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Seven Tips to Make Your Wedding Day Sing
Wedding Music Experts Offer Advice for a Day to
Remember
(ARA) - After the date has been set, the flowers
have been ordered, and the dress has been fitted,
the focus of wedding planning turns to the more
intricate details of the ceremony and reception --
especially music. But because of the sheer number of
songs to choose from, the task of selecting the
right wedding music -- and the right musicians --
can be overwhelming.
With performances at more than 200 weddings between
them, piano-playing brothers Tim and Ryan O'Neill
have combined their wedding music expertise and
recorded their latest CD, "A Day to Remember." The
CD and corresponding sheet music book are designed
to help busy brides and grooms select the perfect
music for their big day.
"Music helps set the tone for the entire event,
whether it's traditional, contemporary or
religious," says Tim O'Neill. "Many couples have a
favorite melody or style in mind, but often struggle
to find exactly the right music." Having planned
their own wedding ceremonies in recent years, Tim
and Ryan have a new perspective on what brides and
grooms go through to get everything just right.
According to The O'Neill Brothers, these suggestions
will help make the walk down the aisle a harmonious
one:
* Consult with your spouse-to-be. You might be
surprised at his or her interests or preferences.
Your husband-to-be might have his heart set on a
particular song, or your wife-to-be might want to
include a traditional family favorite.
* Look at the big picture. Determine the best style
of music to use based on the overall theme and feel
of your wedding ceremony. Is it traditional?
Contemporary? Religious? Romantic? Fun? Not all
music is the right fit for all types of weddings.
* Not all musicians are created equal. Select
musicians who are comfortable with your chosen
style. If your ceremony is traditional, how about a
string quartet? Contemporary? Maybe just a solo
pianist, or perhaps a saxophone player. Religious?
Check with the wedding coordinator at your place of
worship to get the names of the most sought-after
musicians on her list.
Does someone in your family sing beautifully?
Consider inviting them to sing for your wedding to
make the experience even more special. But remember
that if you ask someone who's not a professional,
you'll have to cut them a little slack if they're
not exactly perfect. You might want your uncle to
play the accordion, but be sure to find a song that
fits your style and his ability.
* Determine the parts of the ceremony that you'd
like to set to music. You can select as little or as
much music as you like for the ceremony, but keep in
mind that your guests will be there to celebrate
with you, not listen to a concert. Make sure that
you select just enough so there are no "bare spots"
during which your guests might become fidgety.
Potential parts of the ceremony to be set to music
may include the prelude, the processional (you may
select separate pieces for the wedding party and the
bridal entrance), congregational hymns and religious
ceremony responses, the lighting of the unity
candle, the recessional and the postlude.
If you're having trouble narrowing your selections,
you can always save some of the songs for the band
or DJ to play at the reception rather than trying to
cram them all into the ceremony. If you're marrying
in a place of worship, remember to get your list of
selections approved by the wedding coordinator or
celebrant.
* Ask for advice -- if you need it. If you're
particular about your musical choices for the big
event, you may want to wait to book instrumentalists
or vocalists until you've made your music
selections. If you're not fussy, and would welcome
the help choosing music, hire professional musicians
and trust their advice. They've likely played for
many weddings before, and will have great song
ideas.
* Provide the necessary tools. Once you have
finalized the song list and booked your wedding
musicians, don't forget to provide the sheet music
for the pieces you've chosen. Work with the contact
person at your venue to arrange for a practice
session in the space prior to the event.
* Trust your instincts. Bottom line -- it's your
wedding. Don't feel pressured to include a
particular song just because Cousin Merle says you
should.
For more wedding music suggestions and to listen to
samples of the songs included on "A Day To
Remember," visit
www.pianobrothers.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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