Top 10 Traditional String Wedding Music Songs
There are many beautiful classical pieces string wedding music. These are what I believe are the ten most popular for wedding ceremonies.
String wedding music is elegant and understated. It stands alone and creates a sophisticated elegant mood. To add royal grandeur to the bridal entrance, add a fanfare before the bride on fanfare trumpets or add a trumpet, organ, brass quartet or quintet to the bridal processional song. I am suggesting songs below that this works especially well with.
1 Canon in D by Pachelbel
This beautiful and elegant song has a calm sophisticated sound. It is commonly called Pachelbel’s Canon and is often seen spelled in its original German spelling of kanon. Because of its mellow sound it is often used for bridesmaids or for brides that would like an understated elegant entrance rather that a grand royal entrance. This song is probably the most famous string wedding music.
2. Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring by Bach
You may not be familiar with the name of this song but I think almost everyone will recognize it. It is understated and elegant and often used for mother’s seating, bridal party or for an elegant bridal entrance.
3. Wedding March by Mendelssohn
This song is the traditional song for the recessional (bridal party exit music at the end of the wedding ceremony). You will recognize this one right away. Most Catholic and some other churches do not allow this song because it is not a sacred song.
4. Bridal Chorus also known as Here Comes the Bride by Wagner
This is the most traditional song for the bridal processional and is familiar to everyone. It is so recognizable that it is only used for the bride and would not be a good choice for the bridal party. If it is used people may stand, expecting the bride. Most Catholic and some other churches do not allow this song because it is not a sacred song.
5. La Rejouissance by Handel
This grand piece is used for processionals and recessionals. Adds a royal flair to your wedding. Some brides and grooms add brass or organ to bump it up another notch.
6. Trumpet Voluntary, J. Clarke
This wedding song is also commonly know as The Prince of Denmark March. You will also find the Trumpet Voluntary incorrectly listed as being composed by Purcell. It is often confused with Trumpet Tune which is another wedding song. The Trumpet Voluntary is most commonly performed on the trumpet but sounds elegant performed by violin, string quartet and other string wedding ensembles. For a more grand entrance, add a trumpet to your string trio, string quartet or string orchestra.
7. Air on the G String by Bach
Often called Air from Suite in D, This subdued beautiful song will make your heart melt. Most often used for prelude, unity candle, sand ceremony, mother’s seating, it can be breathtaking for a bridal entrance.
8. The Hornpipe from the Water Music by Handel
This Upbeat Royal sounding music is used most often for the wedding recessional (the bridal party exit back down the aisle after the ceremony). This song couldn’t be more celebratory sounding. It is also occasionally used for the bridal party or bride processional. To make a jaw dropping celebratory song, add trumpet, organ, brass quartet or quintet.
9. Ave Maria by Schubert
This song is beautiful and reflective with a subdued quality. Used commonly for prelude, unity candle, sand ceremony and mother’s seating it is also used often for bridal party processional music and bridal entrance music. This song is perfect for church weddings and is a standard for Catholic weddings. There are many composers that have written songs named Ave Maria so make sure to specify to your wedding musicians. The Schubert Ave Maria is most often confused with the lesser known but also beautiful Ave Maria by Bach.
10. A Little Night Music by Mozart
This piece is most commonly referred to with its German name Serenade from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. This song will be very familiar to your guests. It can be used for all parts of the ceremony.
Two more popular string wedding music songs to consider
Trumpet Tune by Purcell and Rondeau by Mouret These two songs are best known for being performed on brass instruments but are very commonly played by solo violin, string quartet and other wedding string music ensembles. They are used for all parts of the ceremony except unity candle and sand ceremony. For extra grandeur and trumpet, organ, brass quartet or quintet.
Now it’s time to decide which wedding string ensemble is the best for your wedding. You may choose from everything from solo violin to string orchestra. Click here for tips for selecting the perfect string ensemble for you and lists of wedding string ensembles. For more wedding music tips & ideas visit our blog.
