So say several local musicians who regularly provide the musical component of the big day.

“You need to choose music that captures who you are together as a couple or maybe reflects the nature of your relationship while still keeping in mind that a wedding is still a somewhat formal event,” said Paul Wainamo, the music director at King’s Way Assembly of God church who has several of his own piano CDs on the market. “You need to take into account your unique ideas still need to fit the occasion.”

That sentiment is somewhat echoed by Travis Harrington, band teacher at Mirror Lake Middle School and a church musician and choral director at Saint Andrews Catholic Church.

“There has to be a certain flow,” Harrington said. “The music should not draw attention to itself. I tell couples, ‘hey, you are both going to be dressed nicely, you’ve put so much effort into making sure that everything matches, the floral arrangements and the candles are beautiful and then there are the programs, so really, you need to put that much energy into selecting music that fits because the music is the support to what is happening in the ceremony itself.’ “

In the case of a Catholic wedding, Harrington points out that means the music is a sacred part of the wedding mass.

No rock ‘n’ roll here.

But that doesn’t mean Catholic couples-to-be or those getting married in other religious denominations are necessarily limited to a few choices.

Harrington said there is a long list of selections that fit the requirements for a wedding.

Oh, sure, there are the tried-and-true songs such as Pachelbel’s “Canon in D Major”, Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” “Trumpet Voluntary” written by English composer Jeremiah Clarke and of course, the ever-popular “Here Comes the Bride,” that provide a great starting point for selecting wedding music, Harrington said.

But there is a lot of newer classical music that he likes to point couples toward to give them and the audience something fresh and unique, particularly for the processional and recessional aspects of the wedding ceremony.

He’s a big fan of the Celtic-influenced Secret Garden, a violin and keyboard playing duo based out of Norway whose music is earning North American fans. Harrington particularly likes their song “Celebration” for weddings.

“It’s something different, something that people will notice but won’t bowl them over either,” he said.

While the wedding and its accompanying fanfare should be focused primarily on the likes and preferences of the bride and groom, Harrington said wise, thoughtful couples try to take the impact their chosen music will have on the audience into consideration.

“I usually tell the couple that this is their day and the music is more for them, but at the same time, they can pick music that will reach out to those in attendance and give them the chance to say, ‘this is important to me, here is what I believe,’ ” Harrington said.

But then again, maybe not.

He remembers playing some weddings – in his younger, less musically-discerning days as a college student in western Washington- at which a country western song was played to bring the bride in or the song in the middle of the ceremony came from “The Phantom of the Opera” or the “Star Wars” theme was played as the new couple left the church.

Not anymore.

“I mean if they want to run down the aisle to something like James Brown or Randy Travis, I personally won’t play that kind of music at a wedding because of what I believe about marriage,” he said.

But that also doesn’t mean he isn’t game for trying a few unique approaches.

Again, back to his college days, he and several other musician friends took great composition liberties with a variety of more traditional wedding pieces and created what Harrington to this day still considers the most beautiful ceremony – from a musical standpoint – that he’s ever been a part of.

Sure, they had unlimited access to trained musicians.

“It was a bunch of college students having fun,” he said.

But the local Chugiak-Eagle River area boasts plenty of trained musicians, Harrington said.

Local musicians often post advertisements at Keyboard Cache in Anchorage and Mike’s Music in the Valley River Center in Eagle River.

It’s what Angela MacPherson, a pianist at two local churches, did last spring after relocating here from eastern Canada.

For her, the music is the highlight of a wedding ceremony.

“Music is the language of the soul, it draws us in, it expresses what the bride and groom are feeling toward each other,” MacPherson said. “It ties the whole ceremony together. To me, a wedding is incomplete without music.”

That’s why she puts flexibility into play when helping couples select wedding music.

“It’s funny, one song really catches the ear of one couple and another just really don’t like that particular song,” she said. “Every bride and groom is different.”

This brings the topic of wedding music selection back to Wainamo who says, “The music chosen has to capture the image of their relationship.”

When helping a couple select music, Wainamo said he often interviews them and has the bride and groom spend some time writing down answers to questions about what attracted them to the other person and what they love about that person.

