Planning Your Wedding
Planning your wedding music, like anything, is easier once you understand the process. A good starting point is to know what type of wedding music to have, when and when not to have it, and understanding your musicians’ requirements.
I have many years experience as a wedding entertainer in Australia so the following tips come from my direct experience.
 Wedding Music - Have It Live
When planning your wedding music, keep in mind that nothing compares with having it live in order to create a unique, romantic ambience. This is your very special day, so it deserves the best. Having LIVE wedding entertainment will definitely add to the sense of the occasion.
Type of Music
Music for the wedding ceremony is usually slow, gentle and non-intrusive. This kind of music is also ideal for pre-dinner drinks and during the meal. Soloists and string ensembles are very suitable for these times.
Placement of Musicians
When planning your wedding make sure you place your wedding entertainers at the front and to the side so that your guests can see them play. Placing them at the front will also ensure that the sound is not muffled by people or objects, while having them to the side puts them out of the way of the wedding party.
Musicians' Requirements
You will probably need to set up chairs for your musicians, since most instruments are played while seated. If they require power for amplification, make sure there is a power supply nearby.
Where Music Fits In
A rule of thumb is that music is not played when the celebrant or bridal party are speaking. However, the following sections of the wedding ceremony are great places to have music.
Wedding Prelude
Music during the prelude should be soft and soothing so that it sets a beautiful ambience while your guests arrive. If the bride is late then the music functions as entertainment during the waiting period.
 Choosing The Wedding March Music
The wedding march (also known as the procession), is the most important piece of wedding music you will have to choose. Make sure it’s not in waltz time, because it’s almost impossible to walk to.
The Processionional Music
Just before the processional (or wedding march), it generally works better for the musicians to stop playing a few minutes before the bride's party arrive. Having this pause will help to make your procession music stand apart from the prelude music, and make your entrance even grander.
Wedding Interlude
It’s always good to have some music during the interlude (the signing of the register). Sometimes it can appear that the wedding ceremony has come to a bit of a lull while you and the bridal party do the paperwork. Music played during this time will fill the gap, as well as provide a seamless continuity between the sections of the ceremony.
Wedding Recessional
Music for the recessional should be up-tempo and joyful. Again make sure it's not in waltz-time.
Outdoor Weddings
Musical instruments need to be sheltered from sun, rain and in some cases, the wind. Most musicians will need to pack up at the onset of even very light rain. A gazebo or large umbrellas can easily solve this problem.
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