Complete List of Bride Entrance Songs
Looking for the perfect bride entrance song for your wedding? This list gives you lots of processional songs to choose from. The list is separated into two categories traditional bride entrance songs and modern entrance songs. Within each category are processional songs with a grand sound, romantic sound, joyful sound and others to choose from so you may find the perfect bride entrance song for your wedding.
Wedding Song ABC’s
When the bride walks down the aisle that is referred to as processing down the aisle. The bride entrance song is often referred to as the bridal procession song, bridal processional song, walk down the aisle song and bridal processional music. The bride entrance song can also be called a wedding processional song but the wedding parties processional songs are also referred to as wedding processional songs. The song for walking back down the aisle after the ceremony is referred to as the wedding recessional song.
Traditional Bride Entrance Songs
Bridal March by Wagner (Also called “Here Comes the Bride”)
Trumpet Voluntary (Prince of Denmark’s March) by Clarke
Trumpet Voluntary by Stanley
Canon in D by Pachelbel
Trumpet Tune by Purcell
Te Deum by Charpentier
Rondeau (Theme from Masterpiece Theatre) by Mouret
Hornpipe (Allegro Maestoso) from Water Music by Handel
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Bach
Ode To Joy by Beethoven
La Rejouissance by Handel
Rigaudon by Campra
Ave Maria by Schubert
Spring from the Four Seasons by Vivaldi
Winter from the Four Seasons by Vivaldi
Meditation from Thais by Massenet
Air On A G String by Bach
Sleepers Awake by Bach
Sarabande by Bach
Air on a G String by Bach
Nimrod from Enigma Variations by Elgar
Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral by Wagner
Coronation March for Czar Alexander III by Tchaikovsky
Overture from the Royal Fireworks Music by Handel
Promenade from Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky
Romeo and Juliet Love Theme by Tchaikovsky
Allegro Moderato from Romantic Pieces, Op. 75 by Dvorak
I Was Glad Charles Hubert Hastings Parry – used for Prince William & Princess Kate’s wedding
Clair de Lune by Debussy
Gymnopedies No. 1 by Satie
Highland Cathedral by Phil Coulter (Celtic)
Scotland the Brave (Celtic)
Arrival of the Queen of Sheba by Handel
Air from Water Music Suite by Handel
Procession of Joy by Hopson
Wedding March from The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart
Canzon V by Giovanni Gabrieli
Sinfonia from Cantata No. 156 by Bach
Toccata from L’Orfeo by Monteverdi
Trumpet Tune in A-Major by David N. Johnson
Con Moto Maestoso from Sonatas for Organ, Op. 65, No. 3 by Mendelssohn
All People That On Earth Do Dwell” (“Old 100th” hymn)
Dona Nobis Pacem (16th century hymn)
Hanava Babanot (Hebrew)
St. Anthony’s Chorale by Haydn
Hymn Fanfare from The Triumphant by Couperin
Scalero de Oro (Sephardic)
Ave Maria Virgo Serena by Josquin des Prez
Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen by Brahms
Appalachia Waltz by Mark O’Connor
Modern Bride Entrance Songs
(Performing artists listed rather than composer)
A Thousand Years, Christina Perri
Glasgow Love Theme, from “Love Actually”
Can’t Help Falling in Love, Haley Reinhart
Everything, Michael Buble
Count on Me, Bruno Mars
All of Me, John Legend
Marry You, Bruno Mars
Perfect, Ed Sheehan
La Califfa, Sarah Brightman
Paint the Sky with Stars, Enya
Grow Old with You, Adam Sadler
First Day of My Life, Bright Eyes
I’m Yours, Jason Mraz
Make You Feel My Love, Adele
Here Comes the Sun, Beatles
Golden Hour, Kacey Musgraves
City of Stars (Humming), Justin Hurwitz and Emma Stone
First Day Of My Life, Bright Eyes
The Princess Bride, Mark Knopfler
