Guide to Ceremonial and Background Music

Transcription

events Guide to Ceremonial
& Background Music
events Contents
2
Background Music Overview
3
4
Religious & Civil Ceremonies
Ceremonial Music Inspiration
8
Reception Music Inspiration
10-19 Background Music Options
1
For more information please go to www.eventsorganised.co.uk or email us at [email protected]
Background Music Overview
Background music is particularly
suited to church or civil ceremonies,
reception drinks and /or during the
wedding breakfast. In our opinion,
background music should be exactly
that; unobtrusive, romantic and relaxing
entertainment that can act as a fantastic
ice-breaker for your guests, particularly
as many of them would have only met at
the first time at your wedding.
Despite it being essential that background
music isn’t too loud at your wedding, it is
also important to consider the size of the
room that the musician(s) are playing in, as
well as the size of your guest list. Too big,
and the fantastic entertainment that you
have paid for can be drowned out by the
sound of people talking or it could simply
not be heard if the act is positioned too
far away. If you are planning on having
events around 60 or so guests, then you may
need amplification (particularly if you
have hired a solo act such as a guitarist).
This can also be the case if you require
the music to be played outside (weather
permitting!). Most musicians are able to
provide amplification at no extra cost,
however it is worth checking this out
before you book.
Classical, Traditional or Modern?
Unless you book a specialist act, most
musicians these days are able to play
contemporary songs in a classical/
traditional style. This will certainly get your
guests talking as part way into a song,
they will suddenly recognise the piece of
music and start chatting! Of course, this is
not to everyone’s taste and many people
still prefer purely classical music to be
performed.
2
Religious & Civil Ceremonies
Music plays a central role in both civil and
church wedding ceremonies. Whether
you are having a religious ceremony at
a church or place or worship, or a civil
ceremony at a registry office or licensed
venue, it is important to know the legal
limitations of music choices before you
get your heart set of a piece of music
that may be restricted by law.
music laws were relaxed but there are
certainly still some grey areas. The chosen
music must be ‘non-religious’ in nature,
however, as there is no comprehensive list
of songs that are allowed, the definition
of ‘non-religious’ is often interpreted
differently by each individual Registrar,
some of whom are more strict than others!
What music is legally permitted
at civil wedding ceremonies?
wonderfully elegant piece of music which
is very popular for church ceremonies, it
is often not permitted for civil ceremonies
due to its religious connotations.
A prohibition of lyrics and poems with
religious references had been in place
since civil ceremonies were introduced
in England and Wales in 1837. According
to the General Register Office, Civil
Ceremonies can include readings, songs
or music, but must not include anything
that‘s religious e.g. hymns or readings
from the Bible. In 2005, civil wedding
events Although the song Ave Maria is a
To avoid disappointment, it is always a
good idea to run through your music
list fully with your Registrar before your
wedding to evade any issues on the big
day itself. Alternatively, you could go to
www.gov.uk/marriages-civil-partnerships
for more information.
3
events Prelude or Pre-Ceremony Music
Prelude music will unquestionably set the tone for your wedding ceremony.
Before the bride’s entrance, there can potentially be 20-30 minutes where
guests will be waiting for the service to commence. Choose from either elegant
classical pieces that can be played reverently while your guests arrive and take
their seats, to more well-known contemporary songs played in a casual style
which will encourage your guests to interact.
Classical Pieces
Popular and Modern Pieces
Bach - Air on a G String

Barber - Adagio for Strings

Brahms - Eleven Chorale Preludes

Debussy - Claire De Lune








Elgar - Salut D’amour
Handel - Air from Water Music
Haydn - Violin Concerto in G
Mozart - Ave Verum Corpus
Puccini - Nessum Norma
Schubert - Ave Maria
Vivaldi - Four Seasons







Adele - One and Only
Elbow - One Day Like This
Jack Johnson – Better Together
Jason Mraz - Lucky
John Lennon - Imagine
Kamakawiwo’ole - Over The Rainbow
Lionel Richie - Truly
Metallica - Nothing Else Matters
Oasis - She Is Love
The O’Neill Brothers - Falling in Love
The Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody
4
events Processional or Entrance of the Bride
Certainly one of the most memorable and emotional moments of any wedding,
the processional song will mark the arrival of the bride and her attendants. It’s
important to choose a song that isn’t too fast so that the pace is steady and
flowing, meaning the moment of walking down the aisle can be savoured.
Classical Pieces
Wagner - The Bridal March


