That’s Entertainment

Strange would be the wedding with no music. The renowned food of love, music creates the desired ambience, keeps the guests entertained and can be planned to help the event along by accompanying the different stages of the day. At the wedding ceremony itself there will be hymns or other songs of celebration. If the venue is a church, these will usually be accompanied by the organ. You might have favourite or meaningful hymns in mind, if not the minister or organist can advise. They can also help you choose music to enter and leave the church to. There are traditional favourites, such as the bridal march from Lohengrin (‘Here comes the bride’), and Mendelssohn’s march from A Midsummer Night’s Dream for your first walk as husband and wife. If you want something a little more unusual, look out for the many helpful CDs of wedding music. Most organists will be happy to play requests. If you feel organ music is too formal, you could opt for a pianist, or piped music of your choice. Most guests will appreciate a live performance while you are signing the register. You might opt for a professional singer to sing something particularly special to you.

Music will also play an important part in the wedding reception. Many couples choose to have background music to entertain the guests when they are having their first drink and waiting for photographs to be taken. The easiest option is piped music, but, for a little extra, you can hire a harpist, a classical singer or guitarist, a cellist or even a string ensemble to add a touch of class to the proceedings. Scotland’s national instrument is the bagpipes, which are increasingly popular at weddings. They often greet the guests at the church, and are a good way of alerting everyone when the bridal couple are about to take their places for dinner.

Once the meal and speeches are over, guests will be keen to take to the dance floor, but not before the happy couple have kicked off proceedings with the first dance. Apart from choosing the tune for your first dance as husband and wife, …………..