A Helpful Guide to Choosing the Perfect Wedding Singer Package: Pros and Cons Explained

Abbi-Kaye Ellison
Oct 29
6 min read

So you're planning your wedding and wondering which live music package is right for you?...you’re not alone.

As a professional wedding singer, I get this question all of the time. And I get it, in a minefield of choice, it can be a bit overwhelming. Especially if this is your first go at planning the big do.

Every couple’s day is different, some want an intimate, romantic ceremony soundtrack, while others want music from start to finish that keeps guests entertained all day long. Assuming you've found this post you're aware of me and who I am. But in case you're new here, my names Abbi-Kaye (Viva la Vintage) and I'm a professional wedding singer, who specialises in jazz, swing, vintage and unexpected covers. I help my couples not only curate their own perfect vintage vibing soundtrack for their day...but I also offer to hold their hand in the wedding planning process and help them choose the right package for them!

So in honour of helping you guys out too, I’ve broken down each of my own personal wedding singer packages with pros and cons from my own experience and perspective, to help you find your perfect match. Of course, each wedding singer's packages may be structured slightly different, but from my own knowlegde, they all follow a similar suit with perhaps a few differentiations and are branded in a different way. Either way, I hope that this honest pros and cons breakdown helps you make sense of the different options, and makes choosing your wedding music package one less thing to stress about! (And yes this deep dive pros and cons list was inspired by my recent re-watching of F.r.i.e.n.d.s, iykyk).

Let's start with the solo packages, designed to be used for singular parts of your day...

Ceremony – Solo Package

(Guest Arrival & Ceremony Service Songs)

Best for:

Couples who want to set a romantic, emotional tone for their “I do’s.”

Pros

Perfect if you’re having a traditional service but still want incorporate your own love story somehow.
As your singer, I'll be another friendly, familiar face waiting at the end of the aisle (and yes, I’ve been known to calm a few pre-wedding jitters).
Ideal for smaller, more intimate weddings.
Creates an emotional highlight that guests always remember.

Cons

If you’re the one walking down the aisle, you may only hear a handful of songs if booked as the solo package!

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Celebration – Solo Package

(2 x 45-minute sets for Drinks Reception or Wedding Breakfast or Evening Party)

Best for:

Couples who want the option of live music for a specific singular spot. Think smooth jazz during the Drinks Reception, to sing-along favourites over dinner, and upbeat tunes to get everyone dancing later on. With these couple of hours you can really set the vibe of this particular part of your celebration. (Ergo why I chose this name for the package).

Pros

Couples continuously love this package for the Drinks Reception. Jazz and old-school tunes in particular work perfectly for the Champagne and canapés mingling mood.
You’re more likely to actually hear the music yourself (especially if used during the Wedding Breakfast while you dine).
Alternatively, this package can be used as a great tool to keeps guests entertained while you’re off taking photos or greeting everyone. (Takes the pressure off of you guys!).

Cons

Again, if booked for the Drinks Reception, you might miss some songs while off with your photographer depending on your timeline, but at least your guests will be living their best lives.

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Turnover Set

(1 x 60-minute set)

Best for:

Picking up the energy after dinner and transitioning into the evening do (or any other small gaps in your wedding day timeline). AKA the "lull filler".

Pros

My (and most singers) most affordable live music option.
A great way to add a touch of live performance to your day.
Perfect if you're only having a Cocktail Hour (as opposed to the usual couple of hours).
Great for "festival line up" style weddings, with multiple live acts.
Works perfectly as a transition between the daytime and party vibes.

Cons

We don’t get to spend long together (sad times).
Your guests may be left wanting more... but that’s not always a bad thing!

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Those are the Solo packages, perfect if you’d like to add just a touch of live music to your day.

Whether you already have other musicians booked and want to create a mix of styles throughout the day, or simply want to enhance one special part of your wedding with a live singer, these packages are ideal for that little extra sparkle.