(Here Comes The Bride)
Mozart - Wedding March’ from
The Marriage of Figaro
Handel - Arrival of the Queen
of Sheba
Verdi - Grand March from Aida
Vivaldi - Spring’ from The
Four Seasons
Elgar - Pomp and Circumstance
Purcell - Trumpet Tune and Air
Clarke - The Prince of Denmark’s March






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


Etta James - At Last
Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are
Harry Connick Jr. - It Had to be You
Ed Sheeran - Give Me Love
Eva Cassidy - Songbird
Burwell, Redfeld & Hedman - Bella’s Lullaby
Seal - Kiss From A Rose
Coldplay - Paradise
Dionne Warwick - The Look Of Love
Berlin - Take My Breath Away
Des’ree - I’m Kissing You
The Beatles - All You Need Is Love
Elton John - Your Song
5
events Interlude & Signing of the Register
After the exchanging of wedding vows, the signing of the register is an ideal
opportunity to select some music that is special to you. The mood amongst
your guests will be relaxed and positive while they snap away getting some
photos, and so it’s nice to reflect this mood in the choices of music. It’s worth
choosing at least two pieces of music in case the signing takes slightly longer.
Classical Pieces
Schubert - Ave Maria

Debussey - Clair de Lune

Beethoven - Adagio

Chopin - Prelude in E minor

Bach - Air on a G String

Elgar - Nimrod

Pachelbel - Canon in D

Vivaldi - Largo from ‘Winter’

Delibes - Flower Duet from ‘Lakme’

Nino Rota - from Romeo & Juliet
John Newton - Amazing Grace
Pie Jesu
Michael Bublé - Everything
Adele - To Make You Feel My Love
Lionel Richie - Still
Norah Jones - Sunrise
Stevie Wonder - Signed Sealed Delivered
The Beatles - All You Need Is Love
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold
Dusty Springfield - The Look Of Love
Gospel Arrangement - Oh Happy Day
 The Carpenters - We’ve Only Just Begun
 Labi Siffre - Something Inside So Strong
 Ben E King - Stand By Me
6
events Recessional or Exit
The pace of the ceremony will now change from relaxed and romantic to
triumphant and celebratory. The song choice should reflect this change in
mood and so you can therefore choose a joyful piece of music that is much
more upbeat and faster than the processional. Below are some ideas:
Classical Pieces
Mendelssohn - Wedding March


from a Midsummer Night’s Dream
Handel - Water Music; Hornpipe in D
Mozart - Overture from
The Marriage of Figaro
Handel - The Arrival of the
Queen of Sheba
Elgar - Pomp and Circumstance March No 4
Handel - Hallelujah Chorus
Beethoven - Ode to Joy
Grieg - Triumphal March
Purcell - Trumpet Tune

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
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Frank Sinatra - It Had To Be You
Real Thing - You To Me Are Everything
Wet, Wet, Wet - Love Is All Around
U2 - Beautiful Day
Cole Porter - From This Moment On
Louis Armstrong - Wonderful World
The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony
Coldplay - Clocks
Queen - You’re My Best Friend
Leona Lewis - A Moment Like This
 Frankie Valli - Can’t Take My Eyes Off You
 Etta James - At Last
 Michael Bublé - Crazy Little Thing

7
events Drinks Reception & Photographs
After the formalities are over, the drinks reception is a great opportunity for
your guests to mix and mingle with each other and reflect on the preceding
wedding ceremony. Opt for informal, relaxed background entertainment
during the drinks reception so that your guests can chat whilst enjoying
some music. There can often be a lull while the photos are being taken, so
it’s a nice idea to entertain your guests during this period so you can enjoy
having your photos taken without worrying if your guests are ok!
Song choice here is really the personal preference of the bride and groom.
From page 11 onwards, we have outlined the main background music options
for you to check out. On each page, we have listed some popular music choices
that can be played by the musician(s). Decide whether you would like classical,
traditional or modern-style songs and the act will be more than happy to do
the rest. Musicians should also be able to play a few pre-requested songs so
that they get the music just right for your special day.
Well-received live music options include harpists, classical guitarists, string
quartets, pianists, jazz ensembles and steel bands. Non-musical options to
entertain your guests during the drinks reception or while the photos are
being taken include walkabout magicians, caricaturists, silhouette artists or
even a Pimm’s Tricycle to serve your guests delicious freshly prepared Pimm’s.
8
events Wedding Breakfast or Meal
Music during your wedding breakfast or meal works is perfect for larger
venues or where you have an extensive guest list where people perhaps
don’t know each other very well and so conversation won’t be flowing as
freely as with smaller, more intimate weddings! Music played or performed
at this point of the day needs to be unobtrusive so that guests can enjoy
their meal without being interrupted by overpowering music.
Again, song choice here is really the personal preference of the bride and
groom. From page 11 onwards, we have outlined the main background music
options for you to check out. Another popular option is to load an iPod or MP3
player with some mellow background songs that can be played either through
the venue’s sound system or through a separate amplifier.
Top Tip: be careful to listen to the playlist fully before you stick it on at the
wedding, just in case there are any explicit or unsuitable tracks on there!
Desirable live music options include wind ensembles, classical guitarists,
pianists, Rat Pack jazz ensembles or even singing waiters! A popular nonmusical option to entertain your guests during your wedding breakfast is a
close-up magician to perform table magic for your guests up until the first
course is served. This can work well following on from your drinks reception.
9
events Background Music Options
events Harpists
The harp is a wonderfully elegant and
exquisite instrument that is ideal for
many special occasions. It is particularly
suited to wedding ceremonial music or
background music due to its relaxing
tones which create a sense of romance
and elegance.
A Harpist will need only about 1m x 2m
floor space, making them a very good
choice if space is restricted. This versatile
instrument can be played indoors or
outdoors (weather permitting!) and its
gentle sounds carry so it can be heard
without intruding into conversation.
Events Organised also offer a Harp
and Flute Duo for something a little
different. The elegantly gentle blend
of these acoustic instruments is the
perfect accompaniment to any wedding,
anniversary or party.
Please see below for a small selection of
music a Harpist can play on your special
day:
Classical Pieces
Pachelbel - Canon in D


