CIVIL WEDDING MUSIC

Typically, three pieces of music are played during the course of a Civil Ceremony; Processional Music as the Bride (or Civil Partners) enter, Music for the Signing of the Register, and Recessional Music as the couple exit.

Couples may however also wish to give some thought to the pieces of music that will be played during the prelude as the guests arrive (four/five songs is sufficient) – you can expect the first guests to start arriving some fifteen to twenty minutes before the Ceremony is due to start.

When it comes down to how the music will be played, couples are faced with a straight choice – use the in-house music system that plays tracks from a CD, or draft in a professional musician(s) to perform the tracks live. Harpists and String Quartets are perhaps the most popular choices for ‘live’ performers for a Ceremony, but other musicians such as pianists, classical/contemporary solo singers, guitar soloists and bands are also popular choices. If couples are to use professionals, it makes sense to ask them to go onto perform at the Reception (assuming that it directly follows the Service).

For many, the choice of ‘live’ or pre-recorded music is simply a matter of preference, but there are two other crucial factors to think about. The first thing to consider is the obvious issue of cost. Professionals can set you back anything from a few hundred quid to well into four figures, so it is worth shopping around. The second issue is far less obvious and it is one which many couples overlook - the quality of the in-house sound system. Don’t assume that just because you are told there is one available it will be a high-tech pre-wired system. In some cases it can be as simple as a clapped out old portable CD player with dodgy speakers slumped in the corner of the room. Make sure that you do your homework before making any decisions.

Once you have decided whether to plump for live or pre-recorded music, the penultimate thing to decide is which music to have played. If you are looking to go professional, your choices may be limited somewhat by the repertoire of the musician(s), so if you have your heart set on a particular track it is wise to ensure that the guys and girls you rope in can actually play it first.