Things You'll Need:
- Wedding date, location, and directions
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Step 1
Choose instrumentation - Most couples make use of the pipe organ, violins or other strings, trumpets or other brass, maybe a flute or two, or perhaps a clever combination of any of the above. Decide what instruments you both enjoy.
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Step 2
Choose a genre - Some couples are extremely traditional, using Klezmer music in a Jewish wedding, for example. Others are musicians themselves, and actually perform during their own wedding! More contemporary music lovers might program tunes from a Broadway show or a favorite jazz composer. Again, try to agree on music styles you both like.
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Step 3
Be aware of potential outdoor troubles - If your wedding ceremony is outside, you will probably have to deal with temperature, wind, and/or extraneous sounds. Consider using louder instruments that carry well, such as those from the brass family. There is nothing wrong with flutes, clarinets, or violins, but they are not built for sound projection, and you will need more players to get the same volume as a brass player.
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Step 4
Communicate: Give specific piece titles and composers - Perhaps you have chosen “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven, “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Bach, “Trumpet Voluntary” by Clarke, and “Canon in D” by Pachelbel. It helps to know the composer’s last name, since some pieces by different composers have the same title. This will allow them to prepare properly.
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Step 5
Communicate: Give the order and timing of pieces - Do you want them to wait a few seconds after the organist has finished his prelude, then start the Bach; or play “Jesu” when the mothers are escorted in; or finish the Pachelbel when the last bridesmaid has reached her spot? Are you going to cue them from the altar, the side window, or the back door? Such detailed instructions allow the musicians to concentrate on creating a beautiful musical backdrop by playing the right tunes at the right times.
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Step 6
Think about placement - Place the musicians where they can see the person who will give them a nod or some other cue for starting the music. It’s a good idea to have the musicians near the organist if everyone is supposed to play together. In general, just make sure they can see the ceremony’s progress, since a sanctuary full of standing wedding guests does not bode well if the musicians need eye contact from someone across the room.
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Step 7
Budget for live music - The phrase “you get what you pay for” also works with live music, so listen to potential groups online or in person before hiring, if possible. At the very least, get a personal recommendation from someone you trust. Once you find a group you like, find out what they usually charge and ask yourself if their quote fits into your wedding budget. See if they are willing to negotiate. If you’re still not sure, it’s time to be bluntly honest and figure out your priorities: Do you save some money, or do you provide live music to add that extra sparkle to your wedding?
