Choosing the right musicians for your wedding is one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll make while planning your day. Music sets the atmosphere, shapes emotional moments, and creates memories that stay with you long after the last note has faded. With so many options available — from acoustic duos to full bands, string quartets, DJs and background playlists — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
To help brides make confident, informed choices, JAM Duo have put together this guide based on years of performing at weddings across the UK. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate ceremony, these pointers will help you choose musicians who truly enhance your day.
1. Decide What Atmosphere You Want to Create
Before searching for musicians, take a moment to imagine the feel of your wedding day.
Do you picture something elegant and classical? Romantic and cinematic? Modern and stylish? Relaxed and acoustic?
Your musical choices should match:
- Ceremony: emotional, personal, beautifully timed
- Drinks reception: welcoming, uplifting, sets the tone for celebrating
- Wedding breakfast: soft, stylish ambience while guests dine
- First dance: a moment that reflects you both perfectly
JAM Duo specialise in creating seamless musical transitions from one part of the day to the next, with live piano and electric cello bringing a warm, expressive sound suitable for any wedding style.
2. Look for Live Music That Can Adapt to Your Venue
Every venue has its own character — from stately homes to rustic barns, outdoor ceremonies to modern hotels. The best musicians know how to tailor their performance to suit the space.
When choosing musicians, consider:
- Do they offer acoustic and amplified options?
- Can they perform indoors and outdoors?
- Do they bring their own professional sound system?
- Can they set up quickly and quietly?
JAM Duo are fully self-contained, offering both the elegance of a gloss-black piano shell for ceremonies and compact setups for smaller spaces. Their Yamaha system ensures balanced, high-quality sound without overpowering the room.
3. Choose Musicians Who Can Personalise Your Ceremony
Your ceremony soundtrack should feel uniquely yours. Couples increasingly want music that reflects their personalities — and that means flexibility and creativity from musicians.
Look for:
- Bespoke arrangements of your chosen songs
- The ability to blend or transition pieces seamlessly
- Options for different entrances (bridesmaids, the bride, family processions)
- Live timing that responds to your registrar or vows
JAM Duo regularly arrange songs by request and can blend pieces so there are no awkward pauses or gaps — just a smooth, elegant musical journey from one moment to the next.
4. Check Their Repertoire (and How Much They Can Add)
Most professional musicians will have a repertoire list, but it’s worth considering how extensive it is — and whether it suits your style.
A strong repertoire should include:
- Classical favourites
- Modern chart hits
- Film & TV themes
- Soul, pop and acoustic versions
- Romantic ballads
- Instrumental versions of well-loved songs
JAM Duo have recorded over 350 handpicked songs for inspiration, with new arrangements added regularly. Brides can browse the repertoire online and listen to recordings at any time. most importantly with JAM Duo you can choose any song at all our recordings are just for your inspiration.
5. Prioritise Experience — It Makes a Huge Difference
Weddings move fast, timings shift, and surprises can happen. Experienced musicians know how to adapt without any stress for you.
Ask about:
- How many weddings they perform each year
- Whether they’ve played at your venue before
- Their understanding of ceremony structure
- How they liaise with registrars, celebrants, and venue teams
- Backup plans for outdoor or weather-sensitive ceremonies
Having performed at hundreds of weddings across the UK — from Windsor Guildhall to Cotswold barns, Scottish estates and coastal venues — JAM Duo bring both musical excellence and calm professionalism to every event.
6. Listen to Them Before You Book
A reputable musician or duo should have clear, high-quality recordings or videos. This gives you a true feel for their sound, tone and style.
Check:
- Their website
- SoundCloud or playlists
- YouTube or Instagram
- Full-length ceremony clips if available
On JAM Duo’s website, brides can listen to a wide variety of recordings and watch real wedding clips showing exactly how they sound live.
7. Make Sure Their Style Fits Your Day
Choosing musicians isn’t just about the music. It’s also important that they fit the tone of your wedding — well-presented, respectful, friendly and polished.
Professionalism matters. This includes:
- Smart, elegant appearance
- Punctuality
- Clear communication
- Smooth setup and transitions
- A calm, supportive presence during key moments
JAM Duo pride themselves on being discreet, well-presented, and adaptable — offering a touch of refinement from the start of the day to the final note.
8. Understand What’s Included in Their Packages
Before booking, make sure you understand exactly what you’re getting:
- Ceremony music
- Drinks reception
- Wedding breakfast
- First dance
- Travel costs
- Setup times
- Specific song requests
- Microphone use (if required)
- Extra performance time
Most couples find that live music across the full day helps their wedding feel cohesive and beautifully paced.
9. Read Reviews from Real Couples
Reviews are one of the most reliable ways to judge a musician’s professionalism and performance quality.
Look for references to:
- Reliability
- Presentation
- Musicality
- Flexibility
- Communication
- Emotional impact
JAM Duo have received consistent praise for their ability to create atmosphere and their dedication to personalising each couple’s day.
10. Choose Musicians You Actually Like
You’ll spend more time with your ceremony musicians than you expect — during planning, rehearsing entrances, coordination with registrars, and of course on the day itself.
So choose musicians you genuinely feel at ease with.
That comfort translates directly into the smoothness of your ceremony and the atmosphere your guests experience.
JAM Duo are known not just for their performance, but for being approachable, calm and supportive across the entire booking process.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your wedding musicians is about more than picking a playlist. It’s about setting the emotional tone for your wedding day and surrounding your guests with music that feels warm, personal and beautifully delivered.
Whether you have a clear vision or need guidance in shaping your musical choices, JAM Duo are always happy to help couples create a soundtrack that reflects their story.
If you’d like to explore music ideas, listen to recordings, or check availability, you can find more by browsing our website.