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
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Mendelssohn - Wedding March
Cabézon - Pavane and Variations
Handel - Water Music
Britten - Suite for Harp
Hasselmanns - Reverie
Vivaldi - The Four Seasons (exerts)
Schubert - Ave Maria
Popular & Modern Pieces
Adele - Make you Feel My Love
Robbie Williams – Angels
 Jason Mraz – I’m Yours
 Bruno Mars – Marry You
 Coldplay – Clocks


Harpists priced
from just
£420*
Damien Rice - Cannonball
Plus many more...!
11
String Quartets
A String Quartet is a delightful music
ensemble normally consisting of
two violinists, a violist and a cellist.
Captivating and enchanting, a String
Quartet can provide the perfect
atmosphere for a variety of occasions
from weddings and civil ceremonies to
corporate functions and private parties.
The quartet has a wide and distinctive
repertoire covering all musical genres
such as Bach and Mozart through to all
kinds of popular music including opera,
musicals, pop hits and rock classics.
Typically a String Quartet will need 2m x
3m in space. For venues with restricted
space we offer smaller ensembles in the
form of a string duo or string trio. Smaller
set-ups have a narrower repertoire, but
are more cost effective than a four piece
string ensemble.
events Please see below for a small selection of
music a String Quartet can play at your
wedding or event:
Classical Pieces

Bach - Arioso
Mendelssohn - Wedding March

Mozart - Divertimenti No 3 in F

Vivaldi - Four Seasons

Beethoven - Moonlight Sonata

Verdi - Grand March from Aida

Debussy - Clair de Lune

Beatles - Hard Day’s Night

Verve - Bittersweet Symphony

Take That - Greatest Day

Oasis - Wonderwall

Elbow - One Day Like This

Coldplay - Viva la Vida

Plus many more...!
String Quartets
priced from just
£570*
12
events Pianists
A Pianist is the perfect musical
accompaniment for your ceremony,
reception or wedding breakfast and
can also provide beautiful background
music at any part of the day for your
guests.
A piano will add sophistication and
ambiance to any element of your special
day and it is often the most versatile way
to tunefully compliment your wedding as
it can appeal to many tastes.
We offer the option of providing a Pianist
to play an existing piano, or we can provide
a digital piano for venues that don’t have
a suitable instrument. A Pianist, using a
standard-size digital piano, can fit into a
space of just 1m x 1.5m.
Our Pianists have a wide ranging
repertoire from the 1920s right through
to the present day, including popular
music, classical pieces, jazz standards, Rat
Pack songs and ballads.
music a Pianist can play for your special
day:
Classical Pieces
Pachelbel - Canon in D
 Bach - Prelude in C
 Debussy - Clair de Lune
 Beethoven - Für Elise
 Brahms - Lullaby
 Chopin - Nocturne Op 9 No 2
 Wagner - The Bridal Chorus
Handel - Arrival of the Queen of Sheba




