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Choosing Music &
Musicians
for Your Wedding Day
by Jessica Stewart,
Piano Performer for all Occasions
Choosing music, musicians and DJs for your ceremony, cocktail hour and reception
may seem like an easy task, or does it? There are so many options, decisions,
people to call, arrangements to be made, or are there? In this article, I hope
to clear things up a bit and show you that deciding on music and musicians for
your wedding day can really be a simple, very enjoyable process.
First you must decide on what kind of instrumentation best suits the ambiance
and atmosphere of the occasion and the location. Would you like a pianist or
organist for your ceremony? A violin trio? Maybe a trumpet and bagpipes?
My recommendation to you: Travel back to dreamland for this one, close your
eyes and envision yourself walking down that aisle. You hear a sweet, majestic
melody soaring high into the rafters, making your heart flutter, and your family
and friends giddy with a nervous excitement! Now, what instrument or
instruments are playing that joyous march? Which song would be oh so perfect
for your bridal party’s procession? What would be a timeless, loving piece to
be performed for the lighting of the bridal candle or other traditional event
during the ceremony? What gleeful yet grandiose solo will escort you and your
loved ones down the aisle for the recessional?
After the moment you begin your lives as husband and wife you are whisked away
to the reception, greeted by your loved ones, awaiting the fun and festivities
of the evening. What do you hear as you share a toast and pass the dinner rolls
around the table?
My recommendation to you: Something subtle always fits so well during this
pre-dusk celebration. You want to recognize the music, know it’s there and have
your ears perk when you hear a familiar song of love, but you don’t want it to
be overwhelming. Pleasant conversation is on the brain right now and some
gentle, soothing background music is just what the doctor ordered. Soft piano
is always nice, or any stringed instrument tenderly serenading you and your
guests does the trick quite nicely. Mellow, intoxicating and memorable.
Time to party, time to dance! Time to throw the bouquet! Oh how we wait for
this sweet release, swaying to the rhythm of the night, sharing that first dance
with the man of your dreams! It is upon you, the night that you hope will never
end. Get crazy and creative!
My recommendation to you: What kind of music do you like? When you go out with
friends, when you listen to the radio, when you go buy CD’s, your all-time
favorite sing-a-long songs. That’s what this should be about, kicking back and
having fun. Find someone who will play the music you sing so loudly to in your
car or shower, someone who will play you and your husband/wife to be’s beloved
tunes. Live bands as well as DJs are perfect for this nighttime celebration.
Most will cater to your ideas and volunteer to MC the special events of the
evening; don’t be afraid to request this! It will make the night that much more
unforgettable.
A few tips
for you:
1. To save money, find a versatile musician, someone who can provide
entertainment for more than one wedding day event (ex: the pianist from the
reception band can play for your ceremony and cocktail hour, a string ensemble
that can play for your ceremony and cocktail hour, etc.).
2. Contact the musician(s) directly or go through a recommended, reputable
booking agency. Sometimes agencies will tack on extra, hidden percentage
charges.
3. Make sure you hire musician(s) who are willing to work with you and cater to
your requests & wishes. I recently played a wedding ceremony in which the bride
desired to walk down the aisle to Celine Dion’s - “Because You Loved Me”. Not
traditional, but it turned out very beautifully.
I
hope this article was able to shed some light on the act of choosing music and
musicians for your wedding day. I hope it gave you some new ideas too! If you
have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me at:
PianoPlayerJ@yahoo.com.
Congratulations and good luck!
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