Wedding Music Package Ideas

Let’s face it, planning a wedding can be a time consuming and expensive process.  So, what better way to save time and money than to book a music package for your wedding day? You can book the whole lot through just one company (which saves time sifting through the hundreds and thousands of different musical acts you may find online), you have just one contact to deal with who will liaise with all your different musical segments of the day, and of course most importantly, it will save big bucks!

Here are a few different wedding music ideas for different parts of the day. Why not have a look for a music company or band that can provide the whole lot for you?

The Ceremony

Idea no1: The Traditional String Quartet

Traditional it may be, but there’s a reason why something becomes ‘traditional’ or ‘typical’, and it’s basically because it works perfectly! A string quartet is a gorgeous idea for your ceremony. Most will be happy to take requests so you can tailor their playlist completely to your own tastes, and if you wanted to add a modern twist to it, many quartets have some modern songs in their repertoire these days. Have them play as the guests arrive, for your all-important walk down the aisle, the signing of the register, and of course as you and the guests leave.

Idea no2: A Solo Singer

Choose a song that’s important to you and have it performed in the ceremony in place of a reading. This always goes down a treat – there’s just something about music that can say things that words just can’t, and if you can find the perfect song it can work really well. Either go for something beautiful and soft, or perhaps something really fun and upbeat to give your ceremony a different feel.

Idea no3: A Custom Written Song

If you want something truly bespoke for your ceremony, why not commission a song-writer/producer to compose a song especially for the wedding? You can meet or chat on the phone with the writer so they can get a good idea of who you both are, what your likes and dislikes are, what’s important to you etc, and they will then write a beautiful song to be played at your wedding. This can either be recorded to be played on CD, or written as sheet music for your singer/quartet/other musicians to perform live. What a gorgeous idea – it’s something that you will definitely never forget!

The Drinks Reception

Idea No1: A Singing Guitarist/Pianist

This is a really lovely way of setting a gorgeous atmosphere, and it’s relatively cost efficient to have a musician who sings as you’ll only be paying one person! Think Jamie Cullum meets Jack  Johnson, with a twist of Ed Sheeran thrown in the middle! This could set a lush vibe while you and your guests roam around with glasses of champagne, chatting away…

Idea No2: A Roaming Saxophonist

This is another great way of setting a fantastic atmosphere. I personally love the saxophone and I know a lot of others do too. It gives off a real sophistication in sound that you just don’t get from other instruments. Hire a saxophonist to improvise to backing tracks, either in a jazz style or perhaps something more contemporary.

Idea No3: Steel Band

This seems to be very popular at the moment, especially for weddings during summer (perhaps it will bring a bit of a sunshine feel even if the sun doesn’t make an appearance!). I love this sort of thing, and actually they’re not as expensive as you may think. Transform your drinks reception into a Caribbean vibe!

The Wedding Breakfast

Idea No1: Acoustic Duo

I think this is quite a nice idea. Traditionally/typically you’d probably have something like a cocktail pianist or jazz duo over the wedding breakfast, but an acoustic duo will create an altogether different sound. I really like acoustic duos that play lovely acoustic versions of well known pop tunes – so stuff like KT Tunstall, or perhaps even nice chilled out arrangements of Lady Gaga and Coldplay.

Idea No2: Cocktail Pianist

So, yes, it’s the traditional option – but it still goes down a treat! Recently I performed at an event where the bride and groom asked the pianist to play only songs from movie themes, as the table names were all famous films. I thought this was quite a nice idea, and a great way of bringing everything together. You could have all sorts of fun with it if you came up with some ideas… for example you could come up with a list of songs that only feature your colour themes – so if your flowers and bridesmaids are all dressed in blue and gold, you could have the pianist play songs like ‘Blue Moon’, ‘Goldfinger’ and not forgetting the 80’s classic, ‘Gold’!

Idea No3: Singing Waiters

I know, if you read my past articles I talk about singing waiters a lot – but they really do make a huge difference to your wedding breakfast! Usually two or three singers (or dancers) will be hidden at your event as waiters, bar staff, firemen, or even guests, and after they’ve lulled everyone into the false belief that they are who they say they are, they will burst into song and shock everyone! What a way to get your guests going and break up the meal!

The Evening Reception

Idea No1: Live Karaoke Band

There are a few of these about at the moment and it’s such a fun idea! Ok – we’re not all keen on the idea of karaoke, but having a live band to perform with gives it a much cooler edge, and once everyone has had a few drinks there will be no stopping them! Usually with this type of band they will bring along their own singer who will perform when none of your guests want to, and will probably help guests come in at the right point etc when they do sing. They also usually perform a normal set of popular party tunes first, then get the karaoke going later on when everyone has loosened up!

Idea No2: Electronic String Band

This may not be particularly suitable for the whole evening, but if you have the budget for it I’d highly recommend an electronic string band. We recently worked with ‘Stringfever’ who are the top electronic string quartet in the UK (maybe even the world) and they are just fantastic! They put on a proper show and are really entertaining. It would be a fantastic act to have in between sets of your band or DJ.

Idea No3: Function Band

Ok, so we’re back at the traditional option again, but it’s a goodun! A function band is a great idea for your evening reception because they will play a big selection of songs that should please the majority of your guests, and if you get a good one they will keep the dance-floor full all night long. Usually they will learn and perform your first dance for you, and if you want them to will take care of the whole evening, providing background music when they’re not performing.

So there’s  a few ideas for you. What would your perfect combination be? Or do you have any more ideas? I’d love to hear some.

Happy planning!

Sera

Article by Wedding Entertainment Specialist Sera Golding

Images Courtesy of –

Strings: Paul Schneider

Singer: Hannah Clarke

Cocktail Pianist: Paul Schneider

Singing Waitress: Matt Pereira Photography

Electronic String Band: Stringfever

Read more Wedding Entertainment Advice articles

Read other Wedding Advice articles