Booking your wedding singer is one of the most important entertainment decisions you'll make. Get it right and your ceremony and drinks reception will be something guests talk about for years. Get it wrong and you'll spend your big day cringing.
Here are the ten questions I'd recommend every couple asks before booking — including questions you should be asking me.
Can I hear you perform live, or see recent video?
This is the most important question. A singer can sound completely different in a studio recording versus a live performance. Ask for recent live video — ideally from a wedding. Check their YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok for recent clips. If a singer can't show you live footage, that's a red flag.
How many weddings have you performed at?
Experience matters enormously in wedding performance. A singer who has performed at 50+ weddings understands timing, how to handle a nervous bride, what to do when the priest runs long, and how to read a room. Ask directly how many weddings they've done — and how recently.
Do you have public liability insurance?
This is non-negotiable. Any professional wedding singer performing at a hotel or licensed venue in Ireland should carry public liability insurance. Most venues will actually require it. If a singer can't confirm they have PLI, don't book them.
What equipment do you use, and do you bring your own PA?
Find out exactly what's included. Do they bring their own sound system? Do they need the venue's PA? Will there be a sound check, and if so when? A disorganised setup can eat into your ceremony or reception time.
Can you learn a specific song for our wedding?
Most professional singers are happy to learn a song that's meaningful to you. The key question is: how much notice do they need, and is there an extra charge? If you have a specific request, raise it early and get agreement in writing.
What happens if you're sick on the day?
This is the question nobody wants to ask but everyone should. What's the singer's contingency plan if they're ill? Do they have a replacement they can call? Will they refund your deposit? Get this in writing as part of your contract.
What does your contract cover?
Any professional singer should provide a written contract covering: the date, venue, performance times, set length, payment terms, cancellation policy, and what happens in case of illness. If you're not offered a contract, ask for one. If they won't provide one, walk away.
Have you performed at our venue before?
Not a dealbreaker, but it's useful. A singer who knows your venue understands the acoustics, the layout, where to set up, and how the day tends to run. It means fewer surprises on the day.
What's included in your price — and what isn't?
Get complete clarity. Does the quoted price include travel? Is there a surcharge for long distances? Does it cover both the ceremony and drinks reception, or just one? Are there additional charges for learning new songs or extended sets? Get everything itemised.
Can we meet or have a call before the wedding?
A pre-wedding consultation — even just a 20-minute phone or video call — makes a real difference. It gives you a chance to go through song choices, talk through the timeline of the day, and feel confident that you're in good hands. If a singer isn't willing to give you any of their time before the day itself, that tells you something.
Red Flags vs Green Flags
Red Flags — Walk Away
- No live video available
- No written contract offered
- No public liability insurance
- Pressure to pay large deposit immediately
- Vague answers about equipment
- No pre-wedding consultation offered
- Generic or very recent reviews only
Green Flags — Book With Confidence
- Plenty of recent live performance footage
- Clear, detailed written contract
- Confirmed public liability insurance
- Proactive, detailed communication
- Genuine named reviews from real couples
- Experience at your specific venue
- Happy to learn your specific songs