These days there are many sound samples available on the internet, so couples don't have to take an Intro. to Music course
to make educated choices. In fact, you don't have to know anything about what you're listening to at all. The main
criterion is that you like it! After all, it's a matter of taste.
Some musicians or places of worship place restrictions on what is considered proper for ceremonies. This is an injustice to
the client. That's why it is so important to consult with your musician before hiring him or her. You may listen to
recordings and inform them of your choices by phone or email that have personal meaning. You can greatly assist the
process prior to the consultation by listening to and identifying the style of music which most appeals to your tastes.
Specific composers (like Bach/Gounod) and periods (like Romantic) and names of works (such as Ave Maria) will greatly aid
the musician and make the consultation session more productive. Many musician sites list suggested pieces with sound
samples. Visit websites that sell CDs where you can search for wedding music and hear 30 second clips. I also encourage
couples to bring sheet music of favorite songs, tapes, or programs from other weddings when you meet.
If you are having your ceremony in a church, use discretion when requesting love songs and other secular music, keeping in
mind the sacred nature of the event and place. Your Minister or Wedding Liaison might offer guidance on this subject as
well. Rules defining restrictions vary from church to church, so ultimately these decisions should be made in conjunction
with the officiating minister. If your ceremony is at a hotel, country club, garden, or is simply less religious in tone, find
musicians who are open to non-traditional styles of music. Plan ahead. There has to be time to obtain sheet music for
specially requested songs, to work out arrangements, and to practice!
Stay in touch with your organist or music planner. If you have a Wedding Liaison, make sure she keeps in contact with your
musician(s). Even though it seems fleeting and ephemeral, music is as concrete a presence at your ceremony as the candles
and boutonnières. Make it as much a priority as planning your other details.
One last word of advice: Take your rehearsal seriously. The walk-through of the bridesmaids' processional, bridal march, and
recessional should be done in real time to give the organist or other performers a sense of exactly how much is required to
get people from point A to point B. It also alerts the bridal party to their cues so everything runs smoothly.
Resource: James A. Weinberg of Organist on a Roof.com
to make educated choices. In fact, you don't have to know anything about what you're listening to at all. The main
criterion is that you like it! After all, it's a matter of taste.
Some musicians or places of worship place restrictions on what is considered proper for ceremonies. This is an injustice to
the client. That's why it is so important to consult with your musician before hiring him or her. You may listen to
recordings and inform them of your choices by phone or email that have personal meaning. You can greatly assist the
process prior to the consultation by listening to and identifying the style of music which most appeals to your tastes.
Specific composers (like Bach/Gounod) and periods (like Romantic) and names of works (such as Ave Maria) will greatly aid
the musician and make the consultation session more productive. Many musician sites list suggested pieces with sound
samples. Visit websites that sell CDs where you can search for wedding music and hear 30 second clips. I also encourage
couples to bring sheet music of favorite songs, tapes, or programs from other weddings when you meet.
If you are having your ceremony in a church, use discretion when requesting love songs and other secular music, keeping in
mind the sacred nature of the event and place. Your Minister or Wedding Liaison might offer guidance on this subject as
well. Rules defining restrictions vary from church to church, so ultimately these decisions should be made in conjunction
with the officiating minister. If your ceremony is at a hotel, country club, garden, or is simply less religious in tone, find
musicians who are open to non-traditional styles of music. Plan ahead. There has to be time to obtain sheet music for
specially requested songs, to work out arrangements, and to practice!
Stay in touch with your organist or music planner. If you have a Wedding Liaison, make sure she keeps in contact with your
musician(s). Even though it seems fleeting and ephemeral, music is as concrete a presence at your ceremony as the candles
and boutonnières. Make it as much a priority as planning your other details.
One last word of advice: Take your rehearsal seriously. The walk-through of the bridesmaids' processional, bridal march, and
recessional should be done in real time to give the organist or other performers a sense of exactly how much is required to
get people from point A to point B. It also alerts the bridal party to their cues so everything runs smoothly.
Resource: James A. Weinberg of Organist on a Roof.com
Leaving Your Music Until the Last Minute
A Disturbing Trend
Musicians marvel at how selecting live music for one's ceremony often takes a
back seat to choosing flowers, gowns and other physical elements. After
years of watching brides during the planning stages, I've concluded that in our
society, music education is so poor that couples often feel ignorant or
intimidated. When you don't know Mozart from Beethoven, it can be easier
to buy matching shoes for the bridesmaids than select your wedding march!
That's where either a knowledgeable Wedding Liaison or a Musician can be of
great assistance. .
Musicians marvel at how selecting live music for one's ceremony often takes a
back seat to choosing flowers, gowns and other physical elements. After
years of watching brides during the planning stages, I've concluded that in our
society, music education is so poor that couples often feel ignorant or
intimidated. When you don't know Mozart from Beethoven, it can be easier
to buy matching shoes for the bridesmaids than select your wedding march!
That's where either a knowledgeable Wedding Liaison or a Musician can be of
great assistance. .
| Copyright © 2009 Carolyn Burke - Wedding Liaison |
