Music and More

The options are enough to make you feel like you've been spun around the dance floor one too many times. String quartets, powerful pipe organs, classical guitarists, a solo soprano, bagpipes, mariachi bands...the music you select will convey your feelings of joy and celebration and reflect your personality. All in all, the right music can transform a nice wedding into a fabulous one—a moving, personal, uplifting event that people will never forget.

One of the most pleasant surprises in planning a wedding is finding out how easy it is to work with professional musicians. Their presence at a wedding rehearsal can put you at ease, and they can help you ahead of time with music-related decisions. Don't feel pressured to acquaint yourself with every type of music possible before speaking with a band, classical musician, soloist, or disc jockey. They will be able to assist you with suggestions to fit the mood you want to create.

Once you've chosen your musicians, make the most of their services. Their "extra hour" rates are usually considerably lower than their initial performance rate, so it's well worth asking your ceremony musicians to play during the hospitality and dinner hour. Or, have your dance musicians come early to play soft background music while your guests are being served. The music will begin to create intimacy and also a spirit of liveliness and fun. This feeling will extend into the evening for continued festivities and dancing the night away.

FIVE CEREMONY IDEAS
Classical pieces have withstood the test of time and are still enormously popular at weddings. They lend a grace and sense of occasion to wedding ceremonies. But if you are looking for a more contemporary sound or would just like to add some new interest to traditional pieces, below are five ways to incorporate fresh alternatives.

1. Instrumentation
Does your church have a handbell choir? The soft tones of the bells can create a peaceful ceremony prelude, while a trumpet fanfare before the bride's processional can create goosebumps. The floating sounds of a harp, played during the couple's first communion, turn a simple ritual into a beautiful blessing. Classical guitar music is graceful; violins are stately. If your budget allows, incorporate two or three different instruments into your ceremony.

2. Stunning selections
An ordinary church organ can be transformed to an instrument of grandeur by the right musician playing a beautiful piece of music. If you prefer a simple instrumental arrangement, invest some time in finding a stunning piece to play for your processional and something equally magnificent for your recessional.

3. Unexpected time periods
The music most often played at wedding ceremonies was written between 1750 and 1880. Simply stepping out of that time frame will make your ceremony music unique. Many antiphonal pieces, written in the 1500s, are regal and make an incredible processional. A dramatic modern piece would definitely enhance a ceremony held in a modern location. Consider modern composers such as Steve Reich and Phillip Glass, who write ethereal pieces that are perfect for the lighting of candles, the communion, or the music before the ceremony.

4. Global inspirations
There are beautiful forms of music all over the world. Think about cultures that are important to the two of you and dig into their musical archives. Look to your family ancestry or think about a place you've traveled together.

5. Strong instrumental and vocal talent
The well-intentioned yet faltering amateur is, unfortunately, a familiar sight and sound at weddings. It cannot be stressed enough that you need to engage professional musicians to perform at your ceremony. If you have an amateur musician friend or family member who is begging to play a piece at your wedding, and it's simply impossible to say "no," invite him or her to play at your rehearsal dinner or at the reception while the professionals take a break.

CEREMONY MUSIC
The task of interviewing and engaging professional musicians can be a bit daunting at first. For most people, their wedding is the first time they've needed to hire professional musicians. But you'll soon find that most musicians are a delight to work with and willing to share their vast knowledge of wedding protocol. These suggestions may help:

Consult with the church organist or music director. There may be rules or instructions (such as no amplified music or secular selections) you need to know.

When choosing musicians, do not use price as your first consideration. Above all, you want trained, talented, proven professionals.

Be creative in music selection. Ask musicians about less-popular songs or styles of music. Choose vocal and instrumental sounds that you like.

Include ceremony music in your budget for music and entertainment. Don't rely on friends or be influenced to have a relative play music unless the person is an experienced performer.

Inform the musicians about the environment in which they will be playing. Is it a large room, tiny wooden church, or backyard garden? Make sure they're aware of the acoustical possibilities and prepared to bring extra equipment or accessories.

Tell the musicians the degree of formality of the wedding so that they may dress accordingly.

Ask for references. Contact past clients for an honest review, request a tape, and attend a rehearsal, a personal audition, or a performance if possible.

QUESTIONS FOR DJ CANDIDATES
Your selection of music will set the mood for your reception. A top-quality disc jockey will cater to your musical likes and dislikes, regardless of which genre you prefer—oldies, country-western, rock, big band, hip-hop—and provide a variety of music for your guests. The DJ can also play some traditional wedding-dance music, so guests can polka or waltz or enjoy popular songs from different eras. Many DJs offer ethnic music and other special styles to make your reception music a personal reflection of you and your marriage.

Hiring a proven, reputable DJ is essential. Try to attend wedding dances of the DJs you are considering. When you hire your DJ, get a written contract that outlines the basic terms of your agreement and lists any special requests. Some DJs are booked more than a year in advance, so the sooner you attempt to make arrangements, the better your chances of reserving your top choice.

Ask all candidates the following questions. If the responses are unfavorable, or if a DJ is unwilling to give you a list of references, cross that candidate off your list and move on.

• Do you have a sound system of commercial quality that is attractive when set up?
• Will you play a variety of music styles?
• Do you offer lighting systems, mirror balls, and special effects?
• Do you wear professional attire?
• Will you be responsive to unique circumstances?
• Are you familiar with our chosen reception site?

• Did the DJ fulfill the commitments set out in your original agreement?
• Was the tone, dress, and choice of music appropriate for your wedding?
• Was the music volume appropriate?
• Did the lighting system work properly?
• Were there any problems that made you dissatisfied with the DJ?

The Perfect Score

Tuneful ideas to get you from your grand entrance all the way through your reception.