Selecting live music?
Your wedding day will feel like the ultimate romantic movie. And just like any good movie, the music sets the tone. That's why choosing wedding ceremony music is so crucial—it creates a soundtrack for every important moment, from the walk down the aisle to the first kiss and more.
Remember, your guests will experience the music before the vows or even the cake. Therefore, your ceremony music should reflect your theme and vision as a couple.
There is a benefit to live music for your ceremony –
Timing is everything at a wedding ceremony, and live musicians can ensure everything is timed to a tee. Live musicians can lengthen or shorten a song to match the pace at which the wedding moving.
Musicians have the ability to make music seamless for entrances. There is nothing more dramatic than to have a bride come down the aisle at her own pace and have the music end as though the piece was written just for her. Recorded music cannot do this.
And then there is the atmosphere that music creates. Live music shows up at the moments in life we never forget. Your guests will appreciate at least some aspect of live music at your wedding because seeing and hearing live musicians adds to the sensory experience of your guests. Even if you only use live music to add an intimate touch to your ceremony with a fine soloist or duet, music you have both selected to create your own specific wedding music adds that special touch to the overall ceremony experienced by both you and your guests.
Think about the type of wedding ceremony music you'd like to hear.
It's a common misconception that live ceremony musicians can only play classical music. While, yes, classical is played at many traditional weddings, we are able to perform anything from Country to Contemporary, from Pop Standards to Religious Hymns or a combination of all the above. Maybe your first dance was to a county song, but your mom’s favorite song is an old church hymn- you can incorporate both. You get to select which range, type and songs you want and the order you prefer. It is music specifically designed by you for YOUR ceremony.
On our “Song Options” page, we give a starting point from which you can begin to decide what you would like to select. Please remember, these are not all the songs we know and some of our favorite songs have been a request for us to learn.
Start the search early.
"The process of booking ceremony music should be one of the exciting and fun aspects of your wedding planning, so do not wait. It might take a little "homework" to find the perfect music for your wedding.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Can we be creative in the ceremony music we choose or do you just play what’s on the list?
We our happy to learn the songs you feel will best fit the atmosphere of your ceremony.
Our song list is just a beginning point to get the conversation started.
2. What is your pricing? Do you offer any package deals or discounts?
For Ceremony Music -we charge $500.
If you wish to add an additional hour of cocktail hour music - we will do both for $600.
We offer a 10% discount for active military.
3. What does your pricing include? Is travel/transportation and sound system included?
Our pricing includes time to learn your specially requested music, set up time, travel within the Nashville
area, performance time, keyboard (if applicable) and small sound system (if needed).
4. Do you use a contract?
Yes, we do use a contract.
We believe the best way to try to avoid any miscommunications to write everything down.
5. When are payments due? What type of payment do you accept?
We will accept half of the total fee at the time you sign your contract with the rest paid before the day of your ceremony. We will arrive early to set up which will facilitate this process.
We accept cash/check only.
6. How do we finalize our ceremony music? What is that process like?
We will speak for the first time in person or on the phone to discuss what type of music you prefer and what
you are hoping to achieve with your ceremony music. This initial conversation will start to outline the order
and the type of music you want for your ceremony.
When you are ready, we will sign a contract which will spell out the details: the specific songs and the order of
the music.
At this time, we will accept half of the payment to hold your wedding day for you.
Note: This deposit is nonrefundable because we are holding your day for you and will turn down other offers.
Two weeks before your event, I will follow up with you to make sure there are no changes to time, event
location, situational set up or changes to the music you selected.
From the time you sign your contract, I remain open to answering questions and making whatever changes
need to be made. Better communication produces a happier event.
7. Am I limited to just a duo (vocal and pianist) or can I add other musicians?
No, you are not limited to just myself and my pianist.
For approximately $150 to $200 per person, you can add other instruments such as a violin or guitar, etc...
What ceremony songs do I need to choose?
There are five main musical opportunities at a wedding ceremony (with a couple of caveats).
The Prelude Music: This is the music that will play while guests are entering and taking their seats. This music aims to welcome the guests to your wedding and sets the tone for the rest of the ceremony. You will need to select multiple songs as the prelude will last about 20 to 30 minutes as guests are arriving.
The Processional Song is the wedding ceremony music that is played while the wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc.) is walking down the aisle. It is good to choose music that’s neither too fast nor too slow. Select a song that has a rhythm that matches a natural walking pace.
The Bridal Processional After the wedding party has taken their places, there is a brief pause before the bride’s grand entrance. Traditionally, all of the guests stand up and a new song—typically one with a bit more drama—is performed. You can go in a variety of directions with this selection - from something grand and traditional to a song that’s sweet and lively, but just be sure that it matches the magnitude of the moment.
Interlude Music: While you don’t have to have interlude music during your ceremony, it may be necessary play music during a particular ritual or to transition from one portion of the ceremony to another. Interlude songs usually have an ultra-romantic and emotional feel.
***Note: If you are having a Catholic Ceremony, you will want to select the Psalm, Preparatory and Communion Music along with the Mass Parts.
The Recessional Song: You’re married, and it’s time to celebrate! The recessional song should be very upbeat and joyful to help lead guests into the celebration to follow. Depending on your ceremony location, you can even be a little cheeky and humorous if you so desire.
The Postlude Songs: Guests may linger for a bit after the proceedings ends, so you’ll want to have some wedding ceremony music lined up to be played after the recessional. The postlude songs should have a similar celebratory feel to your recessional song.
Check out this link to learn more about Music for Your Ceremony
and what types of songs might fit into each part of your wedding.
There is a lot of helpful links provided on this page also:
Wedding Ceremony Music 101: Everything You Need to Know (weddingwire.com)