Top Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Day Musician

Booking a musician and picking the pieces for your ceremony needn’t be a daunting task. Here are my five top tips to help you on your way!

INSTRUMENT

When choosing the instrument(s) you would like to have at your wedding there are a few factors that you should take into consideration. Perhaps most importantly, the size and access to the venue. If you would like a larger instrument such as a harp you must make sure that it will be possible to get the instrument into the room (narrow, windy stairs are a no go!) If you are getting married in a Church there is often an organ which can add a traditional touch. Before booking a pianist, double check that the venue has one available and in good condition for the player to use.

HOW MUCH MUSIC IS NEEDED?

During a typical wedding ceremony there are three points at which music is needed:

The Entrance of the bride

The Signing of the Register

The Exit of the couple

You are also able to choose a piece of music to be played at any other point of the ceremony if you wish.

HOW TO CHOOSE PIECES FOR THESE POINTS

The Entrance:

When choosing the piece of music to be played as the bride enters the ceremony, bear in mind the length of the aisle. It is worth timing how long the entrance takes as it is often a lot quicker than one might think.

The Signing of the Register:

It is a good idea to choose two or three pieces for this point in the ceremony. Very often the photographer will use this moment to catch some shots of the happy couple and it can take longer than expected.

The Exit:

I often advise an upbeat piece of music for this moment during the ceremony, all your guests will be applauding as you leave the room so you will want something that carries over this and sets up the mood for the rest of the day.

PIECES

Ultimately you have free rein over the pieces you choose for your wedding day. There are a few important things to remember though; if you have chosen to have a civil ceremony you must not choose any music with religious connotations or references. If you choose popular songs, don’t forget to listen to the lyrics carefully! The number of songs I have played with references to messy breakups, misery or even death is unbelievable! The musician you pick will be happy to advise you, not only on what pieces to choose but what works well for their instrument. Many will have a repertoire list for you to look through and some may even do their own arrangements.

FINAL BITS AND PIECES

Once you have booked your musician and all the music, there are just a couple of little things that are always good to remember. Double check that they are happy to have their music recorded, if that is your intention, the majority wouldn’t have a problem with this but it is always courteous to ask. Do decide in advance with the musician when they will be having a break during the day. performing can be a physically demanding job and to ensure the best performance possible, short breaks throughout the day are essential.

After all this has been done, relax, leave it to the musician and enjoy your special day.