Frequently asked questions

Answers to some of the most common questions I’m asked. If there’s anything you need to know that’s not on this page, just send me a message,

Logistics & practicalities

Can you play outdoors?

Absolutely, yes! I love nature, I simply need access to a power supply, and we’ll need a back-up plan in case of rain (such as moving indoors, or positioning the piano under a covered area). On super hot days, it would be great to have some shade!

Some wedding venues have licensing restrictions on allowing amplified music outdoors, so please do check this with your venue to make sure they are happy.

Will you need a meal?

If I’m with you for the whole day, I would appreciate a meal please.

How much space do you need to perform?

I need a space of at least 2 metres x 2 metres for the piano, my seat, and the amplifier. 

How do you ensure the volume is suitable? Will the music be too quiet or too loud?

I always ensure the music volume suits the size and space I’m playing in, and the specific element of your wedding day. (It’s important to ensure everyone can hear the music, but that it’s not overpowering). The beauty of my digital piano is that the volume is adjustable. But even if I’m playing your venue’s piano, I can play more softly when people need to hear each other in conversation (for example, during the Drinks reception and Wedding breakfast). If you’re in a large room with lots of guests, or I am playing outdoors for you, I can bring an amplifier to ensure the sound carries.

My venue doesn’t have a piano – does that mean I can’t have a wedding pianist?

Fear not – I can bring my own! I have a professional digital piano which is fully portable so I can play anywhere.

What is a digital piano? How does it differ from an electronic keyboard? Will it look as impressive as a traditional piano?

A digital piano is designed to emulate the sound and feel of an acoustic piano as closely as possible. It has weighted, hammer-action keys to provide realistic resistance, and feel heavier in the bass notes and lighter in the treble just like an acoustic piano (crucial for technique and expressiveness). It has the full 88 keys, just like an acoustic. And you still get the visual appeal of a grand piano – it sits within a beautiful grand piano shell.. The look and sound are impeccable. You and your guests won’t be able to tell the difference 🙂.

Will you need to take breaks?

Both the Drinks reception package and the Wedding breakfast package are up to 90 minutes each. I usually perform these as 2 x 45-minute sets with a short break in between.

Can you travel to my venue? How much does travel cost?

Return travel is included to all venues within a 25-mile drive of Burford, Oxfordshire. 

What do you wear for the performance?

I always make an effort to dress for the occasion. My style is funky and eclectic, with a hint of bling 🙂. If you have a specific request or colour theme, let me know and we can chat about options. Check out my Instagram to get to know me a little better.

How long do you need to set up at the wedding venue?

I’m bringing my own piano, I need access to the venue 2 hours before I am due to begin playing for you, so I can set everything up perfectly. If the venue already has a piano, I need access 1 hour before starting the performance (to settle in and warm up). Please note that your venue will need onsite parking if I am providing my own piano.

What happens if something goes wrong, like the piano is damaged or you become ill? Do you have a backup plan?

I work with a great network of talented professional pianists locally who can step in to help, should the need arise. 

Do you have Public Liability Insurance (PLI)? 

Absolutely! I have cover for up to £10 million.

Do you have Portability Appliance Testing (PAT) certificates for your equipment?

Yes, everything is tested annually and certified. 

Music

What music can you play for us?

I specialise in contemporary modern and expertly-arranged popular music, but I’ve been playing piano for 40 years so my repertoire spans The Beatles through to Billie Eilish, Glen Miller to The Greatest Showman, Einaudi to Ed Sheeran. I love taking well-known popular songs and reworking them for instrumental piano in a way that fits beautifully into your wedding day.

I don’t tend to play traditional or classical music, although there’s a small selection in my repertoire. I do play a few ‘contemporary classical’ pieces such as Einaudi, Yiruma, etc. Take a look at my repertoire.

Please note that religious music cannot be played during a civil ceremony.

Can we choose the songs ourselves, or do you have a set?

Music is such a personal thing. You can choose your favourites from my wide repertoire, and of course my Wedding ceremony package includes 1 new song request, if your choice is a new song (you also get a digital recording of the aisle walk as a memento of your day). 

Can you learn a specific song for us?

Yes, absolutely! My Wedding ceremony package includes 1 new song request, if your choice is a new song (you also get a digital recording of the aisle walk as a memento of your day). I have an existing repertoire of around 140 songs, but I am also very happy to learn a request. If there’s a song that you really want to hear that isn’t on my list, I’ll just need to check that it’s workable on piano (I find that the vast majority of popular songs are).

How many songs will you be playing for us? 

For the Wedding ceremony:

I’ll usually play about 5 songs as guests are getting seated (you can choose these or leave me to play a suitable selection of songs for the time available). There will be 1 song for the aisle walk, 2 songs for the signing of the register, and 1 song for your exit.

For the Drinks reception (up to 90 minutes):

Usually around 25 songs.

For the Wedding breakfast (up to 90 minutes):

Usually around 25 songs.

Payment

How much does a Wedding Pianist cost? What do you charge?

Depending on what you’d like, it ranges from £400 to £800 in total – I offer flexible options so you can choose exactly what you need. Packages and pricing. 

Do your prices include everything (e.g. rehearsal time, travel costs)?

All my prices include rehearsal time, performance time, travel to any venue within 25 miles’ drive of Burford, Oxfordshire, and Public Liability Insurance for £10 million. 

Do you offer a payment schedule?

I need a payment of £100 to secure your booking and reserve the date. I then just need the balance paid 30 days before your wedding.

How can we book you?

To secure your date, I’ll need a £100 deposit via bank transfer (the balance is required 30 days before the wedding day).

The first thing to do is check I’m available on your wedding date – drop me a line with:

• Your names
• Your venue
• Your date
• Your chosen package(s)
• Anticipated start-time