WEDDINGS
Live music during a ceremony, drinks reception or wedding breakfast will magically enhance your special day. Sequenza can create the perfect ambience to make it a day that you and your guests will remember forever! Here are some general guidelines.
As a rule, music for weddings is divided as follows:
- For a civil, church wedding, blessing or civil partnership, there is the ceremony itself which involves playing as guests arrive, and also during the processional for the entrance of the bride or couple, during the signing of the register, and finally during the recessional as you leave the room.
- At the drinks reception after the ceremony - usually whilst photos are being taken.
- During the wedding breakfast.
Civil ceremonies - The registrars tend not to permit guests to enter the room until 10-15 minutes prior to the ceremony. Playing will commence as soon as the guests arrive in the room. A processional is played whilst the bride/couple enters, followed by two pieces during the signing of the register, and finally a recessional as the couple and guests depart.
Church ceremonies - As guests usually arrive earlier playing commences 15-20 minutes beforehand. You can opt for the processional and the recessional to be played by either the organist or Sequenza. Whilst the register is being signed Sequenza will play two pieces. However, as hymns usually sound better with an organ accompaniment, this may be your preferred option if a resident organist and choir are available.
Drinks receptions - usually 1 ½ hours in duration (the meal being served 2-2 ½ hours after the start of the ceremony).
You will need to consider in advance whether your drinks reception will be based totally outdoors. If your reception is to be outside please do check to see whether there is a suitable and sheltered spot where musicians can gather.
Many reception venues have a room adjacent to the gardens for guests wishing to remain indoors. This may prove to be a more satisfactory environment for the musicians, enabling the music to carry through open doors and windows. If this option is not available please ensure that the venue has a hard level ground surface on which to set up, and that there is shelter from direct sunlight.
Many venues have a regular sheltered spot specifically for musicians, but do please be guided by what the venue usually provides and also the space available. Please check with us also so that we may advise you accordingly. Most importantly, we are only able to play outside if the weather is perfectly dry and there is no threat of rain.
Wedding breakfast - We will be ready to play in the room at the start of the receiving line - normally 20 minutes prior to the sit down time arranged with the hotel. We play during the meal until coffee is served, and leave discreetly prior to the speeches. Make sure that you notify the venue that you have booked musicians as this may well affect the final layout of the room. Please also advise them with regard to the space requirements. The venue can then inform you as to whether the musicians are able to be accommodated comfortably.