Weddingbee

Sort of…we used my violin instructor and her guitar instructor co-worker. It was great and they had fun too. Plus, we saved so much money. I was quoted a few prices from local bluegrass bands that were out of our range (they were worth it, but we just couldn’t afford it).

We tried to go this route — we’re getting married on a college campus with a well-respected music school, afterall. Problem? We’re getting married during summer break, so students couldn’t commit to their summer schedules until a few weeks before our wedding. I couldn’t risk it, so we went with professionals. But if you can, it’s definately a great idea!

I played in a wedding as part of a string quartet a few summers ago when I was in high school. We were part of a pretty competitive orchestra, so we practiced a lot and all of us had been playing since we were 3 or 4, so going with students is a great idea! However, I would definitely suggest you sit with them for a little bit and ask them to play for you and also tell them which pieces to play during the different parts of the ceremony.

I played in string quartets for weddings all through high school, college, and grad school (still do sometimes). It was a great way to earn money as a music student, and hiring students is definitely the way to go… they’re probably playing more than a lot of professional musicians who play weddings, and they’ll also take your wedding a little more seriously. When I play in weddings these days, it’s either for my friends (in which case I’m really nervous because everyone there is a musician! ), or something for a little extra cash. High school students (through your local youth orchestra) are often the best, since they’ll take it really seriously and might even rehearse. The older musicians get, the less likely we are to get together before the wedding, especially if you ask for standard stuff like Pachelbel’s Canon in D or Purcell’s Trumpet Voluntary. Sorry, but I swear it’s true! (If you ask for stuff like Beethoven or Brahms, the group might get scared enough that they get together beforehand.)

I have to disagree with jc, though - unless you’re willing to pay a little bit extra to meet with the group beforehand, it’s really not necessary. Also, depending on the musicians, they might even be a little offended that you ask - since they probably play a lot of weddings and the standard music is not very hard. High school students, again, might take it a little more seriously, but it’s still hard to coordinate a time to meet. If you’re worried, ask for references, but it’s not standard to listen to/meet with the group beforehand. You can definitely be in touch over phone/e-mail to discuss repertoire, size of wedding party (as it relates to length of pieces), etc., and that’s more convenient than trying to set up a meeting. They’ll also be happy to suggest music if you don’t have ideas, although it’s usually easiest if they provide a list of possibilities and you listen to those & choose. Most of the music that chamber groups use for weddings has multiple “stopping points,” so it’s usually fine as long as one person is designated to make sure they stop at the right times.

@GorgesViola: No problem! I appreciate all the advice from a musician. Good to know about the multiple stopping points. We met with the violinist who had her violin with her and would just spontaneously play different parts of songs whenever she mentioned them. I was sold!

What’s the best way to find students to play?

Yes it is good to save money…hmmm, how do I not sound offensive? I think most brides don’t realize how much goes into to planning great wedding music! Thanks for reading on from another musician…;-)

Here goes:
1) make your live music budget clear or at least give a range you are comfortable with…remember this one special day of your lifetime. Don’t skimp on the music if you can help it. Great music planning will uplift your service immensely!

2) you need to make sure the musicians do have some experience with weddings, especially with a church wedding or a more involved service (with parts such as poetry, readings, blessings, sand ceremonies, special songs.) There is more knowledge needed to play a wedding than just sawing out a few songs. Much coodination with the bride on the programming & atmosphere, celebrant, clergy, church rules, liturgy knowledge is needed for many weddings, and that comes through experience.

3) Save money by saying: I will pick 3 songs, and leave the rest up to you & your music experience. Then, stick to your simple plan - if that is your type of service!

The arts are a tough way to make a living. So I will say up front, try to use professional musicians…or a student on their way to becoming one. Most high school musicians will not go on to this path, though some do & are excellent choices. Support those who choose to make music for a living, won’t you?

Also, choose those musicians who exude joy at what they do for you. They are out there!

Also, if you are using family or friends in the music, make sure they are somewhat experienced, reliable & do rehearse the pieces so they are not nervous. This includes vocalists!

I have been to weddings where the BROTHER of the groom was supposed to play the organ (very experienced & traveling from Brazil). He never showed up to the wedding! We performed the wedding with violin, flute, and a vocal duet on the fly. Experience made this Catholic wedding work, regardless.

Make sure your friends who are vocalists practice and are really, really comfy. Nervousness can take a inexperienced person’s voice away, and frequently does at weddings! Practice in a larger facility with an audience or congregation will reduce the chances of this happening.

In terms of church weddings, experience is best for music planning. There is definite art to planning liturgical music with the worship service. Also coodinating the organ, trumpet, vocalist, strings - this takes an experienced musician & lots of time.

In terms of string music, there are added costs…Realize that strings are at least $50 a set, luthier repairs/maintenence on instruments $300 & way up from there. Outdoor playing causes wear & tear on strings, instrument & bows, that professional musicians have to pay for themselves (no mom & dad paying)

And, don’t forget the many hours of music planning with you, the bride. Much of my work is done by email but those emails - sometimes as many as 30+ emails over time with suggestions, revisions, program text, questions, are part of the cost. Simple will cost less than complex.

Your musicians are not just paid for the time they are playing for you - you are paying for many hours of rehearsal & experience, music costs in the $1000’s of dollars (did you know just ONE Beatles String Quartet arrangement is over $30 said & done? WOW) If a song is needs for a string duo rather than a quartet, it needs different arrangement.

Gas costs. Need i say more there?

I LOVE working with couples on their music! I am a string musician, vocalist, & musical arrangements planner (many instruments) in Southern NJ. We perform at beach, outdoor & church weddings of all types. We have fun planning, and most brides say “I didn’t know there was so much to think about!” My job is to make that process easy & fun for them & their beloved - to get the feeling they want for the day.

I guess my love weddings & experience gives couples lots of options for music you might not normally hear (both classical, jazz, & contemporary, along with the standards of wedding repetoire on a variety of instruments.) I can tell them if strings are right or which instrument combination is perfect which songs might not work on certain instruments.

I suppose who you choose to plan your music, like any vendor, will depend on your needs.

Whatever music option you choose - choosing experience will make it sound effortless at ceremony time, and will ease your mind for planning.

Blessings in your planning, all you lovely Bees!

I am excited to hear everyone’s responses. We actually attended the same high school and as a very special and top secret treat… I am planning to hire members of the school’s choir and music department to perform “All You Need Is Love” while we depart….

As with anything, I think that we just need to be realistic about expectations. Obviously there are differences with professionals and ameatures in every field. However, when it comes to being a bride not EVERYTHING can be of high importance and so it is all about putting the money into the professional services most important and improvising the rest. I am confident that our little marching band will do just fine and allow us the ability to splurge in other areas (like our live band at the reception and amazing photographer).