Wedding Musician Attire - what to wear to perform at a wedding!

TL;DR - A little history on concert blacks, you’re a visual element, how can your clothes support YOU, recommendations and links for where to grab great performance garb 

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Concert blacks are out. 

(Okay okay, not entirely. Maybe that’s just a me thing because I love pizzazz and blacks just don’t do it for me.) 

But to set the scene, let’s talk about where concert blacks came from. 

Let’s look at why musicians have decided to wear black over the years: 

• Uniformity - when playing in large groups, usually the vibe is to create a cohesive image of the musicians. So formal wear that matches was important. 
• Easy to match and clean - You can give people the dress code “black” and more or less everyone will show up in the same color to look uniform!

But here’s the big one: 

• Black doesn’t draw attention. The focus is all on the music. 

Which you MAY read and go “that makes sense” 

But I read that and go… no.

Because for me, yes it’s about the music. But anyone can tell you the technical and auditory qualities of music are not the only reason to hire a wedding musician for your event. 

It’s also a strong visual element. 

So why not let that shine of its own accord? What colors make you and your instrument pop, and add to the overall “vibe” you are sharing with your audience and clients? 

But Tori, I don’t want to outshine anyone!

I hear you, I hear you. But riddle me this… 

If someone is hiring YOU a wonderful live musician, the likelihood of this being a bare-bones casual wedding isn’t super likely. Most of the time, a couple hiring you is EXCITED about the visual element! It’s impressive! It’s cool! And if your client has a specific request, of COURSE honor it. But you can still set the default as something different if that feels right to you :) 

How do I make sure I match with the rest of the aesthetic?

Ask what the vibe is! Early on when I work with clients, I make sure to get answers on the visual elements of the wedding as a whole. Things like - what is the wedding party wearing, what colors are featured, and what florals have been picked out? 

And even beyond that, ask yourself these two most important questions when picking out attire as a wedding musician: 

• Does whatever you’re wearing make you feel cute, sassy and confident? 
• Does what you’re wearing make you feel comfortable and supported so you can put on your best performance? (And I’m talking shoes too - don’t sacrifice your physical health for fashion I beg you)

Some sources for outfits I recommend*: 

• Rent beautiful gowns or cool outfit sets at Nuuly.com (Use this link to get $30 off your first order from Nuuly!) They are pretty size-inclusive and carry lots of plus-size gowns and fits. 
• Check out the David’s Bridal prom dresses (bonus points if you want to do that in the off season when they all go on clearance) to start building your personal gown collection (because come on, that’s pretty cool of you to have) - also has a good range of sizes available!
• You can also check out Rent the Runway! I personally haven’t used them but have heard great things from fellow musicians.

*All these links are things I actually use and recommend - AND they are affiliate links :) Just wanted to be transparent with ya. 

At the end of the day, what you decide to wear to perform at a wedding is a beautiful marriage of what is going to make you feel great and fabulous and the visual storytelling you provide with your outfit, instrument, and overall presence. 

I’m curious what you like to wear to weddings as a musician! Send me a DM on instagram.com/ashevilleharpist and let me know. 

Ciao ciao!