6 Questions You May Not Have Thought to Ask Your Wedding Musician

When planning your wedding, music is a crucial part of setting the tone and creating lasting memories. But beyond selecting the perfect songs, there are several practical questions to ask your wedding musician to make sure everything runs smoothly on the big day. Here are some questions you may not have thought to ask—and why they’re important.

1. What are your fees, and what do they include?

Knowing the breakdown of a musician’s fees helps avoid any surprises later on. My fee for a standard service begins at $675, and is customizable depending on your event (need an extended cocktail hour? Want a longer prelude for a champagne welcome? Cocktail hour precedes the ceremony? Only need 30 minutes of music for cocktails as a transition? Wanting a first dance selection as well? These are some examples from my couples who had specific requests while outlining their perfect day.) The price doesn’t include travel or lodging, but those details are always outlined in my proposals, so you’ll know exactly what to expect. This helps ensure clarity and allows you to plan your budget effectively without worrying about hidden fees. And no, since I provide a service, there's no sales tax!

Why it’s important: Understanding what’s included in the fee ensures you’re prepared financially and prevents unexpected costs from arising.

2. What will you be wearing?

Your wedding musician should fit seamlessly into the aesthetic of your wedding, whether it's a formal black tie affair or a more relaxed, casual gathering. I dress according to the formality and color scheme of your event, ensuring that I match the vibe you’ve worked so hard to create.

Why it’s important: Music is an integral part of your wedding’s atmosphere, and your musician’s attire should reflect that, contributing to a cohesive and polished look for your celebration.

3. What equipment will you bring? Do I need to provide anything additional?

I bring my own equipment, including speakers, a mixer, accompaniment tracks, and music. If needed, I also offer a microphone for your officiant. A recent addition to my services is a wireless performance during cocktail hour, where I can walk among your guests and perform up to 90 minutes of memorized songs. For larger venues or outdoor events, we’ll need to discuss coordinating with your venue’s AV team for the proper equipment, such as an in-ear monitoring system and a long-range wireless transmitter.

Why it’s important: Knowing what equipment is included and whether you need to provide anything ensures that the sound quality is top-notch and that everything goes smoothly on the day. You also won’t be caught off guard by any unexpected equipment needs.

4. Are you willing to perform outside? If so, are there any restrictions?

Outdoor weddings are a beautiful option, but weather and environmental conditions can impact your musician’s performance. I can perform outside, but I do have a few restrictions: I provide rain protection for my equipment, but I cannot perform in heavy winds or in super cold temperatures.

Why it’s important: Asking this question ensures that your musician is prepared for potential outdoor challenges, so you can plan accordingly and avoid any weather-related surprises.

5. Will you coordinate with my other vendors when necessary?

I make it a priority to work closely with your wedding planner, venue coordinator, and other vendors in the months leading up to your wedding. This helps to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding timing and logistics, which keeps things running smoothly on the day-of.

Why it’s important: Coordinating with all vendors ensures that your wedding day timeline is cohesive, that all aspects of the event flow seamlessly, and that no one is left in the dark about the schedule or any last-minute changes.

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6. Do you offer vendor insurance?

Some venues require vendors to carry liability insurance. I provide vendor insurance and can supply your venue with the necessary documentation upon request.

Why it’s important: Having insurance protects everyone involved and gives you peace of mind knowing that you're covered in the rare event of an accident or mishap.

Additional Tips

• Plan Ahead: The more detailed information you provide upfront—like your timeline, venue specifics, and equipment needs—the smoother everything will go.

• Be Flexible: Weddings can sometimes be unpredictable, so it’s important to have a musician who is adaptable and ready to handle any changes that come up.

• Personal Touch: Ask your musician about how they can personalize their services for your event, and make sure that the music reflects your unique style and preferences.

By asking these important questions, you’re ensuring that your wedding day goes off without a hitch, with music that enhances every moment and creates a lasting impression. The details matter, and they can make all the difference.

Hi, I'm Christie!

With over 29 years of experience mastering the violin, I specialize in crafting bespoke setlists and arrangements that reflect your unique vision and preferences. Recognized with awards like "The Best of the Bash" and The Knot Best of Weddings, I'm dedicated to creating unforgettable musical experiences tailored to your event.