4 KEYS TO PLANNING YOUR CEREMONY MUSIC

Your Wedding Day is one of the most important days of your life.  This is your day to shine!  Great planning will help everything run smoothly and allow you and your guests to have a truly wonderful time.

Choosing the right music to frame your wedding ceremony is an important part of your planning.  Hiring a professional musician will help guide you through the process and can create the perfect atmosphere you want for your wedding.  Not only does a live musician add elegance to the moment, they have the ability to pace the music with each entrance, smoothly moving from one selection to another.  Plus, it’s like having the artist in the room, painting the picture in the moment!

1 – SELECT A MUSICIAN(S) YOU CAN TRUST

Getting recommendations is important.  Choose a musician you can trust.  A good bridal consultant or wedding planner can refer you to trusted musicians they have worked with.

Often musicians will have video and sound samples on their sites, or opportunities to hear them live.  Your venue may also provide you with a preferred listing of musicians.

Your musician should be someone easy to work with.  Someone who delights in providing a seamless program of music designed to frame your wedding with music that touches your heart!

2 – ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

Is a complimentary consultation offered?
What styles of music do they play?
What wedding packages are offered?
Do they have a set repertoire of music or are they willing to learn new songs?
Are they willing to accompany vocalists or instrumentalists?
What back-up plans are available if they are unable to perform?
Is there a mileage cost?
Is there an overtime charge?
Is there a contract?
How much deposit is required?

3 – CHOOSE THE MUSIC THAT TOUCHES YOUR HEART!

Talk with your musician about the vision YOU have for your wedding.
Is the mood classical, romantic, peaceful, joyful?
What song(s) are especially meaningful to you and your fiance?
The music should be customized to reflect YOU!

4 – CREATE A MUSICAL MAP

A wedding ceremony may include the following:
Prelude Music:  Music that sets the mood while your guests are being seated.
Grandparents/Parents Entrance:  A special song of your choice or your parent’s favorite is a nice touch.
Bridal Party Entrance:  A good spot for a favorite song of yours.
Bridal Processional: This could be the song you have always wanted for your wedding or it could be the song that is especially meaningful to you and your fiance.
Unity Candle/Sand Ceremony:  A soft classical piece or love song that has special meaning is a good choice.  Also a good spot for a vocalist to sing.
Signing of the Marriage License:  Often the music continues from the unity candle or sand ceremony.
Recessional:  An up-beat classical or popular piece is often used for the joyful beginning of your marriage!

Coordinate with your officiant and musician to choose the music that best reflects your unique ideas and style.

What’s next? If wedding bells will ring for you within 4-6 months, it’s time to secure your musician NOW!

Article Submitted By:
Linda Smith
Piano Artistry
Notes of Celebration (Portland, OR)
www.notesofcelebration.com
503-645-2763