Now That We Found Love, Heavy D & The Boyz (From the “Hitch” movie wedding scene)
Don’t Stop Believing, Journey, Vitamin String Quartet
For You, Kenny Lattimore
Moon River, Mancini
I Won’t Give Up, Jason Mraz
Here, There and Everywhere, The Beatles
1, 2, 3, 4, Plain White Tees, Vitamin String Quartet
Hallelujah, Jeff Buckley
Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours, Stevie Wonder
Halo, Beyonce
Ho Hey, The Lumineers
Bittersweet Symphony, The Verve
Somewhere Only We Know, Keane, Lilly Allen
Bless the Broken Road, The O’Neill Brothers
Songbird, Eva Cassidy
Bellissimo, Ilya
L-O-V-E, Nat King Cole
All You Need is Love, Beatles (More common as a recessional but used for processional)
Fairytale, Enya
Angel, Robin Thicke
Ribbon in the Sky, Stevie Wonder
This Ring, T. Carter Music
Holocene (Original Bon Iver), Vitamin String Quartet
The Prayer, The O’Neill Brothers
Here We Stand , T. Carter Music
Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Iz
I Won’t Give Up, Jason Mraz
To A Wild Rose, Edward MacDowell
Flatbush Waltz, Andy Statman
Here Comes the Sun, The Beatles
I Was Married, Tegan and Sara
The Look of Love, Dionne Warwick/Burt Bacharach
The Vow, Jeremy Lubbock
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, by Carole King
Dawn, Andrew Lapp
Boom Clap, Charli XCX
Sunrise, Sunset from Fiddler on the Roof
Wedding Processional from The Sound of Music
Rise Up, Andra Day
I hope that you find this list of bridal entrance songs helpful. Please let us know what you think. We love to hear from you!
If you can dream it we can provide it
For Romantic musicians, singers, ensembles and bands in Orlando contact Music Remembrance. http://www.MusicRemembrance.com | 407-240-3945 | Andrea@MusicRemembrance.com
Traditional Wedding Ceremony Music, Song Lists & Tips
For those planning their wedding music a good place to start is to know what the traditional pieces are for a wedding ceremony. There are two pieces that are the most traditional.
- Bride: Bridal Chorus by Wagner
- Recessional: Wedding March by Mendelssohn
- Mothers/Grandmothers Seating Music: Pachebel’s Canon in D
Processionals: - Bridal Party: Jesu,Joy of Man’s Desiring by Bach (also commonly used: Trumpet Voluntary, by Clarke or Trumpet Tune by Purcell)
- Bride: Bridal Chorus by Wagner
- Sand Ceremony or other ceremony with music: Ave Maria, Schubert
- Recessional: Wedding March by Mendelssohn
Below is a list of pieces that often substituted for the traditional wedding music above. They are very commonly used and considered traditional wedding ceremony music too. When using traditional wedding music, it is customary to save the grandest pieces for the bridal processional and the wedding ceremony recessional. Some choose to have a somewhat grand and upbeat piece for the bridal party also, while others select something more subdued thus highlighting the bridal processional. Traditional music for the Mother’s/Grandmother’s seating and the background music for the sand ceremony and other ceremonies is more traditionally more subdued. Some couples that want to highlight the joy of the occasion and choose upbeat pieces for these also.
Common Alternate Selections for the Bridal Party Processional, Bridal Processional and/or Recessional
- Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Bach
- Canon in D by Pachebel
- Ode To Joy by Beethoven
- La Rejouissance by Handel
Alternate selections for Sand Ceremony or Mother’s Seating Music
- Ave Maria by Bach
- Ave Maria by Schubert
- Spring from the Four Seasons by Handel
- Winter from the Four Seasons by Handel
- Meditation from Thais by Massenet
-
Air On A G String by Bach
Have more wedding music questions? Please feel free to contact author Andrea Rowlison.
Why Use Classical Music for Your Orlando Wedding Ceremony Music?
