The wedding - a public display of love, devotion, and commitment to your betrothed in front of everyone you've ever known. For most blissful brides and grinning grooms, it is their crowning achievement, their best life moment. To help create these special memories, most couples know that hiring live musicians to perform at their wedding ceremony is a treat, both for them and for their guests. This article comes from the experience of performing at many different weddings.
== Wedding Soundtrack ==
Music plays a big part in the character of your ceremony - it is your wedding soundtrack. Most couples make use of the pipe organ, violins or other strings, trumpets or other brass, maybe a flute or two, or perhaps a clever combination of any of the above.
Some couples are extremely traditional, using Klezmer music in a Jewish wedding, for example. Others are musicians themselves, and actually perform during their own wedding! More contemporary music lovers might program tunes from a Broadway show or a favorite jazz composer.
== Outdoor Music ==
If your ceremony is in a church or cathedral, the echo will help make the music elegant and joyful, no matter who is playing. However, if your wedding is outside, you might have to deal with temperature, wind, and extraneous sounds.
Consider using louder instruments that carry well, such as those from the brass family. There is nothing wrong with flutes, clarinets, or violins, but they are not built for sound projection, and you will need more players to get the same volume as a brass player. On the other hand, if you truly prefer strings or woodwinds to brass, there's nothing holding you back.
It is up to you and your betrothed to choose wedding music that reflects your musical wishes for the day. So, not only will you pick the pieces, instruments, and styles, but you should also choose a venue that allows the music to shine through, accompanying your wedding's stunning visuals!
== Communicate ==
Professional musicians will do their utmost to perform exactly the way you want. However, soon-to-be-newlyweds and wedding planners must remember that the musicians you hire should still be kept "in the loop" to avoid any miscommunication before and during the ceremony. This will allow them to prepare properly and to concentrate on creating a beautiful musical backdrop by playing the right tunes at the right times.
At the very least, you should give them three basics: The names and order of the pieces you want them to play, exact cues for when to start and finish these pieces, and frequent eye contact in case of a delay or other mishap.
== Details ==
For instance: Perhaps you have chosen "Ode to Joy" by Beethoven, "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Bach, "Trumpet Voluntary" by Clarke, and "Canon in D" by Pachelbel. (It helps to know the composer's last name, since some pieces by different composers have the same title.)
Give the musicians specifics on when you expect to hear them. For example:
- "Wait a few seconds after the organist has finished his prelude, then start the Bach."
- "I want 'Jesu' for when the mothers are escorted in. I'll cue you from the back."
- "Please start the Pachelbel piece as soon as you see the first bridesmaid enter."
- "Sherri will cue you from the door when we're ready for 'Trumpet Voluntary'."
== Relax ==
If this is too much detail or you're planning a more laid-back ceremony, place the musicians where they can see the person who will give them a nod or some other cue for starting the music. It's a good idea to have the musicians up front and off to the side, especially if they are to be playing along with an organist.
However, if there are no other musicians playing, you can place the group wherever you want. Just make sure they can see the ceremony's progress, since a sanctuary full of standing wedding guests does not bode well if they need a visual cue from someone across the room.
== Cost vs. Value ==
Trying to save money by securing musicians for little or no cost can be dangerous. The phrase "you get what you pay for" also works with live music, so listen to potential groups online or in person before hiring, if possible. At the very least, get a personal recommendation from someone you trust.
Once you find a group you like, find out what they usually charge and ask yourself if their quote fits into your wedding budget. See if they're willing to negotiate - some will, some won't. If you're still not sure, it's time to be bluntly honest and figure out your priorities. Do you save some money, or do you provide live wedding music to add that extra sparkle to your wedding?
== Summary ==
In general, please be aware that musicians or singers may perform during the prelude, the processional/bridal procession, any appropriate part of the ceremony, the recessional, the postlude/greeting line, and even the reception. A professional ensemble will strive to achieve exactly what you want, and many will even make suggestions.
If you want a recording, get a recording; if you want live, professional musicians who know their art well, but can follow your lead if something unexpected happens, give them all the details of your ceremony and make them feel welcomed. In turn, they will help create lasting musical memories for you and your guests.