Live music can transform a wedding, and hiring a professional singer is one of the easiest ways to do it. A great vocalist can perform during your ceremony, drinks reception or evening party, creating a seamless flow through the day.

This guide brings together real insights from hundreds of enquiries and bookings between couples and wedding singers for hire across the UK.

Whether you’re planning a relaxed countryside wedding or a smart city celebration, this article will help you book the right singer with confidence.

TL;DR – Quick Summary for Couples

• Typical cost for a wedding singer in the UK: £800–£1,500

• Best time to book: 12-18 months in advance

• Included as standard: 2 x 45-minute live vocal sets, PA system, setup and background playlist between sets

• Extras available: Ceremony performance, additional sets, roaming vocal, DJ, sax or band add-ons

• Most singers offer: National travel, song requests and flexible performance timings

Why Hire a Wedding Singer?

A great singer can set the tone for the whole day. Unlike a playlist, live vocals create a real sense of connection. A singer can perform during the ceremony, reception or evening party and adapt their set to suit your style.

Couples choose wedding singers because:

• Live music creates atmosphere and brings people together

• Sets can fit different parts of the day

• They suit both small and large venues

• Many singers can also DJ or add extra musicians

• They tend to be more cost-effective than hiring a full band

• They engage guests and help build momentum

When Should You Book?

We recommend booking 12 to 18 months in advance, especially if your wedding is in peak season (May to September) or on a Saturday.

The best wedding singers are often fully booked more than a year ahead for key dates, so early booking gives you more choice and avoids last-minute stress.

How Much Does a Wedding Singer Cost?

Here’s a breakdown of common pricing based on dozens of real quotes:

• Solo singer with backing track (evening set): £800–£1,200

• Acoustic singer-guitarist or pianist-vocalist (ceremony + drinks): £600–£1,000

• Full-day performance (ceremony, drinks, evening): £1,000–£1,800

• Add-on DJ set: £250–£400

• Additional acoustic set: £300–£500

Most quotes include travel, full PA system and setup. Some singers may charge a small extra fee for early setups or finishes past midnight. Always confirm what’s included when you receive a quote.

What to Expect from a Wedding Singer

Standard performance typically includes:

• 2 x 45-minute live vocal sets (or 1 x 60-minute set for smaller events)

• PA system, microphones and sound equipment

• Background playlist between sets

• Travel and setup included in the quote

Common add-ons:

• Ceremony performance (entrance, signing of register, exit)

• Drinks reception set

• DJ service or playlist disco after live sets

• Extra song requests or learning a first dance song

• Acoustic roaming set during reception

Logistics:

• Arrival 1 to 1.5 hours before the first performance

• Typical setup space needed: around 2m x 3m

• Singers liaise with venues to coordinate load-in, sound check and performance times

Key Questions to Ask Before Booking a Wedding Singer

• How many sets do you provide as standard?

• Can you perform during both the ceremony and evening?

• Do you provide all PA equipment?

• Are you able to learn a special song such as the first dance?

• Do you charge extra for travel or late finishes?

• How flexible are you with timings on the day?

• Can you offer a DJ service after your live set?

• What are your cancellation and payment terms?

Timeline & Schedule: What to Expect on the Day

Wedding singers can fit into multiple parts of your day, from a quiet ceremony to an upbeat evening party.

14:00 — Ceremony performance (optional)

The singer performs your chosen entrance song, a piece during the signing of the register and an exit song as you leave as newlyweds.

15:00–17:00 — Drinks reception

A relaxed acoustic or background vocal set creates a warm atmosphere as guests mingle and enjoy drinks and canapés.

19:00 — First dance or opening set

Your singer can perform your first dance live or start with an upbeat number to get guests on the dance floor.

20:00–22:00 — Main evening sets

Two live sets with a short break in between. This is often the most lively part of the night, with guests singing along and dancing.

