Seven Tips to Make Your Wedding Day Sing
Wedding Music Experts
Offer Advice for a Day to Remember
(ARA) - After the date has
been set, the flowers have been ordered, and the dress has been fitted,
the focus of wedding planning turns to the more intricate details of the
ceremony and reception -- especially music. But because of the sheer
number of songs to choose from, the task of selecting the right wedding
music -- and the right musicians -- can be overwhelming.
With
performances at more than 200 weddings between them, piano-playing
brothers Tim and Ryan O’Neill have combined their wedding music
expertise and recorded their latest CD, “A Day to Remember.” The CD and
corresponding sheet music book are designed to help busy brides and
grooms select the perfect music for their big day.
“Music helps
set the tone for the entire event, whether it’s traditional,
contemporary or religious,” says Tim O’Neill. “Many couples have a
favorite melody or style in mind, but often struggle to find exactly the
right music.” Having planned their own wedding ceremonies in recent
years, Tim and Ryan have a new perspective on what brides and grooms go
through to get everything just right.
According to The O’Neill
Brothers, these suggestions will help make the walk down the aisle a
harmonious one:
* Consult with your spouse-to-be. You might be
surprised at his or her interests or preferences. Your husband-to-be
might have his heart set on a particular song, or your wife-to-be might
want to include a traditional family favorite.
* Look at the big
picture. Determine the best style of music to use based on the overall
theme and feel of your wedding ceremony. Is it traditional?
Contemporary? Religious? Romantic? Fun? Not all music is the right fit
for all types of weddings.
* Not all musicians are created equal.
Select musicians who are comfortable with your chosen style. If your
ceremony is traditional, how about a string quartet? Contemporary? Maybe
just a solo pianist, or perhaps a saxophone player. Religious? Check
with the wedding coordinator at your place of worship to get the names
of the most sought-after musicians on her list.
Does someone in
your family sing beautifully? Consider inviting them to sing for your
wedding to make the experience even more special. But remember that if
you ask someone who’s not a professional, you’ll have to cut them a
little slack if they’re not exactly perfect. You might want your uncle
to play the accordion, but be sure to find a song that fits your style
and his ability.
* 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 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.
For more wedding music
suggestions and to listen to samples of the songs included on “A Day To
Remember,” visit www.pianobrothers.com.
Courtesy of ARA
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