How to Have First-Class Music on a Limited Budget
Would you like a lot of great music for your wedding but have a limited budget? If so, here are some suggestions on how to get the best music possible without emptying your bank account.
Question From A Bride:
I have hired an organist, a violinist, a trumpet player, and a soloist for my wedding. What ideas can you suggest to me to make sure I am getting the most out of my investment?
Answer:
Typically, musicians charge a flat fee no matter if they are involved in two pieces or multiple pieces for a wedding. You can get the most from your money by involving them more during the prelude and the ceremony. I have seen many occasions when the trumpet is used just once or twice (typically the processional and recessional) during the ceremony and then not heard again. Have them play at least two or three pieces during the prelude as well as on the congregational hymn, if there is one. Regarding the violinist. you could opt to have them play on a few pieces during the prelude or all of the pieces during the prelude except whenever the trumpet plays. You could also combine both instruments on some selections such as "Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring" by J.S. Bach or "Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel.
Soloists also typically charge the same whether they sing one, two, or three songs. If there are four songs, however, the fee may increases but most weddings do not have more than two or three vocal solos. Obviously, if there are two people singing a duet on a song such as “The Prayer” by Sager/Foster, then each soloist is compensated separately. If it is appropriate, the violin and/or trumpet could help accompany any vocal pieces along with the organist or pianist. One beautiful example of combining a soloist with violin is the popular but traditional piece, "The Gift of Love" by Hal Hopson. A brilliant soprano vocal piece with trumpet is "The Bright Seraphim" by G.F. Handel.
The use of prelude music is another way to fully utilize the musicians. Prelude music typically begins 30 minutes before the ceremony so you can be sure to request that the musicians begin 30 minutes before the wedding even if there are only a few people in attendance at that point. That also helps bring people in who are standing outside. There is no extra charge for instrumentalists if they begin a half hour before the ceremony. On rare occasions with large weddings, you may request for the prelude to begin 45 minutes before the ceremony, which can be a nice addition, but it would likely require an extra fee for the instrumentalists.
For anyone that is looking for the most inexpensive way to have a wedding with a lot of beautiful music is to hire a superb organist/pianist. All you have to do is hire one person who has the ability to play a variety of things and bring the music alive. Instead of hiring a trumpet player, an organist can play a processional piece such as the Trumpet Voluntary by using the trumpet stop on the organ or on the keyboard. Instead of hiring a vocalist, a first-rate organist can also effectively play vocal pieces such as Ave Maria or The Lord’s Prayer at the appropriate times in the service.
There are various ways achieving great music on a limited budget. Just be creative and perhaps have fewer musicians be more involved in the ceremony which often does not require more money if it is within the same amount of time. Or hire one or two great musicians, especially a first- class organist or pianist (great instruments for the occasion such as a pipe organ or grand piano are an added bonus) who can create an incredible musical atmosphere to your wedding.
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