Hit the Right Note
The music played at your ceremony sets the mood. Whether it is a
traditional hymn or something more personal, picking the perfect music is an
important decision, so it is necessary to be creative in your planning. Here
are some tips.
- Live music such as a flutist, harpist, or violinist creates a relaxing yet energetic atmosphere for your guests. The energy and presence of a live musician won't blend in the background but stand out as a feature.
- The music should not start when the ceremony starts. Most musicians will play a prelude while guests are arriving usually 10 to 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. This allows for the atmosphere to be set before guests walk in the door.
- While some couples may know exactly what music they want played at their wedding, most do not. A professional musician would love to be a resource and help you find the perfect songs to be played. If you have a specific song you would like played, most musicians can make it a reality by working with an arranger.
- The size of the group you hire depends greatly on how large of a venue you are in and how many guests you are expecting. A full-string quintet would be more suited for a larger venue while a solo violinist can set the same mood in a smaller venue.
- Most churches have policies regarding the music played at weddings. In fact, two of the most iconic songs played at traditional weddings, “The Wedding March” and “Bridal Chorus” is considered inappropriate by most churches. Have a conversation regarding what the church’s policies are before you set your head on walking down the aisle to a specific song.