Now, let’s move onto Combination Packages, as the name suggests, these bring together elements of the solo options. Many singers and suppliers might call these “Half Day” or “Full Day” packages, I personally have chosen for on brand vintage song titles, but they all serve the same purpose, to make your wedding music flow seamlessly from one part of the day to the next.

They’re perfect for couples who want music to be a consistent theme throughout their celebration, or who prefer to keep things simple by having one supplier handle multiple moments of entertainment. Let’s take a closer look at what each one of mine includes…

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Teenager in Love – Combo Package

(Ceremony & Celebration/Drinks Reception) – Daytime

Best for:

Couples who want the best of both worlds for the first half of their day, a romantic ceremony and a matching daytime Drinks Reception vibe.

Pros

Combines all the benefits of the Ceremony and Celebration (Drinks Reception) package.
Keeps your music theme consistent throughout the daytime.
Alternatively, allows you to be creative and switch up the vibe from your Ceremony to Drinks Reception
You’ll hear more live music during your key moments.
My package includes four special song requests, so your day feels extra personal.

Cons

Sometimes logistical planning is needed as we move from one location to the next.
If your ceremony runs late, it can slightly shorten the performance time for the Drinks Reception (but I always personally try to adapt where possible).

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“Cheek to Cheek” – Combo Package

(Ceremony + Drinks Reception + Wedding Breakfast) - Daytime to End of Dinner

Best for:

Couples who want their wedding day soundtracked from start to finish.

Pros

Combines everything above for a seamless musical experience.
You get to create a journey of music and vibe throughout your day.
Guests stay entertained all day long.
Includes five song requests for me to learn especially for you.
Me and your guests will become well acquainted.
You’ll get to hear loads of your favourites live!

Cons

It’s one of the higher-priced packages (but truly delivers).
As per my contract, I’ll need feeding (I'm not me when I'm hungry).
Doesn't include the evening boogie.
In depth logistical communication and planning required between myself, you and your wedding venue.
Always a little sad saying goodbye to you all after spending most of your day together!

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“At Last” – Full Day Package

(Bespoke Full-Day Package – from Ceremony right through to First Dance and Evening Party)

Best for:

Couples who want a truly personal and bespoke, all-day musical experience. Think of me as your on-the-day music curator.

Pros

All of previous package pros.
I’m your musical assistant, hype woman, and working guest rolled into one.
A bespoke experience built entirely around your wedding timeline and vibe (including adaptable set list time/lengths).
Includes the evening boogie.

Cons

All of previous package cons.
I will still need feeding and a break at some point which is key to consider.
It’s the most premium package on offer, so it’s best suited for those with a flexible entertainment budget.
Very deep logistical communication and planning required between myself, you and your wedding venue.
My feet might be sore, but my heart (and your guests) will be full!

So there you have it, a full breakdown of my wedding singer packages and what to honestly expect from each one!

But wait... what if your wedding timeline doesn’t quite fit into these standard options? Fear not, I (and most experienced wedding singers) also tend to offer a bespoke service. In this, I work closely with you both to design a package that perfectly fits your day. Whether that’s adjusting set times, combining elements from different packages, or creating something totally unique, I always aim to make sure the music flows effortlessly from start to finish for you.

I do hope that this guide has helped you get a better idea of how live wedding music can fit into your own celebration and the kind of atmosphere it can create for you and your guests. Pros and cons considered!

If this guide has helped you finally decide which of my packages you'd like (or want to explore a custom option). To get booked in or receive a pricing breakdown of my packages, then please:

ENQUIRE WITH ME HERE!

OR if you'd like even MORE helpful wedding planning tips and inspo.

There's plenty for you in my here in my WEDDING SINGER BLOG:

All the best,

Abbi-Kaye (Viva la Vintage) x

(Pic insert, Emily & Tom who actually opted for a Bespoke Half Day Package which included Ceremony, and then 3 hours of live music for their Twilight Wedding Reception Celebrations!)