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Classical music is one of the most popular choices for Orlando wedding ceremony music. Using classical music for wedding ceremonies adds a sense of sophistication and class. There are many other reasons that classical music works wonderfully for wedding ceremonies and is so popular. I will discuss some of them and you can decide if classical is the right choice for your wedding music.
When you are shopping for a wedding dress most brides want something that will not look silly and dated in pictures and videos years from now. Most brides look for something more timeless. When it comes to choosing wedding ceremony music, couples often do not think of timelessness and select music of the current trend. Current music makes a statement that day but when looking back at videos 25 and 50 years from now will you think, “what was I thinking?” Classical music has stood the test of time for hundreds of years and will always sound timeless.
What tone are you trying to set for your wedding ceremony? The music plays an important role in setting the wedding ceremony tone. If you are having an elegant, sophisticated, royal or luxurious wedding, classical music will set the tone. Classical music is so varied and vast that it can be used for almost any tone and many themes like: winter wonderland, autumn, spring, summer, flowers, simple, fun, Halloween, Christmas etc.
Religious wedding ceremonies often have music restrictions. Choosing classical music from the large variety of sacred classical music can easily fit any church’s wedding music guidelines. Some religions and churches also have restrictions on what instruments can be used and most classical ensembles are acceptable under these restrictions.
Most traditional wedding ceremonies have a somewhat serious tone to accompany the serious and important nature of the vows being taken. Using classical music can help highlight the importance and significance of these important vows.
When selecting music for your wedding ceremony it is important to think about all of your guests. One kind of music that everyone can enjoy and won’t offend anyone’s ear or sense of taste is classical. It won’t be too harsh or loud for your older guests. Although classical music may not be what all of your guests normally listen to, it is used so frequently in TV shows, commercials, movies and schools that it’s something that everyone can relate to in some way.
Below are some examples of Classic Music Wedding Ensembles that are popular and add a sense of sophistication and class.
Royal and Regal
- Brass Quartet
- Brass Quintet
- Brass Quartet with Organ
- Brass Quintet with Organ
- Fanfare Trumpets
- Organist
- Trumpet and Organ Duet
- Trumpet
- Trumpet with String Quartet
- Choir with Organ
- Chamber Orchestra
- Symphony Orchestra
Sophisticated and Elegant
- String Quartet
- String Trio
- String Duo
- Solo Violin
- Vocalist with piano
- Vocal Duo
- Vocal Quartet
- Choir
- Solo Classical Guitar
- Guitar Duo
- Flute and Guitar Duo
- Harp
- Harp and Flute Duo
- String Orchestra
These are some of the many reasons classical music is so very popular for wedding ceremony music in Orlando. Now you can decide if it right for your very special day. For information on hiring classical ensembles please visit the Music Remembrance web site.
Music Remembrance Events and Service Area
Consider MusicRemembrance.com when you are hiring event musicians for your private and corporate parties in the Orlando and Tampa area.
Music Remembrance has many music ensembles and bands to choose from and we are glad to fulfill even the most unusual requests. See this link for a list of some of our ensembles.
Music Remembrance can provide event muscians like music groups, music ensembles, live music, wedding bands, and bands for wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions, parties, outdoor weddings, casino theme parties, birthday parties, anniversary parties, conventions, concerts, festivals, parades, graduations, church services, events, masses, ceremonies, dinner music, cocktail hour music.
