Choosing Wedding Ceremony Musicians

Submitted By: Georgia String Ensemble

Help! How do I choose a group to play during my wedding ceremony?

First of all, decide if you are "traditional" or more "eclectic" in your style of wedding. If you are "traditional", then you will most likely be happy with a solo violin, trumpet, or harp for a small wedding; and you will most likely want a string quartet or trio for a medium to large wedding (75+ attendees). String quartets are the first thing that comes to most people's minds when they think elegant, romantic, fairytale wedding. It is what we see on TV and in the movies most often, and for good reason. The sound is intimate and romantic, and gives a feel of prosperity and elegance. Quartets don't have to cost an arm and a leg, but they certainly can sound like they did! Choose a quartet that is willing to work with your budget, but don't expect to pay "music student" prices for pros. You will be disappointed in the sound if you hire students and save a couple hundred bucks, only to ruin your one chance at a perfect day. If you are having a videographer, which you should have, then you will be listening to your ceremony music for many years to come. Look for a quartet that will let you use credit cards, and you can get what you want without worrying before the wedding. Don't compromise your one shot by saving a little bit of money, or going with a group that you feel you must just because you can afford them right now. Use a credit card or PayPal and get what you DESERVE! You will not be sorry.

If you are the "eclectic" type, look for a guitar soloist that can sing your favorite tunes and play them as well. Maybe even a  bagpiper or electric keyboardist (they can play outdoors as well). Let your personality shine through your selections of music.

Whichever you choose, one word of caution, be aware that a DJ is NOT suitable for a ceremony!!!! TRUST ME! There is no "nice" way to end a piece of music early as your bridesmaids or the bride herself comes down the aisle. Even if he is savvy enough to "fade out", it will sound messy at best. Live professional musicians are trained to handle all situations, such as needing more time to get grandmothers down the aisle than just one pass through of "Jesu" or a little less than a whole run-through of "Pachelbel's Canon" as the bride enters. A DJ cannot make a tune last longer, slow it down, speed it up, or tastefully create an ending right there on the spot the way live professionals can do.

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