Planning Your WeddingMusicMelbourne, AustraliaPlanning your wedding music, like anything, is easier once you understand it a bit more. A good starting point is to know what type of wedding music to have, when and when not to have music, and to know what your musicians’ requirements might be. I have many years experience as a wedding entertainer in Australia so the following tips come from my direct experience. 
Wedding Music - Have It LiveWhen planning your wedding music, keep in mind that nothing compares with having live wedding music in order to create a unique, romantic ambience. This is your very special day, so it deserves the best. Having live wedding entertainment will definitely add to the sense of the occasion. Type of MusicMusic for the wedding ceremony is usually slow, gentle and non-intrusive. This kind of music is also ideal for pre-dinner drinks and during the meal. Soloists and string ensembles are very suitable for these times. On the other hand, music for the Wedding Reception is generally faster and louder and usually provided by a band or disco. Placement of MusiciansWhen planning your wedding make sure you place your wedding entertainers at the front and to the side so that your guests can see them play. Placing them at the front will also ensure that the sound is not muffled by people or objects, while having them to the side will put them out of the way of the wedding party. 
Musicians' RequirementsYou will probably need to set up chairs for your musicians, since most instruments are played while seated. If they require power for amplification, make sure there is a power supply nearby. Where Music Fits InA rule of thumb is that music is not played when the celebrant or bride and groom are speaking. However, the following sections of the wedding ceremony are great places to have music. Wedding PreludeMusic during the prelude should be soft and soothing so that it sets a beautiful ambience while your guests arrive. If the bride is late then the music functions as entertainment.
Choosing The Wedding March MusicThe Wedding March (also known as the procession), is the most important piece of wedding music you will have to choose. Make sure it’s not in waltz time, because it’s almost impossible to walk to. Your musicians should be able to suggest a choice of suitable, walk-able pieces. Pachelbel’s Canon is a popular choice for this section. 
The ProcessionJust before the processional (or wedding march), it generally works better for the musicians to stop playing a few minutes before the bride's party arrive. If your wedding music plans don't include the traditional "Here Comes The Bride" for this section, then if the musician/s were to continue playing, it doesn't really signpost your entrance. However, having a dramatic pause will help to make your procession music stand out from the prelude music, while making your entrance even grander. For the sake of variety you could have some other music source played for your wedding march. This could be a wedding CD played or having your favourite song sung by your musician or a friend who can sing well. 
Special ItemsWhen planning your wedding you might want to include a special reading or a candle lighting. Music played behind these items really work well. Harp music was traditionally used to accompany Celtic poetry and storytelling, so it is a tried and tested practise. Wedding InterludeIt’s always good to have some music during the interlude (the signing of the register). Sometimes it can appear that the wedding ceremony has come to a bit of a lull while you and your bridal party do the paperwork. Music played during this time will fill the gap, as well as provide a seamless continuity between the sections of the ceremony. 
Wedding Recessional
Music for the recessional should be up-tempo and joyful. Again make sure it's not in waltz-time. Planning Your Wedding Photos
If you have a harpist playing at your wedding, the harp is very photogenic and can make an attractive prop for your wedding photos. If this idea appeals to you then you might like to suggest it beforehand to your harpist and photographer. Outdoor WeddingsMusical instruments need to be sheltered from sun, rain and in some cases, the wind. Most musicians will need to pack up at the onset of even very light rain. A gazebo or large umbrellas can easily solve this problem.
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