Wondering where to find a harpist or cellist? Maybe you want a soloist or voilinist? We have many sources for you to consider when making this important decision.
The following article is an example of the content we have in our online wedding planning membership site HappyWeddings.ca under the heading of Ceremony Musicians. To learn more and get useful wedding planning tools for FREE, click here!
There are musician everywhere, and many who specialize in weddings. Your place of worship usually has a list of musicians who are available to perform at weddings at their location. But if you are having a civil ceremony, you can call around to the places of worship in your area to ask for referrals, but you might choose to look further afield.
Most couples choose to have family and friends who are musical to take part in their ceremony because it is more personal and special. If you don’t have musicians in your immediate circle, ask your friends and family if they know any musicians.
Another option is to check out your local music schools or universities with music programs. There are many highly qualified individuals available and often you can get a violinist, or a trio or quartet to play for your ceremony at a reasonable price.
Every province and territory has a professional music association, and most performing musicians are listed with them. You can hire full bands or singer/songwriter types to sing at your wedding through these associations. Have your heart set on a harpist or some other unique instrument? Call your local symphony—many musicians moonlight by doing weddings and other private gatherings.
Always ask for referrals—other couples who have used them for their wedding, or ask if you can attend a performance that they will be doing in the next month or so.
The big thing is to decide what it is you want for music for your ceremony. Once that is decided, and approved by your ceremony location, it is simply a matter of making some phone calls and getting some referrals. Once you are sure, book them, and be sure to check in with them periodically as your wedding approaches.