Planning Music For Your Wedding

Giving a little thought to the music in your ceremony will greatly enhance the personalization and mood of your special day.

-Prelude- a selection of music for your guests to enjoy. Sets the mood for the day. Usually chosen by the musician with suggestions on style by the bride and groom.
-Bridesmaid's Entrance- this piece can be traditional or modern, but is most often quiet and serene in style
-Processional- can be traditional, modern or religious. Style tends to be march-like
-Unity Candle/Communion- these elements often benefit from instrumental or vocal music. They are good places for religious themed songs, whether traditional or modern
-Special music- a feature song works well if it is a favorite of the bride and grooms AND if there is someone with good talent to sing it.
-Recessional- this piece can be traditional or modern, but most often is short and has a faster tempo
-Postlude- a selection of music for your guests to enjoy as they line up to greet the wedding party. Usually chosen by the musician with suggestions on style by the bride and groom. This is a good place for fun tunes, favorites, or songs that wouldn't be appropriate in the ceremony itself.

Hiring Musicians

Depending on your budget you may want to hire a single musician, or you could spring for a string quartet or other small ensemble for your ceremony.

Generally speaking, you should expect to pay 175-250 dollars for a pianist/organist for a standard wedding ceremony. Lots of customization or unusual requests could cost you more.

Many people hire DJs for their reception, but a lounge pianist or band can add alot of class to your reception.