In some cases, such as the wedding of Emily (Archer) and Jesse Alberi, Wainamo writes the couple their own personal love song.

What won’t he do at a wedding?

Well, rap for one.

“I don’t do it well, so it is not even a consideration,” he said.

Nor is anything with morally reprehensible undertones.

“I’ve had many outlandish requests,” he said. “I’ve heard a few intriguing combinations, though, like when my cousin had the theme from “The Raiders of Lost Ark” played when she and her groom left the ceremony. At first I thought, huh? But then I listened to it and you know, it really does have a sort of uplifting victorious feel to it.”

Five tips for keeping wedding stress in check:

1. Delegate. While you don’t want to torment your loyal bridesmaids, do put them to work. You’ll return the favor someday. And don’t forget your fiance. No, he won’t care about the bridesmaids’ dresses, but there are plenty of tasks he can handle, such as creating the guest list, printing invitations, or finding a deejay and picking dance music.

2. Keep it small. You’ve pictured the big cathedral wedding since you were 5. But is that really what you want when you’re 35?

3. Take care of yourself.Eating right

What Type Of Music Is Needed For Each Segment

In a traditional ceremony arrangement, low-key instrumental music is usually played and begins about a half hour before the ceremony begins. This is called the Prelude. Most times, if you don’t have any real choices in songs, the organist will play the typical wedding selections that other bride’s and groom’s have used. If you wish to pick your own Prelude songs, a few of the more popular choices are:

* Canon in D by Pachelbel
* Air From Water Music by Handel
* Ave Maria by Bach
* Greensleeves by David Chamberlain
* Waltz (from Sleeping Beauty) by Tchaikovsky
* We’ve Only Just Begun by The Carpenters
* Tonight I Celebrate My Love (For You) by Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack
* Breathless by Kenny G

You will then need to choose what music you would prefer for your Processional (as you walk down the aisle). Some brides will elect to have traditional instrumental music such as Canon in D, Ave Maria, and of course the tune that everyone knows: The Wedding March (Here Comes The Bride). However, more and more of today’s brides are chosing tunes from popular song artists. Here is a short list of Processional songs that tend to be favorites:

* Power Of Love by Celine Dion
* What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong and Kenny G
* Endless Love by Lionel Ritchie and Diana Ross
* Grow Old With Me by Mary Chapin Carpenter
* Look At You Girl by Chris Ledoux
* From This Moment On by Shania Twain
* Because you Loved me by Celine Dion
* Only Time by Enya
* This I Swear by Nick Lachey
* Nadia’s Theme by Barry De Vorzon and Perry Botkin, Jr.

During the ceremony itself, there will be breaks when you will need to provide solos, hymns or instrumental music, such as when you are signing the register. Some common pieces sung by soloists are:

* Wedding (There Is Love) by Stookey
* Ave Maria by Schubert
* Evergreen by Barbra Streisand
* One Hand, One Heart (West Side Story) by Bernstein and Sondheim
* Sunrise, Sunset (Fiddler on the Roof) by Harnick and Bock
* Ode to Joy by Bethoven

Finally the ceremony ends and the bride and groom turn to leave to the sounds of the Recessional. Here you will want a vibrant, joyous song or instrumental to play. You may choose from classical music or the more popular pop songs of today. A few examples are:

* Wedding March from a Midsummer Night’s Dream by Mendelssohn
* Overture from The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart
* Bridal March by Hollins
* Ode to Joy by Beethoven
* Nothings Going To Stop Us Now by Jefferson Starship
* Beautiful Day by U2
* Walking On Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves
* Forever and Ever, Amen by Randy Travis

Tips For Planning Your Music Selections

Before you select any music, soloists or instrumentalists, you will need to get the answers to certain questions as follows:

1) Speak with your clergy member to find out if the religious venue you are considering provides an organist and/or choir. What other types of musicians are allowed and can he/she recommend anyone? Are other types of musicians allowed such as a harpist, flutist, guitarist, etc.? Can he/she recommend any soloists?

2) You will also need to determine if there are any restrictions on the types of songs and music played during the ceremony. In a very strict, religious church, you may be prohibited from playing any non-religious songs.

