| Selecting the best musicians and musical pieces for | | | | Depending on the size of the crowd, as well as the |
| your wedding ceremony can either create magical | | | | setting (indoors or outdoors for example), the |
| moments, or put a damper on your perfect day. | | | | musicians may be required to amplify their |
| What follows are some suggestions and pitfalls to | | | | instruments to be heard. Many harpists have an |
| avoid in selecting your wedding ceremony musicians. | | | | elaborate system of contact microphones installed on |
| Hire the Pros | | | | their instruments, while many violinists and cellists use |
| Performing a wedding ceremony requires | | | | a clip-on microphone strategically placed. |
| professionalism and a musical timing that many | | | | The keyboardist and sax/flute players from the band |
| students have yet to attain. | | | | will usually bring a portable amplifier to perform the |
| In performing music during the wedding procession, | | | | ceremony and cocktail hours. In the event they need |
| the musicians must be able to time the music's | | | | to provide a microphone for the officiant, sometimes |
| tempo, start, ending, as well as be able to go into a | | | | a small PA (public address) system is used. |
| "holding pattern" if necessary to accommodate the | | | | Make sure that amplification is available, should it be |
| length and pace of the ceremony processional. | | | | needed. |
| They must also be able to create a musically | | | | How To Audition The Musicians |
| dramatic moment upon the entrance of the bride. | | | | In South Florida, wedding musicians like Manhattan |
| This moment is amongst the most memorable at any | | | | Music can be auditioned via audio CD, video or from a |
| wedding ceremony, and must be well-executed for | | | | website if the audio quality is good. If you go with |
| maximum effect. | | | | the band musicians, make sure you hear some |
| Classical Musicians Can Add Traditional Flair | | | | samples of their ceremony performance to make |
| Classical musicians always add an air of romance and | | | | sure the sounds are professional, and they have the |
| tradition to any wedding ceremony. Not only the | | | | ability to play the classical music authentically. |
| sound of a classical ensemble, but the look is very | | | | It is very difficult to go to someone else's wedding |
| classy. | | | | ceremony to hear them in person, so |
| A harpist with a flute player, (referred to as a | | | | recommendations by music companies or wedding |
| "flautist") are among the most popular | | | | planners can be helpful in your decision. Be aware |
| instrumentation, often with the addition of a cellist. | | | | that sometimes these wedding professionals may |
| String quartets, trios, Woodwind quintets and brass | | | | make a commission on their recommendations, so |
| choirs are sometimes used for dramatic effect. | | | | educate yourself as to the reputation of the person |
| If you are considering this option, be sure to budget | | | | you're taking advice from. |
| between $500-$1,200 for a small group. | | | | In Summary |
| Band Musicians Offer Flexibility | | | | 1. Hire the professionals. |
| Many ceremonies are also performed by the | | | | 2. Decide on Classical groups, or band musicians |
| keyboardist and woodwind player (sax and flute) | | | | 3. Make sure amplification is available. |
| from the band that will play dance music at the | | | | 4. Audition via CD or the web |
| reception. These musicians is can perform classical | | | | 5. Get expert opinions |
| pieces using high quality orchestral sounds from the | | | | Selecting the perfect musicians for your ceremony |
| keyboard, in addition to the flautist. | | | | can be fun and exciting, and should always include |
| They can then switch to jazz piano and sax for the | | | | industry pros to assist in making the right choice for |
| cocktail hour, and play standards, pop tunes and | | | | your needs and desires. Having wonderfully talented |
| show music in contrast to the ceremony repertoire. | | | | musicians perform for your ceremony can create a |
| It can also be more cost effective to use the band | | | | magical experience you and your guests will long |
| musicians at the ceremony. | | | | remember. |
| Can You Hear Me Now? Musicians and Amplification | | | | |