Weddings: Commonly Used Instruments / Ensembles
Instruments
- Organ - If the ceremony is to take place in a church it will probably have an organ which can be used for the service. The organ is typically used on a number of occasions during the service: to provide background music before the Entrance of the Bride, the Entrance music itself, to provide accompaniment for the hymns, to provide background music whilst the register is signed and for the Recessional.
- Choir - A choir is useful not just to bolster the singing during a service but can also sing pieces on their own at many points during a wedding ceremony.
- String Quartet - A string quartet (which is usually made up of two violin players, a viola and a cello player) can provide all of the music for a ceremony/service just as an organ would.
- Duets/Trios/Other Ensembles - A flute and harp duet for example might be preferable for a smaller venue but can not necessarily accompany a large Church congregation as the sound would be drowned out!
- Soloists - A solo trumpeter can add something quite magnificent to a fanfare-like Entrance for the bride whereas a solo harp might be more fitting to provide gentle music for the Signing of the Register. Frequently a musical member of the family performs during a service but should this not be possible professional musicians will happily perform as part of a wedding.
- Piper - Bagpipe players are frequently used to pipe in the Bride. Traditionally they only pipe the Bride as far as the entrance of the venue and for the Recessional but can be used wherever fitting. They are also particularly well suited to play during the Receiving Line.
Ensembles
- String Quartet - String quartets can provide background music, music to dance to or entertain guests. A new commission could be played by a string quartet at any point during the occasion.
- Big Band - A Big Band may be suitable for an evening Reception, either as background music or for dancing and singing. A new dance-tune or song can be written for the band.
- Choir/Soloists - A favourite poem could be set to music and performed at the reception by a choir, soloist, duet, trio etc.
- Barn Dance/Ceilidh - Music can be specially written for the band to play for the first dance.
Weddings
.jpg)
