What to expect when you hire a choir
Most people have never hired a choir before. There’s no reason you would have — it’s not an everyday thing. The good news is that the process is far simpler than most people expect. This guide walks through what actually happens, from first phone call to the music on the day.
The first conversation
You don’t need to have everything worked out before you get in touch. Most people ring or email with little more than a date, a venue, and a general sense of what the occasion is. That’s plenty to start with.
A good provider will ask a few straightforward questions: what kind of ceremony it is, where it’s being held, roughly how many people will be there, and whether you have any music in mind. If you do, they’ll talk it through with you. If you don’t, they’ll make suggestions based on the occasion and the venue. There’s no expectation that you arrive with a programme already planned.
This first conversation should feel unhurried and free of pressure. You’re gathering information, not committing to anything. If a provider makes you feel rushed or pushes you toward a decision before you’re ready, that tells you something.
Choosing the right ensemble
The size of the ensemble depends on two things: the venue and the occasion. A solo singer can be extraordinarily moving in a small chapel or crematorium — one clear voice carrying a hymn or a piece of Fauré can hold a room completely still. A four-voice choir brings warmth and harmony that fills a mid-sized church without overwhelming it. An eight- or twelve-voice choir is suited to larger spaces: big parish churches, cathedrals, grand halls where the acoustics reward a fuller sound.
The occasion matters too. A funeral with a small gathering of close family may call for something intimate and understated. A wedding with two hundred guests in a large church benefits from a choir that can lead the hymns with real authority, giving the congregation confidence to sing.
You can see the full range of ensemble options we offer, from a single soloist through to a twelve-voice chorus. We’re always happy to recommend the right size for your venue and occasion — it’s one of the first things we discuss.
Repertoire and planning
Choosing the music is often the part people find most daunting, but it needn’t be. A professional provider will have a broad standard repertoire and will guide you through the options with care. You’re not expected to know the difference between an anthem and a motet, or to have opinions about key signatures.
If you already know what you want — a particular hymn that meant something to the person who’s died, a piece of music you’ve always loved — say so. Most professional choirs can learn new pieces at short notice or create bespoke arrangements of songs that fall outside the standard choral repertoire. If a piece matters to you, it’s almost always possible to make it work.
If you’re arranging a funeral and are unsure where to begin, our guide to choosing funeral music covers the practical steps in detail. For weddings, our guide to choosing wedding hymns addresses the specific questions couples tend to ask — including how to pick hymns your guests will actually sing.
The music should be tailored to the occasion, not pulled from a generic list. A good provider will shape the programme around you, not hand you a menu and ask you to tick boxes.
What it costs
Professional singers are trained musicians. Many have spent years at conservatoires and have performed at the highest level. This is their livelihood, and the fees reflect that. Hiring a choir is not cheap, but neither is it as expensive as many people assume.
Costs vary primarily by ensemble size. A soloist is the most affordable option; a twelve-voice chorus is the most substantial investment. Travel distance can also affect the price — a venue in central London will typically cost less than one in rural Devon, simply because of the logistics involved.
You can find our current pricing set out in full, with no ambiguity. That transparency matters. A reputable provider will give you a clear, written quote before you commit to anything, with every cost accounted for. If you’re being quoted a price that seems vague or comes with caveats about “additional fees on the day,” be cautious.
One thing worth knowing: if budget is a concern, discuss it openly. A good provider would rather help you find an option that works than lose the booking altogether. A soloist or a small choir can be every bit as effective as a larger ensemble when matched to the right venue.
On the day
This is the part where you should have to do absolutely nothing.
The musicians arrive well before the ceremony begins — typically at least thirty minutes early, often more. They introduce themselves to the officiant, funeral director, or wedding coordinator. They familiarise themselves with the venue: the acoustics, the layout, where they’ll stand or sit, any particular logistics. If there’s an organ or piano, the accompanist checks the instrument.
All of the coordination between the musicians and the person leading the ceremony happens quietly, without your involvement. The running order has already been agreed. The musicians know when to begin, when to pause, when to come in after a reading or an address. If anything changes at the last moment — and things do sometimes shift on the day — they adapt without fuss.
When the music starts, it simply happens. The hymns are led with warmth and confidence. The performance pieces land where they should. The congregation feels supported rather than talked at. For many people, the music becomes the part of the ceremony they remember most vividly.
You should never have to manage, direct, or worry about the musicians. If you find yourself doing any of those things, something has gone wrong. The whole point of hiring professionals is that they take care of everything so you can be present for what matters.
Talk to us
If you’re thinking about hiring a choir for a funeral, wedding, or any other occasion, we’re happy to talk it through. The initial conversation is free and comes with no obligation at all. Get in touch by phone or email and tell us a little about what you have in mind — we’ll take it from there.