More Tips to Make Your Wedding Day Sing

With one of the three most popular wedding months (June) out of the way, and two more (September and October) quickly approaching, we’ve got a few more tips to share:

Determine the parts of the ceremony that you’d like to set to music. You can select as little or as much music as you like for the ceremony, but keep in mind that your guests will be there to celebrate with you, not listen to a concert. Make sure that you select just enough so there are no “bare spots” during which your guests might become fidgety. Potential parts of the ceremony to be set to music may include the prelude, the processional (you may select separate pieces for the wedding party and the bridal entrance), congregational hymns and religious ceremony responses, the lighting of the unity candle, the recessional and the postlude. If you’re having trouble narrowing your selections, you can always save some of the songs for the band or DJ to play at the reception rather than trying to cram them all into the ceremony. If you’re marrying in a place of worship, remember to get your list of selections approved by the wedding coordinator or celebrant.

Ask for advice -- if and when you need it. If you’re particular about your musical choices for the big event, you may want to wait to book instrumentalists or vocalists until you’ve made your music selections. If you’re not fussy, and would welcome the help choosing music, hire professional musicians and trust their advice. They’ve likely played for many weddings before, and will have great song ideas.

Provide the necessary tools. Once you have finalized the song list and booked your wedding musicians, don’t forget to provide the sheet music for the pieces you’ve chosen. Work with the contact person at your venue to arrange for a practice session in the space prior to the event.

Trust your instincts. Bottom line -- it’s your wedding. Don’t feel pressured to include a particular song just because Cousin Merle says you should.

If you’ve already chosen the music for your big day, we’d love to hear what you’ve selected. Please email it to jen@pianobrothers.com.

Also…in case you’re taking a well-deserved break from wedding planning to celebrate the Fourth of July, we’ve released a new collection of patriotic and Americana tunes entitled, Celebrate America. Check it out: http://www.pianobrothers.com/music/CelebrateAmerica/index.asp.

Have a safe holiday weekend!
Tim & Ryan