Selecting Chicago Wedding Music for your Wedding Ceremony
by Janet Janz, Cellist
Ask your musicians if they have a demo CD of wedding selections. You can also go to your local library and/or use the internet to hear excerpts of pieces. Here is a short list of pieces often performed at weddings:
- Bach — “Air on a G String"
- Bach — “Prelude in C Major, BWV 553"
- Bach — “Jesu, Joy of Man#8217s Desiring” from Cantata no. 147
- Beethoven — “Ode to Joy” (from Symphony No. 9)
- Clarke — “Trumpet Tune”
- Clarke — “Trumpet Voluntary”
- Handel — “Air”, “Bourrée” or “Hornpipe” from Water Music
- Handel — “La Rejouissance” ("Rejoicing") from Music for the Royal Fireworks
- Mouret — “Rondeau” from Fanfares avec une suitte de simphonies (Theme from Masterpiece Theatre)
- Pachelbel — Canon in D
- Vivaldi — “The Four Seasons"
Where will the musicians perform?
Churches may have specific areas for musicians. If you are using another type of space, make sure there is enough room for all of your musicians and their instruments. A harp or cello takes up more room than a couple of violins! Another possibility is to have the prelude music played outdoors to greet your guests.
What about pricing/contracts?
The cost of having live music at your wedding will depend on the number of musicians you hire and the amount of music they will play. Generally, you will pay $125-$175 per musician. Harpists, for example, may receive anywhere from $200-$400.* Administrative fees, travel costs, parking and meals may also be included in the pricing.
*I generally get $300-400 for a wedding ceremony within 30 miles of my house, if its farther then there are mileage charges.
Ask for a contract if one is not offered. The contract should include all the specific information about the time/date/location of your ceremony. What time will the musicians arrive, when do they play (parts of the ceremony) and for how long (prelude and postlude)? Include the compensation amount and when it is due.
Groups often ask for a deposit with the balance due at the ceremony. The cost of travel may also be part of the fee. Whatever you have agreed upon with the musicians should be written into the contract! That way, the musicians will know their responsibilities beforehand.
Music is another way to make your ceremony unique. Remember that you don’t have to make all these decisions alone. Ask for help and recommendations from friends, family and local musicians. Follow your heart (and ear), enjoy the music and have a beautiful day!
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