Colorado Wedding Music Guide
Music has long been an important part of social ceremonies, including installation of church officials and government dignitaries and, of course, weddings. For many people, their wedding stands out as a singular high point of their lives and they want their ceremony and reception to reflect that in every respect -- the food, the colors of bridesmaids' dresses, the floral arrangements, photography and music all contribute to the mood or splendor of the event. On this site, we'll offer thoughts for making the music portion of your wedding an appropriate and memorable part of your significant life event.
Some music seems to "belong" to a long tradition. An example is the "Here Comes The Bride" music that became popular at German weddings and then spread throughout the world following Richard Wagner's composing the song for the wedding scene of his opera "Lohengrin" in 1848. Some might like a more recent "tradition" as has occasionally been found in the use of Maria's bridal march from Rogers and Hammerstein's "Sound of Music." Yet some even consider their wedding so special that they commission a composer to write orginal music just for their wedding.
Wedding music has two aspects -- functional and aesthetic. As a function, it provides "sound space" for such things as prelude music to "fill time" and set the mood of the ceremony, processional music to help the bridal procession "keep in step," perhaps a song or instrumental selection to help break up the "talk" portions of a ceremony, and a recessional to guide the bride and groom down the aisle and out of the building. The musical function of the reception can range from subdued background music for a quiet affair to a rockin' frolic of what may essentially be a very happy party for family and guests. Indeed, among many nations and social classes, a reception is just that. Celebrating the wedding couple is the essence, whatever the style.
The aesthetic aspect of wedding music is even more important. Although it follows the functional aspects to a degree, it is also a reflection of the couple's preferences, style and taste along with a consideration of their choice of appropriateness to the occasion. The aesthetic aspect is what marks the mood and memories for the years that follow as well as the moment. Here is where the special music choices come into play. The wedding music professional (organist, composer, ensemble leader) will recognize the needs and wishes and be able to accomodate them in most cases. Often, they will have a list of "standard" music in their wedding repertoire from which the bride can select.
The bride who wishes a special song or other special music that may be unique, should be willing to provide the musician(s) with a copy of the sheet music and a CD or tape copy thereof (or whatever of the two may be available). In this way, the musician has the tools for performing that song in a way that is effectively close to what the bride would expect to hear. It is good to remember that there are millions of songs and music and no musician knows them all. But a professional is, indeed, a "quick study." Sometimes, a bride may wish a song be played by, say, a string quartet she has hired for the ceremony. Such a group cannot "simply improvise" or play it by ear, as might a jazz combo of certain songs. For such a group, she may need to hire a qualified music arranger to re-write the music in such a way that the string quartet can play it at sight or on a brief run-through rehearsal (assuming that the quartet members are professionals).
Some brides consider a theme for their wedding and/or reception. This, too, can mark an aesthetic statement and give a personal stamp to the occasion. Perhaps the wedding honors a family or national tradition such as an "Italian" or "Jewish" wedding in which musicians would be sought who know those traditions. Perhaps it may be a "western" wedding or "country" wedding or "New Orleans" style wedding. As such, suitable musicians would be sought just as would suitable attire, florals and food. Don't forget to ask your music leader about ideas you may have. For example, if you plan a country wedding but want a classical violin piece played at a certain point in your ceremony, try asking what that "country fiddler's" other background might be. Professional musicians often play more kinds of music than you may know them for. That fiddler might also have a strong background in classical music.
If you're considering an outdoor wedding on the wooden footbridge at the park where you and your groom met or similar type location where electricity may not be readily available, be careful not to plan on musicians who require electricity for their instruments. But even such things can be arranged if important enough and the price is right. Good choices for such outdoor remote music can be acoustic instruments like guitar, harp, brass or woodwind ensembles.