Frequently Asked Questions

Prices currently start from £350 for my basic Silver 1 hour Package.  This covers 1 hour of playing, which could mean 15 mins pre ceremony, music for Bridal Entry, Signing of the Register and Recessional, and then 30 mins post ceremony.  This can also include one special song learned just for you, arranged by me for guitar or piano.

The ideal is about 6-12 months but this can vary.  I often take bookings 1-2 years ahead, but can also often manage short notice bookings so its always worth asking.

I play a lot of outdoor weddings and yes, the weather can be an issue.  If accepting a booking for an outdoor wedding, I have to ask to have rain/sun cover available.  Good quality instruments are expensive – cheap instruments don’t sound great, so I always use top quality instruments.

Both rain and strong sun can cause permanent damage to a fine guitar so I do have to be careful. A simple, small gazebo is plenty and 90% of the time it is perfectly fine.  I do bring a battery amp, so I can get right into almost any location, and for guitar no electricity is needed (for up to about 70 people). If playing piano, electricity, shelter and firm flooring are required.

Very little.  A rectangle of 2 x 1.5 meters is workable, though more space is nicer.  A little extra distance between the instrument / speakers and the nearest guests is a good idea.

Yes, I usually provide my own PA system, suitable for up to 200 guests.  For a small ceremony (up to 20 people) no extra speakers are needed, or for larger I can bring a portable and discreet (excellent quality) battery PA speaker.

I keep volume to a minimum as guests want to hear themselves talk – my role is usually background music and I always work with the client and the venue on their volume requirements.

Yes! I have learned many many songs over the years.  Couples often ask for a special song to be learned for guitar or piano.  I make the arrangements myself.  Be aware that the walk down the aisle is often only 10 seconds or so – possibly extending to up to a minute if there are a lot of bridesmaids etc, but it is usually very short, so you will only have time to hear a short snippet of the tune before reaching the altar.

Several differences:  A wedding guitarist is more portable and flexible with location.  A wedding pianist needs to pre-install the piano and have electricity and firm flooring.  Musically (and in the right hands) each instrument can play beautiful versions of almost any tune.

Having a human musician rather than a digital playlist makes a huge difference to the mood.  A real musician feels and responds to the emotion in the room, has a sense of the physical acoustic space and the personal energy that the guests and couple bring.  The feeling of having a real person playing live is unmatchable by digital options.

That depends entirely on the wishes of the couple.  I am classically trained in both piano and guitar – though most of the music I play at weddings is not necessarily classical.  Both guitar and piano can bring out your favourite melody and self-accompany with chords and other musical parts at the same time.

I play a lot of pop covers, arranged by me for piano and / or guitar.  I can learn your favourite song just for you, and also play pure classical when required, also Spanish / Latin style guitar and light jazz piano.

I always arrive at least an hour before I need to play the first note.  This allows time to set up my equipment in various parts of the venue if necessary, to minimise transition time.

Sometimes there is a short gap while I relocate from one space to another, but I always plan and discuss in advance with the couple, or event coordinator to be as efficient as possible.

There is simply no comparison.  Having a human musician rather than a digital playlist makes a huge difference to the mood.  A real musician feels and responds to the emotion in the room, has a sense of the physical acoustic space and the personal energy that the guests and couple bring. 

It becomes a talking point for everyone there, and guests feel like they are being treated to a rare and special performance – which they are of course!  The feeling of having a real person playing live is unmatchable by digital options.

If romantic well known songs is what you are looking for then you may want songs like: A Thousand Years (Christina Perry), Romeo & Juliet (Dire Straits), Here Comes The Sun (The Beatles), What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong), How Deep Is Your Love (BeeGees) Make You Feel My Love (Adele / Bob Dylan), Love of My Life (Queen), All You Need Is Love (Beatles), She’s Always A Woman To Me (Billy Joel). I play all of these and many more.

You can browse my guitar music audio and piano music audio for ideas.

Absolutely, but only in experienced hands and with good professional equipment.  Both of which I possess!

Yes of course.  The sound of a well played piano is classic and transforming.  Piano music really adds a whole variety of different moods from classical to pop tunes, to jazz and much more.

Yes, I frequently play at venues like Orchardleigh, Montacute House, St Audries Park, Coombe Lodge, Babington House, The Roman Baths and many more.

Yes, I bring absolutely everything needed for my performance, from instruments to PA system (if required).

 Absolutely yes.  These are legal requirements so I always keep these up to date.  Certificates available on request.

This depends on how much equipment is needed – based on how many guests in attendance. A small wedding takes 5-10 minutes max.  A larger wedding where PA is required, 30-40 minutes.  I always arrive at least an hour before playing time to allow a ‘time cushion’.