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

Ella Fitzgerald - Summertime
Nat King Cole - Let There Be Love
Michael Bublé - Home
Take That - How Deep Is Your Love
Adele - Let You Feel My Love
Queen - Don’t Stop Me Now
Pianists priced
from just
£320*
13
Solo Guitarists
A Solo ‘Classical’ Guitarist is becoming
increasingly popular choice for live
acoustic background music as they are
extremely versatile, without being too
obtrusive. A Guitarist will set a romantic,
informal and relaxed mood on your
special day, and can blend into the
background effortlessly.
Guitarists are great option if budget and
space is limited, or if you require music in
more than one area. Solo Guitarists need
only a small space to set up and therefore
are normally able to manoeuvre easily
between function rooms at your venue,
such as for your reception drinks followed
by your wedding breakfast.
Typically a Solo Guitarist will only need
about 2m x 2m space to perform. This
includes space for a chair, a microphone
stand and amplifier (if required).
events Solo Guitarists have one of the most
wide-ranging of repertoires of all the
background music options. Events
Organised can provide a Guitarist who can
play anything from jazz and popular hits
through to Spanish, Latin and Flamenco
music. We also offer Guitar and Vocalists,
as well as Guitar Duos and Trios for those
who like an enhanced guitar sound.
music a Guitarist can play at your event:
Classical & Popular Pieces
Bach - Air on a G String
 Beethoven - Für Elise
 Handel - Water Music
 Tarrega - Lagrima
 Joni Mitchell - Big Yellow Taxi
 Lennon/McCartney - Hey Jude
Simon & Garfunkel - Mrs Robinson


Solo Guitarists
priced from just
£350*
Plus many more...!
14
Wind Ensembles
Professional Wind Ensembles are perfect
for soft background music at weddings
and parties and will certainly exude
romance and sophistication.
Classical Pieces
Wind Ensembles lend themselves to a
variety of styles of music, from classical to
baroque, jazz to modern and can range from
Solo Trumpeters, Flute Duos, Wind Trios,
Clarinet Quartets and even large-scale Brass
or Silver Bands. They can consist of wind
instruments such as a clarinet, flute, oboe,
bassoon, trumpet, trombone and tuba to
name but a few.

Wind instruments are also a fantastic
accompaniment to other classical musicians
such as harpists and violinists, and are
equally as effective alongside a solo vocalist.
Whatever the size or scale of Wind Ensemble,
they will certainly create a relaxed ambiance
at any memorable occasion.








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events Delibes - The Flower Duet
Tchaikovsky - The Nutcracker Suite
Mozart - Viennese Sonata
Mendelssohn - Wedding March
Vivaldi - The Four Seasons
Bizet - Suite from Carmen
Handel - Largo
Elgar - Nimrod
Bach - Air on the G String
Wagner - Bridal Chorus
The Beatles - Yesterday
 Frank Sinatra - Fly Me To The Moon
Mancini - Love Theme (Romeo & Juliet)
Stevie Wonder - Isn’t She Lovely
Bob Dylan - Blowin’in the Wind
Van Morrison - Have I Told You Lately


Plus many more...!
Flute Duo
priced from just
£300*
15
Jazz & Swing
If you have a passion for Jazz and Swing
music then look no further! Born in
America, Jazz is often seen as a reflection
of the country’s diverse culture and
individualism. It is certainly one of the
most varied genres of music due to its
range of styles.
Jazz music will add a sophisticated
and stylish edge to any event. Whether
you crave the cool sophistication and
nostalgia of 1920s Jazz Standards, the
infectious sounds of a New Orleans Trad
Jazz ensemble or the irresistible rhythms
of a Gypsy Jazz Trio, Events Organised can
help.
Stylish and unobtrusive Jazz background
options range from an easy-listening Solo
Saxophonist, a laid-back Lounge Duo
to an atmospheric Jazz Trio, all of which
are perfect when your guests are eating,
drinking and socialising.
events Please see below a selection of popular
songs that can be performed by Jazz Acts:
It Had To Be You
 I’ve Got You Under My Skin
 Blue Moon
 Dream a Little Dream
 Somewhere Beyond The Sea
 When You’re Smiling
 It Had To Be You
 Summertime
 Ain’t Misbehavin’
 Honeysuckle Rose
 Fly Me To The Moon
 Georgia On My Mind
 Tea For Two
 Have You Met Miss Jones?
The Girl From Ipanema
What A Wonderful World
Moondance


