Planning your wedding music is a vital part of creating the right atmosphere for your special day. From pre-ceremony ambiance to the final note played at your wedding breakfast, every musical moment can help tell your love story. If you’re considering a fingerstyle guitarist or a pianist, you’ll want to ensure their unique skills enhance every phase of your celebration.
The music begins before the ceremony itself. Pre-ceremony icebreaker music is the first opportunity to set the tone and relax your guests. Light, melodic pieces played on fingerstyle guitar or piano can create a welcoming atmosphere as your friends and family gather. This selection should be soothing and engaging, providing a warm prelude to the day’s events while encouraging conversation.
The Entry of the Bride is arguably the most iconic moment for wedding music. The chosen piece needs to be timed perfectly—around 30 seconds is ideal to coincide with the bride’s walk down the aisle. A fingerstyle guitarist can craft an intimate, emotional entrance with a delicate acoustic rendition, while a pianist might add grandeur with a timeless classic. Be sure to discuss the timing and arrangement with your musician when planning your wedding music to ensure it complements your vision.
During the signing of the register, the music should maintain a calm, reflective atmosphere. This segment can last up to six to eight minutes, providing ample time to showcase the musician’s repertoire. Fingerstyle guitar pieces or piano arrangements of popular or classical love songs work beautifully here, offering a moment of serene elegance as guests wait for the ceremony to continue.
See some examples of my guitar work at https://www.jonpickard.co.uk/videos
The Recessional is where the celebration truly begins. This is your moment to walk back down the aisle as a married couple, so the music should feel joyous and uplifting. Whether you opt for a lively guitar piece or a triumphant piano selection, the recessional music sets the tone for the festivities to come.
The drinks reception is the next key moment for live music. Here, your musician can create a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, blending smooth background tunes with occasional upbeat selections. Fingerstyle guitarists can play contemporary acoustic hits, while pianists can draw from jazz, pop, or even improvisational styles to keep the energy lively yet refined.
See some of my piano work at https://www.jonpickard.co.uk/videos-piano
Finally, the wedding breakfast offers one last opportunity to infuse your day with music. During this meal, the music should remain soft and unobtrusive, allowing your guests to converse while still enjoying the ambiance. This is where the versatility of a fingerstyle guitarist or pianist truly shines, as they can adapt to the mood and energy of the room, seamlessly enhancing the overall experience.
By carefully considering each of these moments when planning your wedding music and choosing a musician skilled in fingerstyle guitar or piano, you can ensure your wedding day is as memorable as it is musical. From the first note to the last, every piece can contribute to an unforgettable celebration.
I have been a wedding musician for over 25 years – read more about me at https://weddingmusician.uk/wedding-musician/
