An acoustic guitarist is at their best in the relaxed, personal parts of your day: the ceremony, garden drinks and dinner. Because they are portable, they can move with your guests from one space to the next. Here are ten ideas we share with couples and event planners.
Key takeaways
- Use a guitarist where guests are gathering, walking or relaxing.
- Personal song choices make ceremony music feel like yours.
- Guitarists are easy to combine with singers, percussion and DJs.
How can a guitarist make your ceremony personal?
1. An acoustic walk-in. An acoustic version of a pop or Bollywood song you love, played slowly, makes a big emotional moment.
2. Signing music with meaning. Choose songs that tell your story: the song from your first holiday together, or a song from your parents' wedding.
3. An upbeat exit. End the ceremony with a lively acoustic track so guests leave smiling.
What about drinks and garden moments?
4. Garden drinks. A guitarist on the lawn or terrace is one of the classic summer wedding scenes. It suits country houses, barns and marquee weddings in particular.
5. A roaming set. Some guitarists can play unplugged and wander between groups during canapés, which is great for interaction.
6. Lawn games and ice cream. Combine a guitarist with a custom ice cream cart or lawn games for a relaxed afternoon feel.
If your venue has a courtyard or orangery, that is often the perfect spot. The sound carries nicely without needing much amplification.
Tip from our team: Plan a covered backup spot for the guitarist before the day. British summers can change in minutes, and it saves a scramble.
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Which combinations work with a guitarist?
7. Guitar and singer duo. A separate singer lets the guitarist focus on playing, and gives a fuller sound for larger drinks receptions.
8. Guitar and percussion. Adding a cajon or bongo player turns an acoustic set into a lively beach bar style show, great for summer parties and destination weddings.
9. Acoustic set into DJ. A short acoustic set before the DJ takes over gets guests singing along and warms up the room.
Can a guitarist work at corporate events?
10. Corporate summer parties and receptions. A guitarist suits relaxed networking drinks, rooftop receptions and summer barbecues. They take up little space and need little setup, which makes them easy to fit into busy venues.
For awards nights and gala dinners, guitarists work well at arrivals, with a bigger act later in the evening.
Guitarists also suit smaller celebrations such as engagement parties, milestone birthdays and anniversary lunches at home or in a restaurant, where there is no room for a full band.
Can a guitarist play at an Asian wedding?
Yes, especially for civil ceremonies, drinks receptions and relaxed day events. Acoustic versions of Bollywood and Punjabi songs are increasingly popular and bring generations together.
For big mehndi and sangeet nights, a solo guitarist is usually not the right fit. Those need energy, so dhol, bhangra dancers or a live band will serve you better.
A nice middle ground is a short acoustic set during the welcome drinks at a reception, with the dhol taking over for the couple's entrance. The contrast between the two makes the entrance feel even bigger.
How do you plan a guitarist into your day?
Look for the moments when guests are arriving, standing or moving between spaces. These are where a guitarist adds the most. Then choose one or two songs with meaning to make those moments your own.
For destination weddings abroad, a guitarist is also one of the easiest acts to travel with, as the kit is light and they can play by a pool or on a beach terrace with minimal setup.
Share your plans with us and we will suggest guitarists near your venue and combinations that fit your day.
Want a quote for guitarists?
Free, no obligation. Tell us your date and venue.
Frequently asked questions
When should a guitarist play at a wedding?
Guitarists are best for the ceremony, drinks reception and dinner. They create a relaxed, personal atmosphere. Many couples then switch to a DJ or band for the evening.
Can a guitarist play Bollywood songs acoustically?
Yes, many guitarists can play acoustic versions of Bollywood and Punjabi songs. Give them notice so they can prepare. It is a lovely touch for drinks receptions.
Can a guitarist walk around during a drinks reception?
Some guitarists can play unplugged and roam between groups. This works best in smaller gatherings. For larger crowds, a fixed spot with a small amp is better.
Is an acoustic guitarist good for a corporate event?
Yes, guitarists suit summer parties, rooftop drinks and networking receptions. They need little space and setup. They are easy to combine with a DJ later in the evening.
Plan your acoustic moments
Tell us your plans and we will suggest guitarists and song ideas that fit your day.
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Written by the Party Central events team. Prices mentioned are starting points only. Exact pricing depends on availability, your exact requirements, time on site and location. Party Central is a trading name of Booking Central Ltd.
