| Selecting the style of music you have performed at | | | | - Traditional, 'Raindrop Prelude' |
| your wedding ceremony can seem like a daunting | | | | - Chopin, 'Moon River' |
| prospect. Searching online will reveal that there are a | | | | - Henry Mancini |
| multitude of options to choose from, and when you | | | | Guitar (or Keyboard) and Vocal Duo |
| aren't quite sure what you want, it can be difficult to | | | | This option is most suitable for secular ceremonies, |
| commit to anything. | | | | particularly if you want a relaxed vibe, and more |
| So we have compiled an overview of your ceremony | | | | contemporary songs to be performed. Duo's can |
| music options, including pros and cons of each, with | | | | perform from a large repertoire of well-known pop, |
| the aim of making your decision a little less | | | | acoustic, groove, rock and even indie favourites. If |
| overwhelming: | | | | your guests are on the younger side especially, this |
| PART 1 | | | | choice will be perfect as the audience will connect |
| String Quartet | | | | with and relate to the music. |
| Versatile and expressive, a string quartet (or trio) | | | | If the duo is performing with electric guitar or |
| remains a popular choice for wedding ceremony | | | | keyboard, they will require a power source for their |
| music. Suitable for both religious and secular | | | | instruments, which can be problematic for some |
| ceremonies, string quartets can perform from a large | | | | garden ceremonies. |
| repertoire of classical and popular songs, and it is | | | | As this duo will come with a vocalist, there are lyrics |
| common for them to accept song requests (as long | | | | to consider as well as the music. Lyrics are a very |
| as they are given enough notice - leaving it until the | | | | powerful expressive tool, and can communicate to |
| day itself is a little late!). They also add a fantastic | | | | your guests how you and your partner feel about |
| visual element to the occasion, and will stimulate an | | | | one another. Just make sure you consider the lyrics |
| atmosphere of classic elegance. | | | | of your chosen music carefully - some songs don't |
| String quartets can perform outdoors at garden | | | | have the meaning that you initially expect them to! |
| ceremonies, although they will require cover or shade, | | | | A duo will range in price from around $500 to $900. |
| as sunlight (or rain!) will damage their instruments. | | | | A good idea if you like: |
| Hiring a string quartet for your ceremony will cost | | | | - 'I'm Yours' |
| around $600. | | | | - Jason Mraz, 'It's Only Natural' |
| A good idea if you like: | | | | - Crowded House, 'If I Ain't Got You' |
| - 'Canon in D' | | | | - Alicia Keys, 'Just The Two Of Us' |
| - Pachelbel, 'Spring' | | | | - Bill Withers, 'Better Together' |
| - Vivaldi, 'All You Need Is Love' | | | | - Jack Johnson |
| - The Beatles, 'Air on G' | | | | Jazz Band |
| - Bach. | | | | Hiring a jazz band to perform at your ceremony will |
| Harpist | | | | add a unique and sophisticated edge to the occasion. |
| Hiring a harpist for your wedding ceremony is another | | | | They can perform from an enormous instrumental |
| more traditional option, however like string quartets, | | | | repertoire, however a jazz band won't be able to |
| they are suitable for both religious and secular | | | | perform 'conventional' wedding songs that many of |
| ceremonies. If you have a romantic wedding in mind, | | | | your guests will expect. Generally, a trio or quartet is |
| a harpist will be ideal, as they exude romance both | | | | best, and you have the option of selecting the |
| musically and visually. | | | | instrumentation eg. saxophone, guitar and drums, or |
| The repertoire of a harpist is far more limited than | | | | trumpet, guitar and bass. |
| other options, as they have a narrower range of | | | | If the jazz band is acoustic, there won't be the issue |
| sound and expression. They also have quite a soft | | | | of requiring power if the ceremony is outdoors. Also, |
| dynamic, so are more suited to intimate ceremonies. | | | | a jazz band will also project sound further than most |
| If you are having an outdoor wedding, the harpist will | | | | other groups (particularly if you choose to include a |
| require shade or cover to avoid damage to their | | | | horn player) so your guests will be able to enjoy the |
| instrument. | | | | music without struggling to hear it. |
| A harpist will generally cost around $350. | | | | A jazz trio will generally cost around $900, and a |
| A good idea if you like: | | | | quartet will start from $1200. |
| - 'Greensleeves' | | | | |