22:00 onwards — DJ set or playlist

Many singers offer a DJ service or curated playlist to keep the party going without needing extra suppliers.

23:00–00:00 — Finale song

A big singalong moment is a great way to end the night. Think classics like Don’t Stop Believin’ or Angels. Your singer will work with you to fit their sets around your running order.

FAQ

What is a wedding singer?

A wedding singer is a professional vocalist who performs live at weddings, often covering multiple parts of the day including the ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast and evening party.

They can perform solo with backing tracks, acoustically with guitar or piano, or with additional musicians such as a duo or trio. Many also offer a DJ set after their live performances. A singer adds presence and helps create natural flow through the day.

Can singers perform at venues with sound limiters?

Yes, many singers are used to working with sound restrictions. A solo or acoustic setup is ideal for venues with lower decibel limits, and experienced singers will know how to keep the volume within the venue’s requirements without losing impact. Always tell your singer about any sound limiter in advance.

Do I need to organise microphones or speakers for the ceremony?

Usually not. Most singers bring their own compact PA system that works well for indoor ceremonies or drinks receptions. For outdoor ceremonies, check whether power is available. If not, many singers can provide a battery-powered setup.

Can they coordinate with our DJ or band?

Yes. Many couples book a singer for the day and a DJ or band for the evening. Professional singers are used to coordinating set times and handovers to keep the dance floor busy. It’s a good idea to share your timeline with both suppliers early on.

Can a singer cover the whole day?

Yes, some singers offer packages that include ceremony, drinks reception and evening sets, plus a playlist or DJ service at the end of the night. This can work out more cost-effective than hiring multiple acts and creates a smoother flow through the day.

Are there legal or insurance requirements for singers at UK venues?

Yes. Most venues require performers to have Public Liability Insurance and PAT-tested equipment. All professional singers on FixTheMusic meet these requirements. It’s a good idea to let your venue know who you’ve booked and provide their documents in advance.

Do singers need a stage or performance area?

Not necessarily. A small clear space near the dance floor or guest seating is usually fine. If your venue has limited space, a solo or acoustic setup can be a good solution. Just make sure they’re positioned where guests can hear them clearly.

Will they learn our first dance or special song?

Yes, most singers are happy to learn one or two songs that matter to you. It’s best to confirm your request at least four to six weeks before the wedding so they can rehearse properly.

Can they take song requests on the night?

It depends on the singer, but many are happy to take a few requests from their repertoire during the evening set. If you want guests to get involved, some couples even set up a “song request board” in advance.

Real Couple Spotlights

Sophie & James — Country barn wedding in Wiltshire

Sophie and James booked acoustic singer Thomas Philip to perform during their outdoor ceremony and drinks reception. He learned Can’t Help Falling in Love for the aisle walk and performed a mix of indie and folk covers. In their emails, they said the live vocals made the ceremony feel personal and set a relaxed tone for the afternoon.

Kieran & Olivia — London warehouse party

Kieran and Olivia wanted a lively evening atmosphere. They hired Voxxy, a singer-DJ combo. After the first dance, the singer got everyone on the floor with Mr. Brightside and a run of 90s favourites. Olivia said the energy in the room was incredible.

Hannah & Marco — Destination wedding in Tuscany

Hannah and Marco booked Just Eddy, a solo wedding singer based in London, for their villa wedding in Italy. He performed during the ceremony and the evening party, with local PA hire arranged from the spec he provided. The couple praised how easy the planning process was despite the distance.

Final Tips for Booking a Wedding Singer

• Book early to secure your preferred artist

• Decide which parts of the day you want live music for

• Provide a clear timeline so they can plan their sets

• Confirm what’s included in the quote such as travel, PA and DJ service

• Don’t hesitate to ask for special requests or a first dance performance

• Choose a singer whose style and energy match your wedding

Ready to book your wedding singer?

Explore wedding singers on FixTheMusic and receive quotes directly from top UK artists.