Decide which music services you’ll offer. Determine the focus of your music, such as classical music, traditional wedding pieces, dance hits spanning all decades or salsa music.
Recruit additional musicians if you’ll be playing in a group. Recruiting someone with wedding music experience increases your odds of success as a wedding musician because he likely has valuable contacts and know-how about the wedding music business.
Learn pieces for wedding gigs. If you plan to play music for ceremonies, learn traditional pieces. If you plan to play music for receptions, learn a large catalog of songs because you could be asked to play for several hours.
Book performances at events that aren’t weddings. It can be hard to break into the wedding music business right away. Hone your playing and get the word out about yourself or your group by playing in public — bars, clubs, block parties, school events and battles of the bands, for example.
Videotape a live performance. This tape acts as proof you’re a good wedding musician. Show it to potential clients to convince them that you’re a great fit for their special day.
Make a website that shares your information, prices, videos and what pieces you play. Mention you can learn any song clients ask for, which increases your appeal, though only do so if you’re a highly skilled musician.
Network with area wedding planners, wedding photographers and other people in the wedding business. Give them a copy of your videotape, as well as contact information. They can share your name if a couple asks for wedding music suggestions.
Agree to play a wedding for free or a small amount of money. If you’re a new act, couples may be reluctant to pay you thousands of dollars. Work a few weddings for free or a small amount, and you can build up a reputation, making it easier to ask for larger amounts of money.
Acquire testimonials from happy clients. Place these on your website, as well as in a brochure or other promotional piece.
Talk with the clients before the wedding day so you can give them exactly what they want. Pinpoint what pieces they want you to play and any other details of the gig.
Show up on time to the wedding, professionally dressed, well-rehearsed and ready to provide excellent music. Play exactly what the clients asked for. While you want to increase your future bookings, this event is not about you or your music group.