Reviews

Wedding Bell Music.. by Saskia Constantinou

Do you remember the last wedding you attended? Did you have a good time? Was the food great? Did you dance all night – how was the entertainment?
The music for your wedding is probably one of the most important elements in creating the atmosphere and ambience – whatever you choose, either live musicians or a DJ, the music will enhance your cherished moments and help to create beautiful memories. But, how does one go about planning the wedding music? What instruments do you want? Will there be a singer? Where can you hire them? How do you know that they are professional? What type of music do you want for each part of the ceremony?
The beauty and romance of our island lends itself as a perfect destination for weddings with many couples from all over the world making their vows here, mostly in chapels surrounded by beautiful gardens which are usually in the grounds of the hotel.  Although Greek weddings do not allow musicians in the church, ceremonies of other denominations do.
Selecting the musicians
The first step is to decide on the instruments or voices, and the possibilities are endless. If you don’t have any idea, a cd specially compiled with music traditionally played at weddings will help to narrow down the wide range. Once that is achieved, you can find the musicians. ‘Word-of-mouth’ is an excellent way as well as referrals from other brides and wedding coordinators. Another source in Cyprus would be the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra with many of the musicians supplementing their incomes by playing for functions. If you have not heard the musicians perform, it is essential to listen to them prior to finalizing your decision – either live or a demo tape with representative samples of music. It is important that the musician is professional not only with the music, but also with their management – calls and emails are responded to promptly and that they are helpful and willing to answer all your questions. When you have finalized the choice of musicians, you should sign a contract and pay a deposit so that your interests (and the musicians) are protected.
Selecting the music
It is best to check that there are no restrictions about the type of music you can play at the wedding site – some places have rules about the instruments played, amplification and even composers. The music can create a wonderful mood and atmosphere while the guests arrive – whether it is religious, romantic or classical. Brides who do not want the traditional wedding marches of Mendelssohn or Wagner have many choices with favourites including Trumpet Voluntary, Pachelbel’s Canon and Handel’s Water Music or Arrival of the Queen of Sheba.  During the actual ceremony, there are several possibilities where you can have music played – between the readings, during a candle lighting ceremony, the exchange of vows and during the signing of the register. As the ceremony ends, the music is usually more upbeat and joyous for the bride and groom to exit. As the guests congratulate the bride and groom, the musicians can play a variety of light, popular music which will appeal to all the guests, young and old. 
Some Music Ideas for the Ceremony

• J. S. Bach: Air on the G String from Suite No 3
• J. S. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos
• Handel: Largo from "Xerxes"
• Handel: Royal Fireworks Selections – Water Music
• Mascagni: Intermezzo from "Cavalleria Rusticana"
• Mozart: Ave Verum Corpus
• Mozart: Divertimenti
• Rachmaninoff-Paganini: Theme from "Somewhere in Time"
• Schumann: Traumerie
• Traditional: Greensleeves
• Vivaldi: Concertos – The Four Seasons
• Webber: All I Ask of You

Some Music Ideas for the Party/Congratulations

• Waltzes – The Blue Danube
• Tangos – Scent of  a Woman, La Comparsita
• Italian - O Sole Mio
• Russian gypsy tunes
• Musicals – Phantom of the Opera, My Fair Lady
• Scott Joplin – The Entertainer
• Ballades – Memory, Love Changes Everything

5 Tips for using Live Musicians

• Musicians need sufficient space and prefer to be in a covered area to protect their instruments.
• Check whether amplification will be required and the quality of the sound system.
• Employ experienced musicians who will be able to adapt to last minute changes.
• Confirm that the musician will be able to play overtime if required.
• Don’t forget to give your musicians food and drinks…