Music for weddings

A piece of music can evoke powerful emotions, and many of the pieces associated with weddings will instantly set the scene for you and your guests. Choose your pieces with care, particularly bearing in mind how long it will take you to get to the alter.

For those getting married in a church, there is a traditional choice of music for the entrance of the Bride and the recessional. Often, the organist or the vicar will provide you with a list from which to choose, but don't be afraid to ask for something else. However, keep your choices within the technical range of the organist.

For civil wedding ceremonies you will need to choose music without religious content and confirm your choice with the Registrar.

Registrars have differing opinions on some popular tunes, such as Ave Maria which, although not a hymn, has religious connotations, and may, for example, permit the music without the words.

If you are unsure whether or not a particular piece is permissible, or if you feel that your Registrar is unreasonably preventing you from having a particular piece, you can consult the General Register Office on 0151 4714803.

A string quartet or harpist will set the scene at the beginning of your ceremony or reception, and can assist with the music throughout the day.

Generally, musicians advertise their main speciality, however most are very flexible and may play more than one instrument, or may be able to adapt their repertoire to play during the church service, then quietly during the wedding breakfast, before upping the tempo for the evening, and as much of the cost of hiring a musician is in the attendance they will charge little more for a full day's work.

There is nothing quite like a live band to get your guests dancing and to turn the evening reception into a night to remember.

Prices for live bands range more than any other aspect of your wedding, from £250 to £2500. The price primarily depends on the experience of the musicians and the number of musicians in the band.

Most bands will be able to email you a link to a YouTube video of them performing, or send you a sample CD.

If you are using an Agency make sure that the contract confirms the name of the band, and that that is the band you have listened to the demo for.

Live musicians will usually have suitable pre-recorded music to play during breaks, and may even be happy to leave their music system running for your evening reception for a low key disco for your guests to dance to.

It is a real skill to get guests of all ages onto the dance floor, so use a band or disco that specialises in weddings.

Most couples have a song that they consider to be “their” tune, and when booking your disco or band ensure that they will be able to play it for you; they won’t have an endless repertoire but should be happy to source a particular piece for you.