Many couples choose live music for their
wedding day celebrations since many people believe that there
is nothing quite as exciting as the sound of music from real
instruments played by professional musicians. Live music comes
in many forms. For example, you can have anything from a full
orchestra, to an ensemble of musicians, to a soloist.
If you decide to have live musicians, you have a number of options
as to the size of the group according to the type of music you
wish played and the overall effect you wish to achieve. For
example, is the purpose of the music for your church ceremony or for dancing at your evening celebration? Your budget may
also have a major bearing on the number of musicians you have
since each additional musician and/or vocalist will cost an
additional sum. However, there are many very good reasonably
priced bands that specialise in weddings that can provide you
with a whole day or evening's entertainment without a record
or CD in sight!
Depending upon your budget, you don't have to have just one
type of performer since a mix of performers will make your day
even more special. For example, during your church ceremony,
you may choose to have the church organist play during the processional
and recessional but have a soloist or string quartet play during
the prelude and during the signing of the register. At your
evening reception, you could have a live band alternating every
45 minutes with a disc jockey. In this case you could have a
specialist live band that reflects your own musical interests
playing, for example, Jazz, Soul, Rock and Roll, Latin or Country
and Western, while the DJ plays a good mix of dance music. Alternatively,
you could have musicians or a soloist play background music
during your reception up to the point where a live band or DJ
takes over for the dancing.
And don't forget, your musicians will need feeding and watering,
so make sure your caterers are advised of their numbers!
Playing recorded music at your wedding reception,
that is hiring a disc jockey, is usually much less expensive
than hiring live musicians. However, just because it is less
expensive does not mean that it will be second rate. DJs offer
much greater versatility than live musicians because they are
able to play any type and any piece of music. Although live
music has distinct advantages, dancing to your favourite tunes
played by the original artists can be just as enjoyable if not
more so.
DJs will usually play continuously from the start of your reception
until the end, without breaks. They will provide quiet and suitable
background music during the wedding breakfast and will step
into party mode for the evening celebrations. Most DJs will
also act as master of ceremonies throughout the reception if
required.
Experience is a key factor when selecting a DJ so try and get
to see and hear the DJ you are considering before you make a
booking. You should also ensure that their sound system is sufficient
for the size of venue you have. Most DJs also provide lighting
and effects so find out what these are as they may or may not
be to your liking. To see DJs that are advertising on WeddingGuideUK.com,
please visit our entertainment
page in our products and services section.
Recorded music can also be played at your civil ceremony if
you are getting married at a licensed venue in
England or Wales. However, the music you choose must be non-religious
and be approved by the superintendent registrar who will be
conducting your ceremony. Generally, most non-religious music
will be allowed so long as it is fitting and suitable for the
occasion and does not degenerate the solemn institution of marriage.
You should check with your venue what sound system they have
and what format the music should be supplied on although most
venues will have tapes or CDs of the most popular wedding pieces.
The playing of some of your favourite recorded music may also
be allowed during your church ceremony, especially during the
period when you are in the registry signing the marriage register.
This would provide an pleasant contrast to the traditional organ
music played during the rest of the ceremony. Of course, the
approval of your church minister will be required and you will
probably need to supply a suitable sound system and a pre-recorded
tape or CD.
For details of music CDs that are available to help you choose
suitable music for your church service, please visit our recorded
music page in Confetti's online shop.
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