Jazz Trios
priced from just
£550 *
Plus many more...!
16
Highland Pipers
Contrary to popular belief, bagpipes
did not originate in Scotland. Although
their exact history remains uncertain,
it is believed they were first heard in
Ancient Egypt. Bagpipes then migrated
to Europe and today exist in many
countries in various different forms.
Whether you have a Scottish, Celtic or
Irish-inspired wedding, or just like the
thought of having a Wedding Piper play
on your big day, a Piper is guaranteed
to establish the right atmosphere and
add a touch of style and tradition to any
wedding. Dressed in either a full no. 1, or
the more common no. 2 uniform, a Solo
Piper will look striking and prominent at
any part of the proceedings.
Pipers are particularly suited to playing
at wedding ceremonies and/or for an
extended period for perhaps ‘piping’ your
guests to the reception venue or into the
events wedding breakfast. Either way, Events
Organised will endeavour to provide
a Piper to fit in with your individual
requirements.
Despite being a very distinctive and
individual sound, bagpipes are a
surprisingly versatile instrument and are
able to play both traditional and more
popular song choices. From Marches
through to Reels and Strathspeys,
bagpipes will add that special musical
touch to your day:

Scotland the Brave
Highland Laddies
The Siege of Delhi
Mairi’s Weddings
Wedding Chorus
Haste to the Wedding
Highland Cathedral

Plus many more...!






Solo Piper
priced from just
£290*
17
Vocalists & Choirs
Professional Vocalists and Choirs
can create a unique, intimate and
unobtrusive ambience at any part
of your day. From a Solo Vocalist
performing classical or operatic pieces
during your wedding ceremony, signing
of the register or wedding breakfast, to
a more upbeat 16-piece Gospel Choir
or Singing Waiters, Events Organised
can provide the just the thing you are
looking for!
Soloists and Choirs can also easily be
accompanied by an instrument such as
piano, harp or guitar, whereas vocal duos
create an outstanding sound and have a
more varied vocal repertoire than soloists.
Performing acapella, to a backing track or
accompanied by a professional musician,
vocal duos will add a touch of style to any
event.
Vocalists and Choirs can be a fantastic
events element to the proceedings and will add
some extra ‘magic’ to your day.
Please see below a selection of popular
wedding songs that can be sung by
Vocalists and/or Choirs:















Bach - Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
Bach - Ave Maria
Parry - Jerusalem
Traditional - Amazing Grace
Puccini - O’Mio Babbino
The Beetles - All You Need is Love
Jackie Wilson - Higher and Higher
Eva Cassidy - Over the Rainbow
Eva Cassidy - Songbird
Etta James - At Last
Lakmé - Flower Duet
Frank Sinatra - It Had to Be You
Aretha Franklin - Say a Little Prayer
Gospel Hymn - Oh Happy Day:
Pie Jesu
Solo Vocalists
priced from just
£320*
18
events Steel Bands
The Steel Drum (or Steel Pan) originated
in Trinidad and Tobago where bamboo
drums were gradually developed
into steel drums. A Steel Band or solo
performer is the ideal choice for your
special occasion especially if you are
keen on a Caribbean atmosphere or
‘summery’ ambience either indoor or
outdoors. Their lively and entertaining
style creates a sense of fun and
enjoyment at any occasion and will set a
relaxed atmosphere for your guests.
twist! Steel Bands are suited to any element
of your wedding daytime entertainment
but are particularly popular for drinks
receptions or while photos are being
taken.
Steel Bands are extremely versatile as you
can have as many band members as you
desire and they are able to play a wide
variety of genres.

The main types of music a Steel Band
can play include Calypso, Soca, Reggae
and Ska, however they can also perform
recognisable pop, rock and jazz music in
their own unique style with a Caribbean
For space restrictions and smaller budgets,
we also offer Solo Steel Pan Players for a
cost-effective way of getting a fantastic
sound, but without breaking the bank.
songs that can be played by a Steel Band:
Ritchie Valens - La Bamba
Buster Poindexter - Hot Hot Hot
 Mungo Jerry - In the Summertime
 Bob Marley - Stir It Up
 Bob Marley - One Love
 George Benson - Breezin’
 Frank Sinatra - Girl from Ipanema
 Andrew Sisters - Rum and Cocacola
 Plus many more...!
Steel Bands
priced from
£580*
19
events For more information please contact James or Hannah on
0845 519 46 54 or email us at [email protected]
Events Organised Limited, 8 Ridgeway Road, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4GH
Registered England & Wales No: 7131286
www.eventsorganised.co.uk
Terms and Conditions: All prices shown are inclusive of VAT at a standard rate of 20.0%. Prices are based on an approximate 2
hour duration, are subject to availability and can vary depending on time of year, location, type of event, access restrictions and
venue choice. If an act becomes unavailable due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, a suitable alternative will be offered.
Some artists operate a minimum booking duration. Please ensure that all prices are confirmed at the point of booking.
Please contact us for a tailored quotation for your wedding or event.
Copyright © 2012 Events Organised Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Guide to Ceremonial and Background Music

Transcription

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