Let’s Make Great Wedding Music!

At Party of 2, we believe music can be monumental in creating mood, tone, and setting that “just so” atmosphere at any wedding.  From the first second the guests begin to arrive to that last beat pounding drive of the last dance, music plays a very “orchestrated” role and should be well–thought out and planned.  This becomes crystal clear especially during the ceremony where it may be important that music be used to offset moments where you may want complete silence to be heard!

The main musical components of the event you will want to consider include the following:

The prelude:  This is the period before the ceremony begins when guests first arrive usually 20-30 minutes prior to the start of the event.  Use this time to establish a mood or set a theme to your event.

The processional:  This is the music to be played while you and your wedding party make their grand entrances.  Think drama here and personalize this music selection.

The ceremony:  Use accent songs during this time at key moments or as part of the ceremony itself to enhance the meaning of the ceremony.  Use your heritage; put some of your soul into these selections, time spent here, will add to your ceremony and to the guests enjoyment of the occasion.  Here in the picture to the left, our Sonoma bride had her nephew play during her processional as she and her father walked down the aisle.  Not a dry eye to be seen!

The recessional:  This is the music the bride and groom leave the ceremony with as they walk down the aisle.  You should pick something that allows you to leave the room with a bang!

The postlude:  This is the music that plays as all the rest of the guests file out of the area after the ceremony is done.  It should still be upbeat and move them into the reception area.

Reception music:  This can breakdown of course into cocktail and dance music.   Keep in mind you will need to check into any musical restrictions in place at your event space, but music selection should keep your guests celebrating!

Special Note:  Many times using a DJ for your music is a very good choice, but should you decide to go with live musicians, keep in mind the following and get everything in writing:

• Date, arrival time, location, attire
• Names of musicians who will be playing at the event
• Fees/overtime rates
• Equipment needed, i.e. shade, seating, stands, amps, water, etc.
• Attire
• What they will play and when

Here’s some suggestions for some local talent for live ceremony and background musicians we  highly recommend:

Camellia String Quartet:  One of Sacramento’s Finest!  We enjoyed the pleasure of working with this group recently at a garden wedding where they played during the prelude, processisonal, and for part of the reception.  They received quite an ovation before they had to dash off to their next wedding!  So our advice is to call early and book them fast!

Sacramento Wedding Trumpet: We heard them play at a recent wedding planner excursion tour, and they would make any wedding party have that “grand” entrance feeling!

Pamela Pamperin:  A Harpist with that magical touch of an angel we met at the same excursion tour.

Sac DJ Ron Davis:  Combines live music with DJ tracks.  We saw Ron at a local AFWPI event and enjoyed his musical stylings!

Whatever you decide for music, be sure to plan early, as top talent will book early, sometimes a year in advance, but always remember a party without music is like a banana split with-out the ice cream; decidedly unsatisfying and no fun, and that’s not music to anyones ears!

If you need help selecting music or musicians or planning your event, contact Party of 2 at 916-479-3093.

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Party of 2

prtof02@gmail.com