Choosing Your Wedding Musicians

Choosing the musicians to create that special ambiance is a specific outcome of "DECIDING WHAT AMBIANCE YOU WANT THE MUSIC TO CONVEY." For Example, you can have Traditional, Contemporary, Eclectic, Llight-hearted, Reflective of a specific culture or faith etc.

When you set the overall tone, it creates a framework from which to consider specific musicians and instruments to create the feel you want.

CHOOSE MUSIC THAT REFLECTS YOUR PERSONALITY & IS MEANINGFUL TO YOU
This is YOUR day. Don't try to please your Aunt/Uncle/Brother/Mother or anyone else by playing a tribute to Lawrence Welk or accordion classics. Think about specific songs that convey what you and your intended mean to each other, and consider the styles and instrumentation of music that support the feel you want to create. Keep in mind that certain types of music are better suited to each section of your day and the type of location that is chosen.

CHOOSE INSTRUMENTS THE FIT THE MOOD YOU WANT TO CONVEY
Each instrument and combination of instruments convey different emotional overtones. A bluegrass combo playing "Turkey in theStraw" might not be the most appealing for your Ceremony while an organist might not be as much fun for Dancing the night away.

HOW DO YOU FIND A MUSICIAN?

Ask your local Federation of Musicians, music stores, teaching associations, record stores, and venues that feature bands and performers
Ask friends who have been married recently to recommend any musicians that they used
Check online for information on musicians and bands. Many cities have online bulletin boards listing performers, venues & events. Do a search for "musicians/ name of your town"
Check with your local newspaper; many have an entertainer section that lists local performers
Listen to radio stations (internet or broadcast that feature local musicans)
Most professional musicians have websites that specify the geographic areas in which they will perform.

INTERVIEW MUSICIANS
Explain the style and feel of music you are interested in and ask if this falls within their performance repertoire.
Some other questions to ask:

How long have you been performing?
What styles of music do you play?
What combination of instruments are available? What are the qualifications of the other musicians that you work with?
How many weddings have you performed at? Would you be willing to provide names and phone numbers of some of your previous clients?
What are your rates? Do you have a minimum "package" fee, or is it an hourly rate? Do your rates include rehearsal night, purchase of music, other preparations or extra rehearsals?

HAVE A CONSULTATION WITH THE PROSPECTIVE MUSICIAN(S)

Listen to them play song samples or request a copy of a CD if they have one
Look at lists of songs they have in their repertoire
Compile a list of songs that you like from the repertoire presented
More importantly, make sure to tell them what songs you definitely DO NOT WANT! Many people say "anything is fine" when choosing songs, then begin to realize there are songs they definitely do NOT want. Narrowing your list by eliminating songs you don't want is critical to ensuring am ambiant and enjoyable "musical" wedding day.
The music for the most important sections of the Ceremony should be chosen and listed. Both the Bride and the Musician Leader should have a copy for easy referral and/or changes. If a family member or friend is going to sing/play a solo, make sure that the musicians know if they are involved. If they are to accompany the soloist, provide all the contact information so that they can have a rehearsal prior to the day of the wedding.
In addition, you will need to decide on about 12-15 songs for prelude music, and another 3 to 5 postlude songs. If you trust the musician and feel they a good understanding of what you like, you can leave it to them to choose the specific tunes. Others prefer to choose every song. Your comfort level will dictate how you decide on the selections!

Please note: Most musicians do not charge for the consultation

TRUSTING THE MUSICIAN
A good musician will want you to have the best musical experience possible, even if that means referring you to other musicians who might be better suited to your needs. If you feel that the mtch is not quite right, don't be afraid to ask for referrals.

IF HIRING THE MUSICIANS
Make sure to have a clear agreement in writing. If it is a professional, they will probably have a contract or a performance information sheet which should include:

The Bride and/or Groom's name and contact information; time, date and location of the wedding; the wedding rehearsal (if included); and any other portions of the day where they will be performing ex: receiving line, *bleep*tail reception, dinner, dance etc.
What specific duties the musician(s) will provide (e.g. play solo instrument, accompany singers, coordinate sound/ technical equipment needs, act as liaison with officiant, etc.)
What the total fee will be and payment process i.e some musicians require a non-refundable or partially refundable deposit with the balance payable on the day of the wedding; others prefer a postdated cheque etc. It is recommended that you try to ensure that you do not have to make payments on the day of the wedding. Your life will be "busy" without having to remember to pay musicians and other professionals
What equipment the musician(s) will provide; what you or the venue are responsible for providing
Who will be the person to cue the musician(s) about when the formal sections of the ceremony and other parts of the wedding begins
Dress code for the musicians
Any special music needs (e.g. will the musician play at the reception in addition to the wedding, or have special songs for children during the service, first dances, etc.)

PERFORMING FEES

Most musicians (soloists or small ensembles) charge a flat fee for weddings (average ranges anywhere from $300 to $800); some will charge an hourly fee. Keep in mind that this includes rehearsal time; scoring arrangements for the ensemble especially if it is an unusual combination; travel time; packing equipment, etc.
A simple wedding involves an average of 8 - 10 hours of work on the part of a musician including the actual ceremony, the rehearsal, arranging music and set lists, rehearsing with singers, consultations with the betrothed, etc. A complicated wedding can involve as much as 20 hours of behind the scenes work.
Having a clear sense of your wedding's structure and specific musical aspects will enable your potential musician to give you the most accurate price quote

MOST IMPORTANTLY, HAVE FUN!
Music is the emotional underscoring to your big day. Remember to have fun with it, let it be an expression of your personality, and don't be afraid to be creative. This is your time to showcase your style - pick, choose and combine to your heart's content. This is Your Day, Your Music, YOUR MEMORIES!

Created on 05/27/2010 05:48 PM by Averil
Updated on 05/27/2010 08:14 PM by Averil