Wedding Music: Inviting Instrumentalists, Yay Or Nay?

Live music is a key part of any wedding, and hiring the right musicians can create magical moments that you and your partner will remember for the rest of your lives. But what about the musicians themselves? Do you invite them to your wedding reception?

Well, it depends. If the musicians are also your friends, then it's common courtesy to invite them. However, if they are simply providing a service, then it's not necessary to extend an invitation. In fact, some musicians may even prefer not to eat amidst a bunch of strangers.

It's also worth considering the type of music you want at your wedding. If you're looking for soft, romantic sounds, a solo violinist or a string quartet might be a good choice. Alternatively, if you want something more modern, an electric pianist or a contemporary violinist can add a twist to traditional wedding music.

Inviting instrumentalists to the rehearsal dinner

When it comes to inviting instrumentalists to your wedding rehearsal dinner, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is common courtesy to invite anyone who will be participating in your wedding ceremony to the rehearsal dinner. This includes individuals with a role in the ceremony, such as those bringing up gifts, as well as the wedding party and immediate family. If your instrumentalist falls under this category, they should definitely be invited.

Secondly, it is customary to offer plus-ones to those invited to the rehearsal dinner, especially if they are travelling to attend the wedding. This can make them feel more comfortable and ensure that everyone has someone to talk to during the dinner. If your instrumentalist falls into this category, you may want to extend the invitation to their plus-one as well.

Thirdly, if you are having a destination wedding or the majority of your guests are travelling, it is a nice gesture to invite out-of-town guests to the rehearsal dinner. This gives them something to do the night before the wedding and is a great way to welcome them. If your instrumentalist is travelling to your wedding, they would fall into this category and should be invited.

Lastly, the decision of who to invite to the rehearsal dinner ultimately comes down to the couple's preferences and budget. If you have a close relationship with the instrumentalist and would like them to be part of the celebration, by all means, invite them! It is not a requirement, but it could be a wonderful way to express your gratitude and make them feel appreciated.

Ceremony music restrictions

Music is a key part of your wedding ceremony, and there are several "musical moments" where you'll want to work with your chosen musicians to select specific songs.

Prelude

Soft music playing in the background as your guests arrive, take their seats, and wait for the ceremony to begin. Prelude songs should be upbeat, joyful, and romantic.

Processional

Music played as the wedding party walks down the aisle, followed by a different song for the bride or second partner. These songs should match a natural walking pace and the grandeur of the moment.

Interlude

Some ceremonies use music to transition between different parts of the proceedings. These songs are usually emotional and can be performed by friends or family members with musical talent.

Signing of the Register

You'll need at least two songs to play while you sign the register and your guests take photos.

Recessional

Once the couple is married, a celebratory and upbeat song is played as they exit the ceremony, followed by the wedding party.

Postlude

Instrumental music played as guests are leaving the ceremony, usually selected by the musicians to match the feel of the recessional.

If you're getting married in a church, you may be required to choose religious music for your ceremony or have the officiant approve your choices.

Meeting and previewing the band

Initial Contact

When you first reach out to potential wedding bands, be sure to ask if they are available on your wedding date. It is also a good idea to inquire about their setup requirements, such as how much space they need and whether they require a soundcheck on the day of the event. Ask about their cancellation policy and how many breaks they will need throughout the evening.

Interviews and Showcases

Schedule interviews with your favourite bands to get to know them better. During the interview, ask about their experience playing at weddings and if they have performed at your venue before. Inquire about their performance style and the types of music they specialise in. Ask if they can share videos of recent performances or if they host public showcases that you can attend.

Live Performances

Watching a band perform live is the best way to determine if they are a good fit for your wedding. Pay attention to the transition between songs, as a smooth flow is essential to keeping your guests on the dance floor. Also, consider the volume and ensure that the band can provide a comfortable sound level for all your guests.

