Live Music and Recorded Music Contrasted, Part II - Live Wedding Ceremony Music

Your wedding day has arrived and what a perfect day for an outdoor wedding! A warm spring sun is shining, and the ribbons and flowers you have carefully selected are ruffling in the soft breeze, spilling from every corner and gracing an elegant arbor in front. From somewhere indoors the scent of the banquet you and your guests are about to share makes your mouth water with anticipation, and nearby your wedding cake is waiting to be admired in all its glory. The officiate steps up front to begin the wedding ceremony as your bridesmaids make last minute adjustments to your gorgeous dress, and your photographer gets into position for the perfect shot as you walk down the aisle. Weaving through this scene is the lovely sound of live music, setting the mood and preparing to announce your grand entrance. And Cut Scene…

Now imagine a very different kind of wedding. An overhead projection of a mountain scene sways in the air conditioning as a backdrop. Photos of flowers are propped up around the guests as they anticipate the photo of your beautiful cake and the gourmet food pictures to come. The on screen officiate is ready to begin the wedding ceremony with the press of the “play” button. This is the scene in which recorded music belongs.

And now down the aisle for real….

The music announces the start of the attendant’s processional and the selections flow seamlessly until the last note fades in the air after the guests leave. The musicians do this by vamping on a song if it needs to be extended in length for your processional, or they can gracefully make a song sound complete when the bride has reached the end of the aisle. They can play louder when necessary or pull back and play quietly during special points in your wedding ceremony. When the musicians play for your cocktail hour and reception, they are aware of audience responses and choose appropriate songs, adjust their volume, and are a real and vital presence in the room. As they play, the musicians and their instruments not only sound good, but become an interesting visual focal point.