward or the devices themselves might have certification stickers on them, or both!

TIP In our experience, truly acoustic music (non-amplified, just the instruments) is very quiet compared to c.100 wedding guests talking. Of course, if you have hired a bagpipe orchestra, bring earplugs. But if you have hired, for example, an acoustic guitarist and singer, then just remember that asking them to perform acoustically will probably not get heard that well in a medium to large setting.
Here are a couple of examples:
1. You have an intimate ceremony of around 50 guests. Acoustic music should be fine.
2. You have a drinks reception with 100 guests - you will most likely need amplified music.

6. Parking and Access

99.9% of musicians will be arriving by car and will have equipment that they need to unload. Make sure that you check with the venue manager that they have been in touch with the musicians and have informed them of the load-in area and parking arrangements before the date as it may be different to the arrangements for you and the guests.
If you are having your ceremony on top of a mountain, I can’t wait to see the pictures! But just remember that the logistics are more involved for location weddings, your wedding planner or the venue organiser will be able to help you with that.

7. Food and Drink

As a band manager I can’t tell you the amount of times band members have asked me on the way to a show “is food provided?” The truth is, it is up to you. I have played gigs where food wasn’t provided and it was fine. I have also played loads of gigs where food and drink was provided. I have to say from experience, it is really appreciated when food and drink is provided. It doesn’t have to be a three-course meal. And alcohol is usually not relevant as we’re almost always driving. From a musician’s perspective, we love making your special day come alive with music. But a gig day can be long and tiring. It is worth just keeping this in mind if you want to ensure the utmost quality throughout the day, go the extra mile and the musicians will respond by giving you their best I’m sure!

If you would like to hire an experienced wedding duo for your wedding ceremony or reception, please get in touch with us via our contact form! Or check out our sound here.

We also offer a bespoke recording service as an alternative to live music (available worldwide).

Thanks for reading and best wishes for your big day!

Lots of love,

Greenvines Duo x