Questions to Ask

• What are your favourite songs to perform?
• Can you provide a playlist or setlist in advance?
• Are there any specialty groups or songs that the band can play?
• How many singers and instruments are in the band?
• What type of wardrobe do you typically wear for performances?
• Do you require a vendor meal, and are there any special dietary requirements?
• What time will you arrive at the venue, and how long will setup and breakdown take?

Contract and Rider

Before signing a contract, review it carefully and ensure that all the details are correct, including the band's name, instrumentation/personnel, date, time, venue, and fees. The contract may also include a rider, which outlines the band's requirements, such as stage dimensions, power needs, and meal provisions. Discuss any overtime clauses and confirm what the band will wear.

Remember, meeting and previewing the band is crucial to ensuring that your wedding entertainment meets your expectations and creates a memorable experience for you and your guests.

Checking references

When it comes to checking references for your wedding instrumentalist, here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Personal Connections: If you have friends or family members who are musicians or have hired musicians for their weddings, reach out to them for recommendations. Word-of-mouth referrals can be a great way to find talented and reliable wedding musicians. Ask about their experiences, including the quality of the performance, professionalism, and ease of collaboration.
• Online Reviews: Take advantage of online platforms, such as Google Reviews, to research potential wedding musicians. Read reviews thoroughly and look for patterns in feedback. Pay attention to both positive and negative comments to get a well-rounded understanding of their work ethic and performance style.
• Vendor Websites: Visit the websites of wedding musicians you are considering. Look for audio or video clips of their performances. Some larger music agencies may also host showcases or provide links to their artists' websites, allowing you to hear and see them in action.
• Previous Clients: Don't hesitate to ask the musicians for references from previous clients. Contact these clients and inquire about their experiences working with the musicians. Ask about their professionalism, punctuality, and willingness to accommodate special requests.
• Wedding Planners: If you are working with a wedding planner, they can be a valuable resource for finding reputable wedding musicians. They often have extensive networks in the industry and can provide insights into which musicians are reliable, talented, and easy to work with.
• Social Media: Scrolling through social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook can also help you find wedding musicians. Look for accounts dedicated to wedding music or hashtags related to wedding entertainment. This can be a great way to discover up-and-coming talent and read reviews from recently married couples.

Remember, checking references is an important step in hiring any wedding vendor, including musicians. It ensures that you are making an informed decision and helps set the right expectations for your big day.

Choosing the right type of pianist

When it comes to choosing the right pianist for your wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to know what type of music you want to be played. Pianists can play a variety of genres, including classical, jazz, pop, and indie-pop. So, decide on the vibe you want to create and choose a pianist who specializes in that style. Keep in mind that some pianists are great all-rounders and can play pretty much anything.

Next, consider the experience and skill level of the pianist. If you want a seamless performance with no mistakes, you'll need to hire a professional who has plenty of wedding performance experience. This will likely cost more, but it will be worth it for the peace of mind. Amateurs may charge less, but there is a higher risk of mistakes.

Another factor to think about is the length of the performance. If you only need a pianist for a short time, you may not need to book an expensive concert pianist. However, if you require the pianist to play for an extended period, look for someone with the stamina and experience to maintain their performance throughout.

The size of your wedding can also influence your choice of pianist. For a small, intimate gathering, you may not need to hire the most expensive pianist. Instead, opt for a less costly option while being aware that this may come with a higher risk of mistakes.

When choosing a pianist, be sure to read their bio, check out their repertoire, and watch any available videos of their performances. This will give you a good idea of their style and skill level. It's also a good idea to read reviews and testimonials from couples they have played for in the past.

Don't forget to consider the practical aspects, such as whether the pianist provides their own instrument, their setup time, and any additional requirements they may have. Communicate your schedule and expectations clearly, and make sure the pianist is able to accommodate your requests.

By following these guidelines, you'll be able to choose the right pianist to create the perfect ambiance for your wedding.

Frequently asked questions