Booking a wedding musician is one of the most crucial decisions in planning your wedding day. The music will set the mood for every special moment, from walking down the aisle to your first dance. As a professional wedding singer with years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of performing at weddings across the North West UK, and I know how important it is to choose the right musician for your day.

Whether you’re hiring a wedding singer, a band, or a DJ, here are five essential questions you should ask before making a booking. These tips will help you find the right wedding musician and ensure that your wedding day is nothing short of spectacular.

1. Is My Wedding Date Available?

You’ve set the date, picked out the venue, and now it’s time to think about the music. But here's the thing: the musician or DJ you’ve been eyeing may already be fully booked! Wedding singers and musicians often get requests a year, sometimes even two in advance. This is especially true for popular musicians in the North West England. If you’ve set your heart on a particular musician, it’s essential to reach out as soon as possible to secure their services. Many musicians, including myself, offer a deposit option to lock in your wedding day. Trust me, the sooner you contact them, the better your chances of securing your preferred musician.

2. Can I Hear You Before I Book You?

Booking a wedding musician is a big deal. You want to ensure their style fits your vision for the day. While word-of-mouth recommendations are helpful, it’s always a good idea to listen to or see the musician live before committing. I always encourage couples to check out my website or social media to get a sense of my performance style. If you’re considering booking a specific musician, ask if they’re performing anywhere soon perhaps at a local venue or wedding fayre. You’ll get to hear their live performance and understand how they engage with a crowd. This can be a game changer in helping you make an informed decision.

For example, I regularly perform at wedding fayres across the North West, where couples can hear me sing live, check out my repertoire and set my set up, and chat about their musical preferences for the big day. You can always get a feel for the vibe at a wedding fayre and see if the musician's style aligns with your vision for your wedding day.

3. Do You Offer Any Packages?

One of the most common questions I get from couples is about my packages. Many musicians, including myself, offer great bundled deals that can save you money while still providing top-notch entertainment. For example, my most popular package is called "The Welcome," which includes both the ceremony and the drinks reception music. This package allows couples to enjoy seamless music throughout key parts of their day at a lower cost than booking each separately.

If you're booking a wedding singer for both the wedding ceremony and reception, asking about discounted bundles is a great way to save money without compromising the quality of your wedding music. When I perform, I’m dedicated to giving each couple a personalised experience. Whether you want romantic classical pieces during the ceremony or upbeat tunes during the reception, a musician will work with you to create the perfect musical atmosphere.

4. How Would You Describe Your Style?

It’s essential to understand the musician's style before booking them. You’ve likely fallen in love with their music, and that’s why you're considering them for your wedding. But it's worth confirming that their style matches your wedding day vibe. For instance, you may have your heart set on having a Bruno Mars song played by a harpist, but if they specialise in traditional wedding music, that may not be a good fit!

As a wedding singer, my style is a blend of modern pop, classic hits, and romantic ballads, but I am always open to exploring other genres depending on what the couple desires. I perform a wide range of songs, from traditional wedding tunes to modern chart-toppers, ensuring that every couple gets the music they envision for their special day. Make sure you ask your musician about their song list and whether they are comfortable performing a variety of styles.

5. Are You Willing to Learn New Songs?

Many musicians, including myself, are happy to accommodate special requests from couples. I allow up to five free song requests, which are often personal, meaningful tunes, whether it's your favourite song for walking down the aisle or the first dance song that means a lot to you. Some musicians might charge extra for learning new songs, so it's essential to ask about this upfront to avoid unexpected fees. Having a musician who is flexible and willing to learn new songs can make your wedding even more personal and memorable.

Additional Tips for Booking the Right Wedding Musician

Know the Duration of the Performance: Clarify how long your wedding musician will be performing, including any breaks they may take. Ensure their timing works well with your wedding schedule.
Check the Musician’s Experience: It’s important to understand the musician’s level of experience in performing at weddings. Some musicians specialise in other events, so you’ll want to book someone who knows how to create the right atmosphere for a wedding.
Ask About Equipment: Ensure that the musician provides their own sound system or if you need to arrange for it. The last thing you want is a technical issue during your ceremony or reception.

About Jen Bardsley: Wedding Singer in the North West UK

I’m Jen Bardsley, a professional wedding singer based in the North West UK. With over a decade of experience, I’ve had the pleasure of performing at weddings across the region, providing the soundtrack for countless beautiful days. I understand that every couple is unique, and I work closely with each one to ensure their wedding music perfectly reflects their love story.

For more information about my services, you can visit my website at Jen Bardsley, where you’ll find my repertoire, testimonials from past couples, and more details on how to book me for your wedding.

Why Choose a Wedding Musician from Red Event Wedding Fayres?

Looking for a professional wedding musician in the North West UK? Red Event Wedding Fayres feature some of the best wedding singers and musicians in the industry. Attending a wedding fayre gives you the chance to meet and hear musicians perform live before making a booking, helping you find the perfect fit for your wedding day. Jen will be performing at the Haydock Racecourse Wedding Show on Sunday 26th October 2025, come along and see if she is the right fit for your wedding.

Summary

Booking the right wedding musician is one of the most important aspects of your wedding day. By asking the right questions, about availability, packages, style, and song requests, you’ll ensure that the music reflects your vision and enhances the experience. Jen Bardsley is dedicated to providing a personalised, memorable musical experience for your wedding. Don’t forget to check out Red Event Wedding Fayres for more opportunities to meet and book your ideal wedding musician.