9 Tips For Hiring Wedding Ceremony Musicians

"body">about the type of music that's allowed. Also, some
After the date has been set, the flowers have beenvenues may have a list of ceremony musicians from
ordered, and the dress has been fitted, the focus ofwhich to choose.
wedding planning turns to the more intricate details of4. Check in with your spouse-to-be.It'll be more
the ceremony and reception -- especially music.memorable for both of you if you make the selection
Incorporate as little or as much music as you'd like ontogether, and you might be surprised to find out that
your wedding day.your fiance/fiancee has some specific ideas about
Live wedding ceremony musicians add a great touchthe music for the wedding.
of personality to your celebration. Organ or piano?5. Ask potential musicians for references.Experienced
Jazz or swing? Whichever you prefer, you'll needwedding musicians will have a long list of happy
gifted and reliable talent to provide the music on yourcouples who can vouch for their talent and
special day.professionalism.
The musicians you choose for your wedding6. Preview a performance.Ask to attend an upcoming
ceremony can have a huge impact on how the bigevent at which your potential musicians are
day is remembered -- by both you and yourperforming.
spouse...and your guests. Before you sign on the7. Get a contract. If you're hiring professional
dotted line, keep in mind these tips designed to helpmusicians to play, be sure to get a written contract
make sure that the musicians you choose are afor their services. Be prepared to put down a
perfect fit.deposit, and ask about their protocol for future
1. Consider the theme or style of your wedding fortouch-base meetings and selecting the music.
help in selecting the type of musician you'd like to8. Hire musicians who can multi-task. Do you want
have play. Be sure it fits the style of your day.instrumental and vocal music? Select an
Romantic? How about a harp. Classic? Maybe a stringinstrumentalist who can play all the parts of the
quartet. Traditional? Perhaps an organist. A little bitceremony, including accompanying the vocalist. This
country? Try a 12-string guitar.will help cut down on the budget and the number of
2. Consider the size of your guest list and venue.Apeople involved. On a super-tight budget? Hire a piano
smaller space and number of attendees might requireor guitar player who also sings.
a more intimate musical setting -- just a piano player9. Trust your gut.He may be a virtuoso violinist, but if
or harpist.something about the guy you're considering doesn't
3. Check with the contact person at yourseem quite right, move on to your next choice.
venue.Many venues, particularly churches, have rules