Setting the Mood with Ceremony Music
by Andrew Gabbert and Elizabeth Brightbill - “Terra Voce”
Music is one of the biggest factors in setting the right mood more about what does and doesn’t work well so that you can
for any event and your wedding ceremony is no exception. avoid common mistakes.
Live music can go a long way toward making your ceremony
extra special. Your guests and family will appreciate the added Specific Song/Piece Requests – If you know for certain that it is
dimension beautiful music brings. While using pre-recorded essential to have a specific composition as a part of your cer-
music can be a way of saving money, live music can make a emony, you’ll need to communicate this to the prospective mu-
big difference in creating the perfect atmosphere, and it’s usu- sicians. If you have a vision of walking down the aisle to some-
ally one of the smaller expenses for a wedding. thing less traditional such as a favorite song, you will need to
make sure this is possible with the ensemble you’d like to book.
Choosing instruments/number of musicians
Pricing – This varies widely. Some charge by hourly or half-
hourly increments. Some charge a flat rate. Some add extra
There are many options for ceremony music depending on
fees for mileage based on distance. Others include this in their
your budget and venue. Here are a few things to consider:
general rate. The typical wedding ceremony is about an hour
in length, including a 20-30 minute pre-ceremony “prelude.”
Your Venue - If you have already contracted a venue, this may
limit your options. Churches sometimes include requirements
in their contracts for hiring the staff organist. Some religious Booking/Contracting/Deposits
venues frown upon secular music being included in ceremo-
nies. Occasionally, venues only allow “approved” vendors. Once you have selected the type of ensemble and musicians
It’s always a good idea to ask what the rules are. If you are you’d like to hire, it’s time to put together a contract. Most
hiring a church organist, talk to them about what is possible. musicians will independently contract with you if you like, or
can work through booking agents. There are advantages and
Outdoor Ceremonies – If your ceremony is taking place in one disadvantages to either option.
of the many outdoor venues in the area, be aware that many
instruments require protection from weather elements. Also
keep in mind that temperatures outside of about
60-90 degrees can affect how well instruments
(or hands!) can function.
Personal Style and Instrument Choices – Most
wedding ceremonies are reflections of many
traditions and the mood needs to match the tra-
dition. Combinations of strings, flute, harp or
acoustic guitar tend to be softer and gentler. Cer-
tain brass instruments are likely to be more fes-
tively in the foreground. Vocalists can add a very
personal connection, but may need some sort of
accompaniment. Pre-recorded accompaniments
can have a “karaoke” feel that may not the best
thing for such a momentous occasion.
Budgets – As in most of life, to some extent
you often “get what you pay for,” but this is
not always the case. Finding the right balance
of ensemble size and quality can be key. You
also want to keep an eye out for the experience
level of the musicians you are considering. Ex-
perienced musicians will most likely be able to
adapt well to the little problems that sometimes
occur during ceremonies. They also will know
TheWeddingPlannerMag.com 59
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