Friend playing ceremony music?

No.

Don't use them. It may not workout. Just don't cause yourself the added stress

I know friendors are frowned upon, but I'd feel comfortable with this. If you're sure he wants to perform, but yeah cash would be a nice payment/gift for him. I'm not sure how much though

Eh. It may be an UO, but I think this is more like a friend doing a reading than a full-on friendor. Probably okay.

If it helps by the way, we're planning on doing as short of a ceremony as possible so we wouldn't be asking him to come up with 2 hours of music.

It's a grey area but i think it's cool. for sure compensate him for his time somehow, whether gift card or $. vaguely related but i'm part of a really musical community and we've asked a couple friends/fam to sing and play as part of our ceremony. they're all also in the WP so we're thanking them with gifts anyway but we'll probably do a little something extra for the performers as well. it also depends on your relationship with your friend--i know when i've sung at friends' weddings i didn't expect anything in return, but that was because of an existing level of familiarity with them and a relatively low time commitment. if you're asking him to do more than just a song or two, definitely make sure you compensate him somehow.

I think if he regularly plays music for church it'll be fine. I think that's along the same line as asking the church organist to play for the ceremony. Just make sure you pay him like you would a regular vendor.

I know it's UO, but my aunt and cousin did the ceremony music at our wedding. I had one specific song request, but everything else we let them select from music they already knew. They play the music at their church and at local nursing homes, so they are definitely comfortable playing in front of crowds. We paid them as though they were a regular vendor we hired. I honestly loved having them play. They brought such a special touch to our ceremony and I'm so glad we chose to do it!

Absolutely! That sounds wonderful! When my brother got married they had a family member sing during their unity candle and it was incredible!!!

UO: although I'm not doing this, I don't see anything wrong with this.

Ask him what he would charge and pay them their market rate.

I think it's fine. I have my cousins and one guy from church doing all of my music. He plays with them regularly.

Thanks everyone! I'm so glad it's not a horrible idea, we'll be asking him soon!