Traditional Versus Contemporary Ceremony Music: What's Your Style?

For many brides, when their engagement is officially announced, the barrage of questions begins. The one thing few people ask about and many brides forget to consider is ceremony music. A ceremony that lacks a unique personal musical backdrop is like a movie without a soundtrack. With so many genres of music to choose from, how do you know what style to choose and what musicians to hire? In making your decision, here are four areas to consider.

VENUE

First, consider your ceremony venue. Some churches only allow pieces of music from a selected list of music to be performed in the church. This may restrict your music selections to traditional classical or religious pieces. Most outdoor locations or other venues will allow you to have any music you choose performed by a variety of musicians including a string quartet, vocalist, solo musician, or even a DJ. This creates the freedom for you to create a musical backdrop for your ceremony that is completely yours.   

OUR WEDDING: THE MOVIE

Some brides have a crystal clear picture of music they would like performed at their wedding. For indecisive brides, we often ask, “If your wedding were a movie you are starring in, what would be the music for your bridesmaids (or your grandparents, parents, etc.) would walk in to?” If you immediately think of a traditional, classical piece like Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Bach or Wedding March by Wagner, maybe traditional pieces would fit your “screenplay”. If you envision yourself walking down the aisle to Coldplay’s Yellow, or Shania Twain’s From this Moment, then maybe your wedding “screenplay” is a bit more contemporary. Many brides we work with start with a concrete plan, not knowing the endless possibilities, and end up with a wide variety of classical and contemporary pieces. Even if you don’t have a plan, a professional musician should be able to guide you through the music selection process to create a playlist that is fits your style.

YOUR WEDDING MUSICIANS

Do some research on the musicians that you are interested in. Be sure to inquire about their prior experience and skill level. Also, ask what makes them different from other musicians and how they can assure a successful, unique, and personal touch to your wedding. Some groups are willing to arrange music of your favorite pieces in order to meet your requests. Always ask before hiring musicians for your ceremony to determine how willing and able they are to accommodate your musical tastes. Our quartet has been asked by brides to arrange pieces by U2, The Beatles, Coldplay, Keane, Elvis, and many other contemporary artists. A knowledgeable musician will be considerate of your personality, bridal party size, timing, and acoustic needs when assisting you in your music selection.

GOOD VS. GREAT

The bottom line is that every bride is unique and has distinctive tastes. Ceremony music should not be a “black and white” type of decision. There are many appropriate combinations of genres and NO two weddings are ever alike. Seasoned wedding musicians have seen it all – ranging from strictly classical/traditional, to contemporary, to a combination of the two. This can include special tributes or arrangements that create a truly inimitable experience. Good musicians will provide the basics. Great musicians will custom fit your music selection with your personality and style, while adding “a touch of elegance to your special event.” Whatever route you choose, rest assured that your wedding will be a unique experience: a day you and your groom will never forget.