Classical Pianist Lisa Davies

Planning a wedding is hectic; not knowing where to start is normal. This guide will help you plan music for your wedding. Many brides wait until the end to think about music, especially the ceremony music. This can leave you with little control over your music selection.

Equipment and Musicians
Figuring out what type of musician(s) you need depends mostly on your tastes and your wedding theme. Once you select what kind of musicians you need, you must determine what equipment is required or at least know some information. To begin, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Where will the ceremony be held? Where will the reception be held?

Church
Does the church have a sound system?
Is it large or small inside/How many guests are you expecting?
Does the church have its own pianist/organist that is available?
Does the church have its own piano/organ available to accompany a musician you hire?
Will the church allow secular music to be played during the ceremony?

Many churches do not allow secular music. This is important for your musician to know. Most churches do provide adequate sound reinforcement, but it never hurts to ask. Also inquire about a microphone for the presiding clergy if the church is large..

Outdoor
How large of an area will it be/how many guests?
Will there be an adequate power source available?

With outdoor weddings, it is imperative that you provide a shelter for the musicians and equipment. If power source is located a long distance away from where the musicians will set up, you must let your musician know this approximate distance. The person presiding should wear a lapel microphone in order to ensure everyone will hear the ceremony. It also helps to know about nearby trains and their schedules or any other possible annoyances to avoid interruptions.

Other (Hotel Banquet Room, Historic House, etc)
How large of an area will it be/how many guests?
Will person presiding over the ceremony need a microphone?
Will there be an adequate power source available?
Will there be adequate time for the musician(s) to set up and tear down up the equipment?

Many times hotel banquet halls are tightly scheduled. If another function is scheduled, the musician may have limited time to tear down. Also, if the same banquet hall is used for your ceremony and your reception, they may want everyone moved out of the hall temporarily to set up for dinner. This is a perfect time for a cocktail hour in the hotel lobby.

Other Suggestions
Include music/musicians on your program.
Give your musicians plenty of time for special requests so they can learn the songs and music.
Invite reception musician(s) for dinner.
If there is a piano on the premises, ensure that it is in tune and in good working condition.
Ask the site coordinator if you can not judge for yourself or ask the musician to inspect it.
This is especially important in historic homes that may have antique pianos.

Lisa Davies is a Classical Pianist.