By Jessica Meyer
Listen to sample musical selections

From the first note played as your guests arrive, to the moment you begin your new life together, the music serves as a true reflection of the unique atmosphere you want to create for your wedding day. Just as your dress, flowers and surroundings convey your personal style, so should your music!

Not so long ago, the “Wedding March” was one of the limited musical choices that brides had for coming down the aisle. Nowadays, many other wonderful classical melodies can be played to set the tone for your ceremony - from what have become “standards” for weddings, to more unconventional gems of the repertoire the average bride would not know about.

Another option for personalizing your ceremony is to incorporate more contemporary songs which can express even more intimate sentiments. Anything song that is dear to a couple can be selected - from jazz favorites, to Beatles classics, to movie themes, to Coldplay. With access to many fine classical musicians here in New York, you can select music that will be tailor-made to fit the vision of your special day.

Here are some tips you can use when selecting your ceremony music:

Selecting the right kind type of ensemble for the venue: Is string quartet the norm? Not necessarily - there are many different ensembles you can have, all of which depend on your personal taste, the kind of acoustics the venue has, and how many guests you are expecting. Having less than 130 guests? Then a trio would be fine (or a duo if under 80 guests). Having an outdoor wedding? Then a flute in the ensemble can really help to project sound across a grassy open space. There is a good chance that the vendor you are talking to may have played there before – so ask for their expert opinion on what has worked well and what has not in that space.

Know what kind of ensemble can play your repertoire: Vendors often supply brides with CD’s that have samples of the music they play. When listening to a sample CD, there are going to be instruments that you love hearing and others that you don’t care for. For me, it usually narrows down to the flute - some people love the flute with strings and/or harp, or they really prefer just a string sound. Expecting to have more contemporary repertoire played during your ceremony or cocktail hour? Then stick to ensembles with strings, flute and/or clarinet (unfortunately, jazz on harp doesn’t really work!). However, a harpist in addition to a quartet with strings and/or flute is truly gorgeous for a ceremony. Each vendor will have their own recommendations based on the musicians they are used to working with.

Choosing selections to fit your musical style: When you listen to any CDs you receive from potential vendors, keep a running list of songs you like, as well as a list of songs you don’t particularly care for. Whoever your music specialist is, they should be able to get a sense of what styles of music you like and dislike, and will help you decide which selections would be best for certain parts of the ceremony and cocktail hour. If you would like the ensemble to play a more obscure or contemporary piece that is not on their CD or repertoire lists, check with them anyway to see if they have it in their library. They should also have access to people who can arrange songs specifically for the ensemble you choose, if sheet music is not available.

Whether it is soft, romantic music, a march declaring the entrance of the bride, or the favorite song that you listen to on your home sound system everyday – your selections can both set the right mood for your guests and make you feel as beautiful as you look. Enjoy!

Jessica Meyer is owner and violist of Venus Ensembles, one of New York’s leading providers of the finest classical and jazz musicians to enhance your wedding day. Her training at Juilliard, combined with the experience of having planned and performed almost 1000 wedding ceremonies, enables her to provide expert and personalized guidance on musical options. Having been a recent bride herself, she realizes how important it is to have a personal Live Music Consultant to help you create the unique atmosphere you have always envisioned. The best part is, you can study a list of classic wedding music and hear samples in different combinations at: http://www.venusensembles.com/.

You can also reach Jessica at 877-888-3687.