1. Choose your favorite style of music.
Live performers contribute infinitely to the mood of any gathering, and that magic is yours to create. If you are in doubt what kind of music you want, ask for suggestions and keep an open mind.
• Classical music is often the most comfortable for a diverse crowd.
2. Make sure the wedding environment can accommodate your musicians' needs.
• Performers must be on dry, level ground.
• Direct sun, fog, and mist can damage acoustic instruments and make players uncomfortable.
• Canopies and umbrellas can be rented cheaply, and are an ideal solution to the sun problem.
• Wind topples music stands and carries away sheet music.
• Electric instruments require a reliable power supply.
3. Place performers away from food and beverage tables (to avoid spills and distractions), where there is plenty of room so your guests will not bump into them.
• Indoors, make sure they have enough light to see their music. If your event requires candlelight, request that your musicians bring their own stand lights.
• Musicians should not be placed next to heaters, blazing fireplaces, or drafty windows and doors. If you plan a boat wedding, make sure there is enough ceiling height for tall instruments (such as harps), and room to stand.
4. Are the acoustics right?
• Hardwood floors and sparsely decorated walls amplify sound; Musicians love them.
• Carpeted floors and acoustic tile ceilings soak up sound and make listening difficult without some amplification.
5. "Processional" music chosen for the entry of the bridal party is traditionally elegant, stately, and good for walking.
• Any selections played during the ceremony should be romantic, meditative, or religious.
• Celebratory, happy music is appropriate for the "recessional," or exit of the bridal party. Make certain the musicians know the final words of the ceremony; that is their cue to start the recessional music.
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