Suggestions for Selecting Your
Wedding Musicians |
by Kathie Nicolet |
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Many brides are overwhelmed by
having to make 2,156 decisions in planning their wedding ceremonies
and receptions to ensure their absolutely perfect wedding day.
What to choose: silver or gold table linens; chicken or salmon;
pink roses or delphiniums? Please, allow me to assist you in selecting
your wedding musicians. |
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As a professional Chicago pianist
and wedding musician for over 21 years, I have been a significant
part of thousands of celebrations that included "behind the
scenes" negotiations, phone discussions, music selections,
rehearsals, recommendations for additional vendors, etc. Particular
brides were searching for only the best, and I’d like to
share suggestions in how you can do the same to ensure that your
special day be memorable, beautiful, and special. |
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Let the Professionals Handle
the Details |
Relax
and trust the wedding professionals to help you by virtue of their
expertise. For instance, I have had countless years of experience
and witnessed almost every possible scenario imaginable:
- I have seen a bride faint just before saying "I do."
- Brides who heard the Bridal March and stood frozen in the
doorway.
- The ring bearer who had forgotten the ring on the 16th floor
of the hotel.
- Ceremonies starting 45 minutes late because Uncle Bob took
a wrong turn driving to the church, etc.
Despite the challenges presented,
these weddings were absolutely beautiful, with much credit given
to professional vendors who knew how to handle them. When selecting
your vendors, be sure they can offer you top references and have
professional materials to share that represent a quality business.
If your phone calls are not handled professionally and promptly,
you are wise to go to someone else. |
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Remember: You are planning one
wedding; we help plan thousands! |
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Many people are looking for value
today and may believe that because Aunt Frannie plays the piano,
she’d be perfect as your cocktail pianist. Aunt Frannie
may know "Let Me Call You Sweetheart," but do you want
to hear it 35 times in an hour? Will your guests be disappointed
because she doesn’t know how to play anything else? Let
Aunt Frannie be a guest. Leave the music to the professional who
has a wide repertoire for everyone present. A professional musician
is trained to take requests, play polished, professional arrangements,
and do it all while smiling and carrying on a conversation without
taking her hands off the keys. |
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Live Music is Recommended |
All beautiful, elegant wedding
ceremonies and receptions will have "live" music;
please leave your CD’s in the car. If you are absolutely
on the tightest budget, you can hire a solo musician for what
two dinner entrees or a lovely floral centerpiece would cost.
It’s smart not to "cut corners" with ambience.
Music sets the tone for your day: your guests will notice. Keep
this thought in mind, as well, for your wedding showers, rehearsal
dinners, and post nuptial champagne brunches. A celebration without
music is only a meeting. |
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Ask for Qualified References |
Ask your friends to share names
of local vendors they have dealt with for their special occasions.
If you don’t know of anyone, the facility where you are
planning your event usually has a list of preferred musicians
for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and corporate events that
include wonderful people such as bands, orchestras, DJ’s,
florists, photographers, caterers, videographers, etc. |
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Also, consider asking your catering
coordinator for their list of professional musicians in your area.
This is the best possible resource you can find in that recommended
vendors do not pay to be listed. Preferred vendors are specifically
recommended for consistent quality service and impeccable reputations. |
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Anyone can get listed in a phone
book or a wedding magazine for a fee. Recommendations will cost
you nothing but are tremendously valuable resources. If the facility
recommends someone superior who guests are talking about for weeks
to come following a wedding, this reflects extremely well upon
the vendor and the facility. |
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Church Rules |
Chicago brides planning Catholic
wedding ceremonies need to consult with the musical director of
their local churches before selecting musicians. It is common
practice for the church to require you utilize their "in
house" musicians and will not allow you to bring in "outside"
vendors. The church often has an "approved" list of
musical selections allowed. Be sure to call first. |
