6 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR INCLUDING LIVE MUSIC IN YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY
Live music at a wedding ceremony brings with it a lively boost to proceedings. It brings a new level of romanticism, uniqueness, and personal touch. The visual of a pianist, a singer with a guitar, a string quartet or whatever a couple decides upon also adds a pleasing element to the overall aesthetics.
What should a couple and a qualified marriage celebrant be aware of in when it comes to being prepared for a live musician?
Here are 6 quick but essential tips:
- Make sure that the musician/s are briefed well. Don’t just expect them to show up without any knowledge of why they are there. When they are performing in the ceremony etc. Don’t “wing” it. Do they know that they are performing the processional song? Or when the couple signs the registry? Or both? Do you want them to play prelude music? You may or may not be surprised by how often a musician will be asked at the last minute “Can you play something while the guests leave?” Most don’t mind if they have the repertoire, but it shouldn’t be a surprise.
- Make sure you know what you are getting. “My sister’s boy plays guitar and sings alright. He could do you a song I reckon.” If you are organising it, make sure you have heard the musician/s personally. Surprises can be great but accidentally booking a banshee to perform could be a less than favourable bombshell.
- Advise the musician/s on the dress code. Musicians can be awkward at the best of times and may not to think to ask what they should wear. I know because I’m one of them.
- Allow for rehearsal, especially if they aren’t seasoned. If you are giving someone a go, say a family member for example, who doesn’t have a lot or any performance experience, make sure to give them practise time in any rehearsals that you do. If you aren’t having a rehearsal
- Make sure that the PA set up is appropriate for the musician/s and the setting. Can the musician/s be heard and is it not overpowering?
- Know when they are arriving and that they have adequate time for setting up and settling in. Setting up a mic and music stand, amplification of any instruments, ensuring everything is working well, tuning the instruments etc. takes a little time and the day is stressful enough without having a muso out of sync with the timing of the ceremony.
Do you love weddings and all things weddings? Do you want a career where your job is to help make one of the biggest days in a couple’s life, their happiest? You might make a great wedding celebrant. Join Rose Training Australia now for their CHC41015 – Certificate IV in Celebrancy and you could be on your way to becoming a qualified Marriage Celebrant.