The Wedding Ceremony Music The Search For Wedding Ceremony Music

 

Music is one of the most important decisions to make in regards to a wedding. There are countless things to consider when planning, but selecting the right music to go with the style and location of the wedding ceremony and reception is certainly in the top five of importance.

The different routes that can be taken for ceremony music selection must be dictated by factors such as the location of the ceremony, personality and preferences of the couple, religious affiliation, degree of formality, and time of day of the ceremony.

The three most simplistic types of music at the ceremony will be the prelude, processional, and recessional. The prelude music will begin anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes before the ceremony begins. This music sets the mood while guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. Most desirable is purely instrumental music during this time. When a soloist prepares to sing, most guests will feel it is their duty to be quiet and listen, which could make them feel ill at ease.

The processional occurs when the entire bridal party, including family, attendants, and bride, enter the ceremony. Either one song for the whole of the party can be used, or, a different song can be chosen to emphasize the bride’s entrance and add a little more excitement to the moment.

The recessional is played while the bridal party, led by the newly married couple, exits the ceremony. This music is usually chosen to reflect the happiness of the event and is lighter and more carefree.

The majority of couples will also choose some interlude music during ceremony highlights; for instance the lighting of the unity candle. And it is nice to include a postlude, as well, during the time that the guests are exiting the ceremony location. Depending on the set up of ceremony with respect to reception, the postlude could double as music leading into cocktail hour.

Reception music should consist of four main categories, entrance of the newlyweds, dinner, and any dancing/entertainment to follow dinner.

For cocktail hour and dinner, the music should be mood-setting and yet unobtrusive; mainly just pleasant background noise, rather than disruptive to conversation of guests. The entrance of the newlyweds should reflect the grand entrance that it is as the couple is officially and formally introduced for the first time. For the entertainment portion of the evening, the varied musical tastes of the guests must be taken into consideration. If a wide variety of styles of music is desired, consider a DJ, rather than a more limited band.

In choosing the music for both ceremony and reception, there are many things to keep in mind. Location must be considered and any site restrictions should be noted. Choosing a 12 piece orchestra for a tiny chapel, for instance, does not make sense. And if a traditional piano is not practical for an outdoor ceremony and substitution of an electric piano is desired, it is important to make sure electricity is available.

When creating and signing a contract for wedding music, there are many things which should be covered. If at all possible, see the musicians live before they are hired. At the very least, obtain a recording of the musicians in the same configuration for which they are being hired. Find out who is demonstrated in the recording. This can make a big difference in the music quality and tone. When hiring a group of musicians, know who exactly will be performing at the event, and find out how often substitutions are made (and decide what the acceptable substitutions are.) Take into consideration the size of the ensemble that is desired. Find out which instruments will be represented, as different instruments will create completely different styles. Get references from others who have heard them play previously – hear from guests if possible as you will likely get honest feedback from them.

Work out such things as EXACT dates, locations, and arrival times; equipment issues (what are the musicians bringing, what is expected to be provided for them); what they will be wearing; a play list and perhaps more importantly, a DO NOT play list; fees and overtime fees; breaks to be taken; sequence of events; insurance; cancellation and refund policies.

It is important to consider all aspects of planning for wedding music, both ceremony and reception. Thorough research and careful decision-making will divert possible disasters and unpleasant surprises when it comes to this important component of ceremony planning.