Planning Wedding Ceremony & Cocktail Reception Music

wedding ceremony at kiawah

We are here to help you pick out that perfect playlist for your ceremony. We’re happy to send on song recommendations from both the pop and classical genres that fits well during the ceremony. While there is a lot to peruse from our repertoire list, it can be tough to pin down what songs you may want played and perhaps how many would be needed. 

Once you start planning the ceremony order, that can help determine how many songs would be needed. 

Music Order During Ceremonies (typically)

Some ceremony orders may vary slightly but typically there is a song for:

  • Seating of the family – usually grandparents / parents
  • Bridal Party – officiant, groom/groomsmen, bridesmaids, any flower girls/ringer bearers
  • Bridal Processional
  • Optional Interlude e.g. – unity candle, sand ceremony
  • Recessional

Your Vision & Style

To start, are you envisioning more traditional selections, or modern/classic pop, or maybe a mix of both? These days, it’s really whatever fits your personality and style. It’s become a lot easier (and fun!) to create that tailored playlist between our custom pop arrangements as well as classical favorites. It will be something you and your guests will greatly enjoy listening to!

For example, some brides have opted to pick a more traditional song for the family seating and bridal party, then do something more contemporary to highlight the bride walking in, as well as an upbeat song for the recessional at the end.

As far as the guest arrival / prelude music, it’s typically 20-30 minutes of music. We tell our brides here is where you can pick however few or many they like from the list. For any time remaining, we’ll fill in with selections of a similar style. 

Songs Arranged Just for You

We are always happy to look into custom arranging songs that are not on our list. We’ve arranged songs that are very meaningful to the couple which creates a personal touch for the ceremony music. We recently arranged three Dave Matthews Band songs for a couple that are both long time fans, for example. We also arranged and performed a song, by Sam Smith, for another couple, that was played on their first date.

For any custom arrangements, there is a fee which includes ordering the score (if available) as well as writing each part note by note which takes time as well as rehearsal. We just ask to have 3 or more weeks notice for any arrangement requests especially during the busy wedding season.

Cocktail Hour – Amplified Strings is a Must!

Every ensemble has a large repertoire of modern, upbeat covers and songs that are perfect for cocktail hour, when typically the bridal party & family have pictures and the guests can mingle. For cocktail, many other groups in town do not amplify, and to be honest, guests can barely hear string quartets and trios outside. Consider our amplified strings to create a lively atmosphere for your guests. Another option is Mike W Electric Violin – the energy he has in his music and mixes through his sound system will ensure your guests can hear the music, giving a nice contrast & variety to the strings ensemble during the ceremony.