3) If the church or synagogue provides an organist or other instrumentalist, what is the fee that is charged for using them? What if you wish to use a friend or a particular organist rather than the one provided, are you allowed to substitute?

4) Determine what type of mood you want for your ceremony. Some couples want a more serious, solemn service, while other couples want a fun-filled, vibrant atmosphere. This will help you in your selection of wedding music, as well as deteriming the best soloist and musicians to hire.

5) If you have any friends or family members that are gifted musicians, you may want to consider asking them to provide the songs and music. It will provide an added personal touch to your ceremony. Be sure to thank them by presenting them with a small gift. In some cases, you may need to hire them just as you would any other professional musician, but it is usually much less expensive to do so.

6) Once you determine what music and songs you will be using, make sure all soloists and musicians have a copy of the music list along with when they are to be sung/played. If any of the songs or music are new to your performers, make sure you provide sheet music and give it to them early so they can prepare.

7) Purchase tapes and CD’s of wedding music to listen to. This will help make your choices much easier.

As you can see, there are quite a few details to resolve when planning out your wedding ceremony music. The above song suggestions are the ones more traditionally chosen. However, there are alway new popular songs by song artists that can also be wonderful choices for a wedding ceremony. Keep your ears open for them. Hopefully, the above guidelines should give you a good start toward picking the perfect music that will personalize your own wedding.

Copyright 2006. Rose Smith is the owner of Wedding Themes and More, a website designed to help you plan your perfect theme wedding. Visit our site at: http://www.wedthemes.com for more tips about wedding music and bridal songs.

For a church wedding, you could sit with the minister to decide on the music for each of the four sections of the wedding ceremony: The Prelude, The Processional, The Signing of the Register and The Recessional.

When you choose music for your wedding, you could decide the choice of music depending on the guests for your wedding and the trend for music. One option is to have an interesting mix of romantic melodies and party numbers as dance music for your wedding.

First the bride and bridegroom traditionally take the dance floor to a waltz. Then they take turns as the bride groom dances with his mother-in-law and then with his mother. The bride dances with her father-in-law and then with her father. The best man dances with the chief bridesmaid. The other bridesmaids join hands with the ushers. They are soon followed by the other guests.

You could have a live band, which are associated and favored for the ‘real music’, alternating with a disc jockey as he plays dance music for your wedding. The live band could play slow music and set the tempo for the fast paced danceable tracks, by the DJ. Hiring a DJ is less expensive than a real live band of professionals.

Listen to the tracks of the DJ or assess the live band before giving them a ‘Yes’ to perform dance music at the wedding reception. Their systems and equipment should be compatible with the venue. You could give a list of tracks which would be desired to be played and also the sequential order if you prefer.

In case the musicians or the Djs have to do an ‘encore’ you want to check to see if there will be any additional charge.

]]> http://www.njharpist.com/dance-music-for-the-wedding-reception/feed/ 0 http://www.njharpist.com/your-wedding-theme/ http://www.njharpist.com/your-wedding-theme/#comments Fri, 13 May 2011 15:44:00 +0000 Harpist http://www.njharpist.com/your-wedding-theme/ Warning: call_user_func_array() [function.call-user-func-array]: First argument is expected to be a valid callback, 'Array' was given in /home/content/06/8499706/html/wp-includes/plugin.php on line 170
]]> Whether it’s a traditional, formal or off-the-beaten-track wedding, you’re putting the whole event together yourself by planning its every phase. These days, with so much available on the Internet, it’s easy! All you need is some time and a clear idea of the feeling you want to get across.

Start with a theme and you’ll have a coherent image you can use throughout the entire wedding. You may be surprised, in fact, how potent just a word or concept can be, once applied as your marriage theme.

Love angels, for example? What could be more perfect than finding ways to incorporate angels in every phase of your wedding?

From the flowers to the guest favors to the vows, you can find a way to carry out the theme through the entire event. Is it to be a casual wedding of two Renaissance types? The Renaissance theme is compatible with the wedding ritual, and makes for an unforgettable event.

Getting married on February the fourteenth? Hearts and flowers are perhaps the most traditional and best beloved of all wedding themes!

