Hiring Solo Guitarist - Good/Bad idea?

We are having a solo acoustic guitarist play and sing for our ceremony.

We are having a solo acoustic guitarist (my brother!!) play for our ceremony. I would recommend hearing the soloist play before you book him. Also, listen to different versions on YouTube! "Here comes the bride" can be played many different ways.

We're having a solo classical guitarist for our wedding. No singing, just music. I heard his samples, and it just seemed right. I haven't even thought about what if he got sick... Call him up and ask him, though. It can't hurt.

^Me too and I'm so excited for it! I've seen it done before in my area, so I don't think it's weird. Just email him and ask him what happens if he's unable to perform the services. You will need to sign a contract with him (and if he doesn't offer you one, run in the other direction and find a professional with a contract) and there should be a clause stating what happens if he can't perform.

ETA my arrow was to second Rachel's post, our guitarist will play and sing.

I've had good ones and bad ones. The good ones are lovely, and I think they add a lot to the atmosphere. I've got several in NJ if you need a ref.

I think that's a fun idea. Are you thinking for the ceremony or the reception or both?

I believe this guy just plays (which I actually prefer). I can't find any sample of him singing. His base package is ceremony only but does reception as well for an extra $200 which I think is very good value. We're not predicting our guests to want to dance (but you never know). I thought his background music would be nice and fun.

@Celia, I appreciate the offer but I'm located in Canada there aren't a lot of musicians near where I live. Even this one would have to travel 2 hrs for my wedding.

We're also having a solo guitar player for our ceremony and cocktail hour. When we met with him, he played us lots of samples, and we really loved the sound. He is also a guitar teacher so in the event that he's Ill, he has other teachers and students that can fill in. I suggest giving him a call and make a list of questions and concerns. If you're not planning on dancing, I think a solo guitarist will be a lovely option.

We just hired a solo guitarist who will play a mix of classical & pop. We had lots of choices locally, listened to samples, feel like hell do a lovely job.

Sounds like a fab idea if you like his style. We're looking at string quartets and trios as well but I'm entertaining a solo violinist I saw on Facebook because she was SO GOOD.

I think that they are wonderful. Have a plan b. Also, plan that they will need to take an occasional break, and maybe have the ipod for that.

Solo singer here too for ours

I went with a violist... For that exact reason. Ipod doesn't work with the ceremony.

Im doing violinist. My brother used a friend who is guitarist and it was great! Both are outdoor weddings and the fear of Playlists not working are not worth the stress.

At my beach weddings, there have been: guitarist, violin, ukulele, sax, flute, harp, string quartet, guitar & harp duo. Sounds lovely!

We hired a solo harpist. I had looked into guitarists as well. Definitely listen to some sample selections from them as one guitarist we listened to was not quite as good solo as he was with a group, but the Spanish guitarist we looked at was amazing but not available for our date. Our harpist has other musicians available (not necessarily harpists though), in the event she cannot make it the day of the wedding.

We hired a solo guitarist and it's one of the details of our wedding I'm most excited about.

Thanks everyone! I'm glad to see everyone sees it as a positive element. I'm thinking we'll end up booking with him. It will definitely be worth it!

A great Solo Guitarist can create a magical responsive atmosphere for guests and the wedding couple. This makes for a more inclusive and memorable experience for everyone.