And
Themed weddings, mardi gras parties, mardi gras parades, memorial services, funerals, dixieland funerals, funeral processionals, conventions, theme events, charity events, private parties, singing telegrams, music telegrams, celebrity performances, celebrations, tributes, roasts, charity balls, dances, Roaring 20’s party, meetings, banquets, class reunions, clubs, restaurants, theme parks, city functions, ribbon cutting ceremonies, business and store openings. promotion parties, political rallies, political events and celebrations, special events, pageants, beach weddings
And
Children’s parties, kid’s parties, debutante balls and sweet sixteen parties
Music Remembrance’s event musicians perform in all of Central Florida and Florida. We are always happy to travel in the United States and we are available worldwide. Below is a sample of our service area:
- Orlando, Florida
- Central Florida
- Dr. Phillips, FL
- Doctor Phillips,Fl
- Lady Lake, Fl
- Celebration, Fl
- Heathrow
- International Drive
- isleworth
- Celebration
- Mt. Dora
- Mount Dora
- Port Canaveral
- Orlando, FL
- Lakeland, FL
- Winter Haven, FL
- Largo, Fl,
- Indian Rocks Beach, FL.
- Winter Park, FL
- Maitland, FL
- Casselberry, FL
- New Smyrna Beach, FL
- Deland, FL
- Deltona, FL
- Sanford, FL
- Oviedo, FL
- Winter Springs, FL
- Apopka, FL
- Zellwood, FL
- Mount Dora, FL
- Melbourne, FL
- Saint Petersburg, FL
- St. Petersburg, FL
- Clearwater, FL
- Clearwater Beach, FL
- Daytona Beach, FL
- Tampa, FL
- Jacksonville, FL
- West Palm Beach, FL
- Pompano Beach, FL
- Gainesville, FL
- Sarasota, FL
- Ybor City, FL
- Naples, FL
- Boca Raton, FL
- Hollywood, FL
- Ocala, FL
- Melbourne Beach, FL
- Cocoa, FL
- Cocoa Beach, FL
- Palm Coast, FL
- Miami, Fl
- Bradenton, FL
- The Villages, Fl
- Fort Pierce, FL
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Fort Myers, FL
- North Fort Myers, FL
- Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
- Saint Augustine, FL
- St. Augustine, Fl
- Stuart, FL
- Vero Beach, FL
- Howey In The Hills, FL
- Avalon Park
- Lake Nona
- Lanark Village, FL
- St. Cloud, Fl
- Saint Cloud, Fl
- Leesburg, FL
- Kissimmee, F
- Lake Worth, FL
- Brooksville, F
- Winter Garden, FL
- Clermont, FL
- Wildwood, FL
- Ocoee, FL
- Altamonte Springs, FL
- Longwood, FL
- Windermere, FL
- Ponce De Leon, FL
- Lake Mary, FL
- Port Orange, FL
- Ft. Lauderdale, Fl
- Cape Canaveral, FL
- Edgewater, FL
- Brandon, FL
- Largo, FL
- Indian Rocks Beach, FL
- Jackson County, FL
- Orange County, FL
- Pinellas County
- Orange City, FL
- Flagler Beach, Fl
- Flagler County, Fl
- Jacksonville Beach, FL
- Orlando, Fl
- Jackson, MI
- Detroit, MI
- Ann Arbor, MI
- Traverse City, MI
Music Remembrance is glad to provide live music ensembles, wedding bands, and bands for all of your events.
Classical Music in wedding the segments of Ceremonies
Classical music in wedding ceremonies set an elegant tone for wedding ceremonies. Couples around the world often have the same questions concerning the use of traditional classical music for each segment of their wedding ceremony.
The most common question is, “What are the traditional pieces for the wedding ceremony and when do I use them?”
There are pieces that are the most traditional and popular choices when using classical music in wedding ceremonies. Below are lists of the most traditional choices for the different segments of your wedding ceremony. You can listen to these pieces on the our website or by performing a Google search of the titles.
Music For the Bridal Party Processional (Entrance)
The bridal party processional can be accompanied by several pieces if you have a large bridal party or would just like different songs for different members of the bridal party. The most traditional arrangement is to have the mothers, minister, groom and groomsmen enter to one soft piece that is not on the list below. (If the groomsmen are escorting the brides maids only the mothers minister, groom and best man would enter to this first song.) This would be followed by the flower girls, ring bearer, and brides maids entering to one of the music selections from below. There are of course many variations on this arrangement for different religions, cultures and preferences but this is the most common arrangement for bridal party entrance music at wedding ceremonies.