When you’re planning your wedding, save time to choose the music with care. Get together with whoever is providing the music and talk about the right pieces for the two of you. There is nothing that sets the tone like music, and your wedding music will live in your memories for the rest of your lives.

The rings, the vows, the wardrobe

Things happen so just keep cool and let the wedding professionals help you by virtue of their expertise! If you are a do it yourselfer, allow extra time for the learning curve. Just relax if stuff goes wrong like the ring bearer forgetting the ring up on the 16th floor of the hotel room or the ceremony starting 35 minutes late because Uncle Bob took a wrong turn driving to the church.

Always trust a professional. Remember: You are planning one wedding. Professional help plan thousands. Many people are looking for value today and may believe that because Aunt Bertha plays the piano, she’d be perfect as your cocktail pianist. Aunt Bertha may know “Love Me Tender” ~ but do you want to hear it over and over? Don’t disappoint your guests or yourself by cutting corners? If she wants to play as her gift to you, invite her to play one or two songs. Let Aunt Bertha be a guest. Leave the music to the professional who has a wide repertoire for everyone. They are able to take requests, play polished, professional arrangements ~ and do it all while smiling and carrying on a conversation without taking their hands off the keys.

For a beautiful, elegant, and classy wedding ceremony and reception use “live” music. Keep the CDs 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 flower arrangement would cost. Do not cut corners with your ambience. Music sets the tone for your day. Your guests WILL notice. Keep this thought in mind for your wedding showers, rehearsal dinners, and your post nuptial champagne brunches.

Trust your friends for referrals that 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 specializing in Wedding Ceremonies, Receptions, and Corporate Events. Ask your friend and the venue about Bands, Orchestras, DJ’s, Florists, Photographers, and Caterers. Just ask a Catering Coordinator for their list of Professional Musicians; this lists of recommended vendors most likely did not PAY to be listed! Anyone can get listed in a phone book or a wedding magazine for a fee. Recommendations cost nothing but are tremendously valuable resources.

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. Remember when planning your wedding, always trust a professional with a proven reputation. Enjoy your special day!

Mrs. Party… Gail Leino is the internet’s leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. Go here for a lovely selection of Wedding Favors.

TIP #1: Ask around. Ask your friends and family members to recommend a DJ who they have either worked with in the past or have listened to at another party or event. The best advertisement is word of mouth and your friends and family members will definitely be able to tell you if a particular DJ is good or not. If your friends or family members can’t recommend anyone, you can also call local radio stations or a professional entertainment company or check the yellow pages.

TIP #2: Interview your potential DJs. Get to know them and learn about what they have to offer. Explain what type of music you and your guests want at the party or event. Ask the DJ if he or she has videos or cassette tapes of past performances that you can review. Most professional DJs will have samples. During the interview, study the DJ’s personality. Is he or she someone who you would want at your event? Is the DJ interested in your event? How do you feel he or she will interact with your guests? Remember, the DJ’s personality is very important. Make sure he or she is really who you want to DJ your special occasion.

TIP #3: Ask the DJ for his or her music specialty. Does the DJ have the style of music that you and your guests want to hear? Will the music be right for your specific occasion? Will he or she take requests? Can he or she provide a variety of music that you think everyone will like?

TIP #4: Ask for references. Any professional DJ will gladly provide them. You will want to carefully check the references before deciding to hire the DJ. After all, you would not want a lunatic hosting your special occasion! TIP #5: Make sure the DJ has all of the equipment that you will need at your gathering such as speakers, lights, microphone, etc.

TIP #6: Get everything in writing. Make sure the DJ knows the exact time, date, and location of the event. Make sure you agree on the fee and have all the DJ’s promises in writing. You want to have all of your bases covered in case something does not go well.

TIP #7: Don’t wait until the last minute to find a DJ. Start planning early. Many DJs are booked quickly with weddings, graduations, proms, and other parties. Try to book your DJ at least 3 months in advanced.

Consider booking a DJ when you are planning your next get-together. It is important to find the DJ who will best meet your occasion’s needs without blowing your budget. Your guests will certainly remember the music from your event since the music will set the mood; so choose your DJ wisely. With a cool DJ that everyone likes, your event will be a hit, and everyone will talking about it for a long time!