Rehearsal Dinner
The music should be elegant for dining. The styles of music that would be appropriate are: classical, folk or traditional. The types of musical groups that recommended are: solo, duo, trio. Music should provide a pleasant background atmosphere for the wedding party and family to discuss final details of the wedding and get further acquainted.
Ceremony
Music should be reflective of the importance of the day and ceremonial atmosphere. The styles of music that would be appropriate are: classical, folk, traditional, light popular. The types of musical groups recommended are: duo, trio, quartet or quintet.
The ceremony music can be divided into three sections:
Prelude - The prelude is played while guests are being seated, entrance of best man, groom, entrance of mothers, bridesmaids, and bride. The prelude music is scheduled 20 - 45 minutes prior to the ceremony and is generally more subdued and regal in quality.
Special Music - Special music is played during an offering, prayer, or after vows.
Postlude - The postlude is played after the presenting of the Bride and Groom and during the receiving line after the ceremony. Postlude music lasts between 5 - 30 minutes after the ceremony and is more lively and joyous in sound.
Reception
Music should reflect the joy and excitement of the new couple and the wedding celebration. The styles of music that would be appropriate are: classical, folk, traditional, popular, jazz, soft rock. The types of musical groups recommended are: duo, trio, quartet, quintet or band.
The reception can be divided into two sections:
- Dinner Hour(s): Hire a solo piano or small group if you plan to have a DJ later.
- Reception (two options):
- Traditional - Hire a classical ensemble such as a wind/string duo, wind trio, string quartet, brass quintet, wind quartet.
- Contemporary - Hire a classical quintet, pop/jazz group, dance band, or DJ.
If your guests are:
- teens - 40's: select light classical, pop/rock band, DJ
- children, 20's - 50's: select folk, classical, soft rock, jazz, DJ
- children, 30's - 60's: select folk, classical, light popular, jazz
- children, 40's - 80's: select folk, traditional, ethnic, classical,
light popular, jazz
Common Questions
1. What type of music or instrumentation is available?
Just about anything you want!
2. What is the background and training of the musicians?
Most have music degrees or play professionally.
3. Will the musicians wear formal attire?
Black is pretty standard unless a request is made for another color.
4. Do the musicians come to the wedding rehearsal?
Most of the musicians have played for more weddings than any Bride or Groom will ever attend. You would have to pay the musicians for the rehearsal but they may already have a Friday night gig. Actually, it's more exciting when you hear the music the day of the wedding. It's a great moment.
5. Is a deposit required?
50% is the standard deposit.
6. When is the deposit due?
Within 10 days of receiving the wedding music agreement.
7. When is the balance of payment required?
One week before the wedding. No one likes to have to bother with checks on their wedding day.
8. Will I be charged for the time between the ceremony and reception if I use the same group?
Generally not if it is in the same location. If there is a large amount of time or distance between the ceremony/reception, you will be charged the total time from when the musicians begin the prelude music to the end of the cocktail hour/dinner/reception. Professional musicians are known to perform for several weddings in one day -- every hour counts.
9. Do I have to "feed the musicians"?
Not unless they are scheduled for both the ceremony/reception. Musicians are used to eating before or after their performances, but you may want to have a sandwich or small plate of food made up for them to eat quickly before the reception begins. The food does not have to be the same as what your guests are eating. By offering a small plate of food, you won't have to listen to the musician's stomachs growl -- they can concentrate on the music better.
10. How and when do I select the music?
We will coordinate all the music for you so that there is nothing to worry about. We have been known to coordinate whole ceremonies by internet, fax and phone!
11. Do we tip the musicians?
This is up to you. People are sometimes so moved by the ceremony/reception music that they voluntarily tip the musicians, but it is your choice.