- Trumpet Voluntary by Clarke (the most popular and traditional selection)
- Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Bach
- Canon in D by Pachelbel
- Trumpet Tune by Purcell
- Rondeau (Theme from Masterpiece Theatre) by Mouret
- Hornpipe (Allegro Maestoso) from Water Music by Handel
- Te Deum by Charpentier
Music for the Bridal Processional (Entrance)
- Bridal Chorus by Wagner also known as Here Comes the Bride (the most popular and traditional selection)
- Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Bach
- Canon in D by Pachelbel
- Trumpet Tune by Purcell
- Rondeau (Theme from Masterpiece Theatre) by Mouret
- Hornpipe (Allegro Maestoso) from Water Music by Handel
- Te Deum by Charpentier
- Trumpet Voluntary
Music for Unity Candle/Sand/Crystal Ceremony, Wine Ceremony, Rose Presentations or Similar Section of the Service Requiring Background Music
- Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Bach or Canon in D by Pachebel, if not used for bride or bridal party
- Ave Maria by Schubert
- Ave Maria by Bach
- O Perfect Love by Barnby
- Panis Angelicus by Frank
- One Hand, One Heart by Bernstein
- Sheep May Safely Graze by Bach
- Evening Prayer by Humperdink
- Hymns
Music for the Bridal Party Recessional (Return down the aisle at the conclusion of the wedding ceremony)
- Wedding March by Mendelssohn (the most popular and traditional Selection)
- La Rejouissance by Handel
- Trumpet Tune by Purcell
- Rondeau (Theme from Masterpiece Theatre) by Mouret
- Elsa’s Procession from The Cathedral by Wagner
- Ode to Joy by Beethoven
- Trumpet Voluntary by Clarke
Seating and Exiting Music for Wedding Guests
- A mix of soft classical music
I hope that you find these lists of wedding ceremony music helpful. If you have any questions about wedding ceremony music Music Remembrance is always glad to help whether you are client or not.
Over 50 Music Ensemble Choices for Weddings
When you are planning your special day, you have almost unlimited choices of wedding musicians and bands in Orlando. Brides and grooms may sometimes find it difficult selecting music for their events. This is often because only a few choices are known or many choices are known but it is difficult to imagine which music groups would be the most appropriate for your special day. I think that lists of choices that work well for the wedding ceremony, wedding reception and cocktail hour can be very helpful.
Below are lists of music ensembles that I believe work very well for wedding ceremonies, receptions and cocktail hour. All of these wedding musicians and bands can be found in Orlando and Central Florida.
Wedding Ceremony
Wedding Ceremony Ensembles
Classical and/or Ambient Music: Any of these ensembles can play a large variety of music styles including classical, pop, jazz standards, Christian pop and folk music.
- Brass Quartet: Two trumpets, trombone and tuba. Some ensembles vary instrumentation.
- Brass Quintet: Two trumpets: french horn, trombone and tuba for a slightly more full sound than the brass Quartet. Works well for large venues or large wedding parties.
- Brass Choir: Large brass group for that “wow” factor
- Brass Quartet, Brass Quintet or Brass Choir with Organ: This magnificent and regal combination will fill the air and create an awe inspiring sound.
- String Quartet: Two violins, viola and cello, gives a sophisticated elegant feel.
