On Music Choices & Wedding Musicians

As I was playing my music way too loud on the way to work this morning, singing and fully enjoying the ride, I was also thinking just how powerful of an effect music has on us.~ setting the tone, lifting our mood, etc.

Considering the tone, style and musicians for your event? Finding yourself wondering where to start? Relax. Keep reading for a few suggestions to help you find the right musicians and to capture and set the tone ~ at the ceremony and reception, whether that's casual, traditional, non-traditional, formal affair...

First, consider your style and the feeling you want to evoke through your musicians and play lists. Hiring classical musicians for a formal wedding or garden wedding is incredibly lovely but is that for you? Match the style to the tone you want. Consider the moments during your ceremony where you may need music ...seating guests during the Prelude and during the Processional as the bridal party walks up the aisle. You definitely want to change up the music as YOU walk up the aisle. Consider Interlude music to highlight something special during your ceremony. And, of course the Recessional music~ You're married! (If I could do it over again, I'd play something fun like "I feel good" by James Brown) And concluding the ceremony is the Postlude music. How about the music for your reception? Still, where do you start?

Tips to Choosing your music and your musicians:

Plan early: Good musicians will be booked quickly.
Decide the tone you want to convey. Which style do you prefer: traditional, casual, formal... classical, pop, country...
Know your musical likes and dislikes. Visit Wedding Wire or iTunes, etc. and spend time sampling the different genres. By the time you talk with prospective musicians, your wedding vision will be solid providing you with great questions to ask of them.
Finding Musicians: seek referrals, look online, ask wedding planners recommendations, talk to your church. Interview the musicians and hear them play. Budget tip: Inquire at the music department for students looking for experience at a nearby university.
What to ask prospective musicians: After you've researched genres and styles, ask if the musicians are comfortable with your choices. Can they perform what you would like them to perform? You can't expect them to play Taylor Swift when you've hired them for Bach. Communicate your desires!
Additional musicians? Are you planning on having your best friend sing during the ceremony or play alongside your hired musicians? Make sure your prospective musicians are comfortable with that scenario.
Communicate the specifics of where the ceremony will take place: outside, indoors, etc. Clue your musicians in on the acoustics.
Equipment: What do your musicians need for set up: chairs, amps, etc.
Inquire about restrictions: Before you hire your musicians and plan your playlist, ask your officiate if there are any restrictions that you need to be aware of.
Be accepting of the suggestions from your hired professional musicians. If you're hiring them, be confident of their abilities and judgments.
Contract: Make sure to ask and get in writing, all costs including hidden fees, start and end times, overtime fees, breakdown of costs. Make sure equipment needs, start and end times as well as break schedules are in the contract as well.