There is something very fulfilling about having live professional music at your event ...
The addition of a singer, violinist, pianist, harpist, string quartet, live band or acappella group etc, adds quality and atmosphere to your wedding.
The ambiance becomes special and very personal allowing you to reflect your character and taste.
You have a lot of mark points to consider, the signing of the registry, the cocktail hour, the reception etc, which will all give you an opportunity for expression.
LIVE MUSIC TIPS
Do consider your guests and how the volume of the music might affect them, some portions of your wedding might not benefit from certain forms of live music, depending on the volume and pace.
Do match your live music to the type of event you are hosting.
Do include some music which is well known, guests react better to music which is familiar and that they can relate to.
Do ask questions of your musicians, you will need to know how amenable they are to making adjustments, taking requests etc.
Do listen to music samples and make sure that your choices flow well.
Do listen to the live music elsewhere beforehand to see if it is what you are looking for.
Do realise that you will need a place for them to set up and perform.
Don’t amplify the music too loud, people will need to talk and congratulate you etc.
OPTIONS TO CONSIDER
Do take into account the type of music you want at your event as this will dictate the type of musician you would need to hire. A fun casual celebration would be less suited for a string quartet, than a full formal function.
But do not underestimate the beauty of seemingly formal instruments in informal settings, within reason ... Balance to suit.
Harp
Angelic, rich and flowing the harp is an excellent choice for weddings as it enhances rather than overpower the atmosphere. You can still hold a full conversation, enjoy speeches and hear all announcements without stopping the music or interference to the spoken words. The harp is a beautiful instrument, very heavenly, emotional and captivating relaying the essence of love. This makes it also suitable for use at the cocktail hour and parts of the reception. Be sure to hire a fully experienced professional if you are considering a harpist for your wedding as the cues must be clean and well timed to avoid silent spots during important features like the wedding march etc.
Acappella Group
The beauty of an acappella group for wedding use, is that you have the splendor of the melodious tones, through voice, without the need for instrumental accompaniment. This is a very unusual, memorable option which is becoming increasingly popular and successful due to the versatility and ease of set up of the service. Acappella music is fresh and exciting putting a harmonious twist on all your favourites. Sit down with your chosen group and discuss touches, with the use of voice, which will make your presentation even more remarkable. This is suitable for any type of wedding.
Violinist
Our “Treasured Memories” Area 1 Caribbean winners wedding competition used a live solo violinist for the beautiful garden ceremony. He provided Processional, Recessional, signing of the registry and background music throughout the ceremony adding a romantic touch to the ceremony. A violin evokes a sense of class and refinement; soft and gentle without overpowering, the violin blends well with the overall theme of a semi-formal to formal wedding.
String Quartet
A very traditional, beautiful sound which adds a touch of grandness to your event. Very classy, this option would suit a semi-formal to formal wedding. While magnificent, bear in mind that this option requires set up space, is not easily moveable and needs rehearsal, so if considering, budget accordingly.
Pianist
Elegant and versatile a piano soloist can easily match the tone and atmosphere of a variety of wedding themes. The piano is able to emulate a variety of styles and standards making it suitable for any type of wedding from civil to ultra formal. Also advantageous to conversation, the piano is the perfect choice for background music as well as entrances etc and accompaniment for vocal soloists. Please note that as the piano is a large instrument you will need to verify as to if the pianist will be providing their own instrument or if you have to arrange facilities for them. Some venues have a piano on site, if not, a keyboard is often satisfactory.
These are only a sample, there are other services you can consider, Saxophonist, solo Guitar etc.
When hiring a professional live entertainer, what should you look for?
You will need somebody who is enthusiastic and takes a genuine interest in your needs; talk to all your prospects first. This interview will enable you to get an understanding of their values and see if they match with your requirements.
Ensure that who you choose is versatile; they will need to have a good range of possible styles, play favourites as well as lesser known pieces.
Feel comfortable with someone who has no problem with a contract, your wedding music is important so you need to make sure that the date is secure. Make sure that the contract is clear so that you know exactly how much time, variations etc you will be getting for your package.
Ensure you know exactly who will be playing your music. You want to enjoy the musician you hired not a stand-in.
INFORMATION REQUIRED BY THE MUSICIAN
To successfully do their job a live musician would need to know certain information which would be your responsibility to give them.
The Date
The time and duration of their services
Specifics of their services i.e. Processional, signing of registry, cocktail hour etc
If there are any other live musicians scheduled to perform and if so what would be the schedule for all
Theme of the wedding Whether the event is an indoor or outdoor function
How far would they need to go to transport and set up their services? For example, will they need to climb stairs etc?
If it is outdoors will they be under a covered area
