July 3, 2024
Weddings
YOUR GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE PERFECT ENTERTAINMENT FOR YOUR ESSEX WEDDING
Are you searching for an Essex wedding singer or entertainer but do not know where to start? In the first of a series of blogs promoting some of the best wedding suppliers in Essex, I chat with Joe Bailey; a wedding singer who covers Essex and East Anglia and who I highly recommend to bring the music and merriment to your special day.
Read below to find out more about the wonderful Joe and to learn some top tips for choosing your Essex wedding entertainment.
Hello! I’m a singer, guitarist and songwriter and I’ve been working full-time in the wedding industry since 2013. I grew up around a lot different music such as pop, rock, soul, R&B, etc. I taught myself to sing listening to (and copying) some of my favourite singers like Thom Yorke, Bono, Jeff Buckley, Smokey Robinson, and loads more. Before long, I found my own sound and style and I’m still improving every day!
Hi Joe, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you’ve been an Essex wedding singer?
What does a day in the life as a wedding singer involve?
Like the weddings that I play, no two days are ever the same, and that suits me fine! Routine / doing things by numbers bores me. I love the fact that every wedding is so different – the guests, the song choices, all the beautiful little quirks that make each day special. On wedding days, I generally wake up early and give myself plenty of time to get ready, have a couple of cups of tea and do my vocal warmups.
How many Essex wedding venues have you performed in. Do you have a favourite?
Being an Essex wedding singer means that I’ve performed at countless wedding venues around Essex so it’s genuinely hard to pick a favourite! A couple that spring to mind though are Fennes and Crondon Park! There are so many ace ones though.
I offer a range of live music packages that can cover any segment of the day. Ceremonies, drinks receptions, wedding breakfasts, evening receptions – I’ve performed them all hundreds, if not thousands of times! I also do plenty of all-day weddings, where I sing and play from the very start of the day, while guests are arriving, right through to the very last song of the evening (with breaks of course!). I really pride myself on providing bespoke packages to suit all needs.
How long can a couple hire you for on their wedding day?
I think it’s really important to talk to your venue about amplified music. Most venues allow live music to be held outside in the nice weather during ceremonies and drinks receptions, but not all! So it’s always worth checking. Otherwise, don’t overthink it — if you love live music, get in touch with me and we can make a perfect plan together.
What should brides /grooms consider when booking a wedding singer or wedding entertainment?
What is your repertoire? What genres of music do you sing at weddings?
I have a very extensive song list on my website which covers music from all eras of popular music, from the 1950s and 60s right through to the chart hits of today. I like to call my genre ‘rock ‘n’ soul’ because I perform a lot of rock and pop songs, but a whole bunch of retro and modern soul tracks too — all with my rhythmic acoustic guitar playing at the heart of it.
Make sure you stay true to yourselves as you plan your big day! Plan more of what you love and don’t worry about whether what you’re doing is ‘normal’ or ‘traditional’ — it’s your day and it can be whatever kind of celebration you want it to be. And don’t forget: live music is always better!
Is there anything else you’d like couples to know as they plan their wedding?
People can follow me on Facebook and Instagram. Just search @joebaileyweddingsinger on both. I post often to my grid and stories about my adventures and the lovely reviews I receive from my couples! For everything else, my website is www.joebaileyweddingsinger.co.
How can couples find out more about you and book you as their wedding singer for their special day?
All images taken by Ross Willsher Photography