- Harpist
- Organist
- Harp and Flute Duet
- Solo Violinist
- Violinist with piano, guitar, harp, or organ
- Trumpet and Organ Duet a very popular wedding choice for a regal effect
- Fanfare Trumpets – The long trumpets used to announce royalty
- Guitarist
- Pianist
- Italian Tenor
- Singer with Piano, Guitar, Harp or Organ
- Woodwind Quintet: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, french horn
- Chamber Orchestra: Combine the brass quintet and string quartet for a small orchestra
- Symphony Orchestra: A full symphony orchestra for the couple that wants something truly extraordinary
For themed wedding music choices see blog below, “Great Party and Weddings Themes”
Wedding Reception
Before selecting your wedding reception musicians it is helpful to decide if you would like music for background, lively music or dancing music. Do you want one kind of music or a large variety that will please and keep all of your guests dancing? If you are like most couples you desire background music for dinner and a large variety of dance music after dinner. If this is your desire, you would be best served with a band that specializes in wedding ceremonies. Wedding bands have a large repertoire of all styles and welcome requests. These bands also have the expertise to perform as master of ceremonies (MC) and assist you with all of your music details including picking times and songs for the bridal party entrance, bride and groom entrance, first dance, father and daughter dance, mother and son dance, toasts, cake cutting, guarder and bouquet tosses. Having an experienced band to keep things running smoothly through these events is important, but will be essential if you do not have a wedding planner.
Wedding Reception Ensembles
- Wedding Band
- Your favorite rock, pop, country, salsa or other style band – Remember, you will not get variety for your guests or the MC and wedding expertise with these groups.
- Jazz Band or Combo – for a more mellow but still danceable approach. I suggest getting one with a singer to please more guests.
For themed wedding reception music see blog “Great Wedding and Party Themes below.”
Cocktail Hour
Many of the wedding ceremony music groups will work very well for the cocktail hour. If you can use the same group that performed for your ceremony you can save a considerable amount of money. Another option to save money is using a group from the wedding reception band. Most wedding bands have a duo, trio or quartet from within the band that can arrive early and play the cocktail hour. These groups can usually play light pop or jazz as soft ambient music. If you are on a tight budget but would like music for cocktails request the wedding bands guitarist as a solo guitarist or pianist as a solo pianist. Most people prefer to use a group without a vocalist. This helps keep the music as background so your guests can enjoy mingling. Do you want the music as the focal point or background? If it is a focal point a group with a singer or a brass group work well. Which ensemble you pick will set the tone for cocktails. Do you want the sophistication of the harp, the elegance of strings, of more of a party atmosphere with a pop trio?
Cocktail Hour Ensembles
Wedding Ceremony ensembles that work well:
Any of these ensembles can play a large variety of music styles including classical, pop, jazz standards, Christian pop and folk music.
- Brass Quartet – Two Trumpets, Trombone and Tuba. Some ensembles vary instrumentation.
- Brass Quintet Two Trumpets, French Horn, Trombone and Tuba for a slightly more full sound than Brass Quartet.
- String Quartet -Two violins, viola and cello, gives a sophisticated elegant feel.
- Harpist
- Harp and Flute Duet
- Solo Violinist
- Violinist with piano, guitar or harp
- Fanfare Trumpets: The long trumpets used to announce royalty. Used at the end of cocktail hour to announce that it is time to move to the dinner location. The fanfare trumpeters perform a fanfare to get your guests attention and then either the trumpeters, or a chef standing in-between them, announces that “dinner is served” as the doors to the dinner room open.
- Guitarist: Classical jazz, pop or folk
- Pianist: Classical, jazz or pop
- Singer with piano, guitar or harp singing light classical music
- Singer performing pop or jazz accompanied by guitar or piano or ensemble of guitar bass and drums or piano, bass and drums
- Woodwind Quintet: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, french horn
- Chamber Orchestra, combine the brass quintet and string quartet for a small orchestra
Small Ensembles from Wedding Reception band that work well:
- solo pianist
- solo guitarist
- solo pianist that sings
- solo guitarist that sings
- Duo, trio, or quartet from reception band, either jazz or pop music or both can be requested
Other Suggestions:
- Jazz duo, trio or quartet. If you are a jazz fan and want that specifically it always takes things to another level if you hire a group that specializes in that.
- Blues singer. To bring the mood up from the ceremony and get your guests ready to party, try something a little different to set the tone.
- For themed wedding music suggestions see blog below, “Great Party and Weddings Themes”
