Choosing Musicians 101

Nothing adds more elegance to a wedding ceremony or reception than live musicians. The musicians add
the texture of sight and sound to create ambiance and atmosphere. Because this is such an important day,
finding people who you can trust is the first task in securing musicians for your event.

In searching for the right group you must first decide upon the instrumentation you prefer.
Some examples are:

• Strings (Quartet, Trio, Duo, Solo)
• Harp or Harp / Flute duo
• Piano
• Guitar
• Trumpet

Once you’ve got an idea of what you want, you need to find the right group to fit those needs. You want to
make sure you find someone who has a lot of experience and can help guide you.

When you are looking for your musicians you have several options. You can search the internet or wedding
magazines, call local music schools and organizations or unions, or just ask around. No matter which option
you end up choosing, however, be sure that you consider the following when you make your choice.

Do you want a professional or student group?
All musicians are not created equal. You may save money by hiring students, but you may not get the quality
or experience that will make your wedding the best it can be. Make sure that you know what you are getting
if you go that route. Ask yourself if it is worth the risk to sacrifice quality for price on the most important day
of your life.

Do you have a contract?
Make sure you get a contract for the services you will be getting. This is sometimes overlooked and can be
disastrous for you or the musicians if the agreement is verbal. A contract will spell out all the expectations
you or the musicians have so there are no misunderstandings.

Do you have a list of music to choose from?
Make sure that the musicians can provide you with a list of music that will guide you in your selection
process. A good group will have a large repertoire that will cater to many different tastes.

Have you heard a live performance or a recording of your group’s music?
It is very important to make sure you hear what you will be getting. In many cases it is difficult to go to live
performances of the musicians as most events are private, but make sure they provide you with a recording
so you have a basis for comparison. As most musicians don’t have recordings of every combination and
selection they offer, you can get an idea of a tune by going to naxos.com, itunes, or any other similar site.

How do the musicians charge for their services?
Some groups charge by the hour, some by the event. Make sure that you know how long your ceremony will
be before you contract the time. Most ceremonies are complete within an hour (including prelude through
postlude), but catholic ceremonies with a mass will need more time. Keep in mind that your event might not
be the only one that they are playing and make sure you allow for any contingencies. The last thing you want
is for your musicians to have to leave for another event before yours is over!

Are you informed about the setup needs of your group?
Any reputable group will make sure that you are well informed about their needs. Some very important
considerations include:

• sufficient lighting
• appropriate temperature
• a secure place for belongings
• correct seating (armless chairs!)
• level ground with cover for outdoor events

Be assured that every request related to the points above are necessary to ensure that you enjoy the best
performance possible, while enabling the musicians to protect their property and health.

top