How to Become a Wedding Musician

Part 1: Initial Meeting

Providing music for weddings can be an income supplement or a favor for friends. Weddings are, not only a lucrative business, but also the ultimate special occasion. Every bride wants perfection and a successful musician will prepare wisely.

As soon as you have been recruited or hired to play, schedule a meeting with the bride. The groom, bride’s mother, and wedding coordinator should also be invited if available. At this meeting, the date, time, and location of the rehearsal, wedding, and reception (if you are to play in the reception) should be confirmed. You will also need to find out if a piano is available (if needed) and/or a sound system or any other necessary equipment. If these items are not available, check to see if you can rent them, being sure to build the rental cost into the fee that you require.

If you play a variety of musical styles, find out which style(s) the bride prefers. Determine whether there are any favorite songs that she would like included. Keep in mind the fact that some musicians will charge more when they are asked to play songs they hadn’t previously learned. Don’t be afraid to decline a song if you are unable to find the music you would need.

Another item on the agenda of the meeting is the order of service (to be discussed later). If a wedding coordinator is present, he/she will determine the order of service. Otherwise, you may need to outline the service for the bride and explain when you’ll be playing. 

Lastly, you will need to discuss your fee. Before determining your fee, do the following: 

1. Talk to as many musicians as you can to find out the average hourly rate for musicians in your area.

2. Determine your hourly rate. If you lack experience, it is okay to start a little lower than the average rate and raise your rate later.

3. For each wedding, add additional costs to the fee. For instance, if you will need to rent equipment that most facilities would normally have (piano, sound system, etc.) add that to the fee. If you will need to travel a considerable distance, traveling expenses may also be added. If you will need to purchase new music, etc. 

It will be necessary to determine these costs before you quote your fee to the bride. In order to provide a quote at the meeting, research fees and rental costs before you meet. Traveling expenses and music could be estimated on the spot. If there are too may variables to add in, figure out your extra costs immediately after the meeting and contact the bride the next day.

When these details have been confirmed, you have made a good start. Learn about the order of service and what type of music to prepare in Part 2.