Wedding Ceremony || Reception or Corporate Event

Planning a Wedding Ceremony

Most wedding ceremonies are divided into three parts: the prelude, the service, and the postlude. The prelude is played as the guests are gathering. It is usually fifteen minutes long. It concludes with the processionals for the parents, ushers and bridesmaids, and bride. The processional music can be one piece or three separate pieces.

Depending on the religious status of the ceremony, there can be musical interludes between readings, at the lighting of a unity candle, or during communion. The service closes with a recessional for the entire wedding party. This is followed by a 10-minute postlude played as the guests leave the sanctuary. Brides should feel free to choose traditional, classical, contemporary, or a mixture of musical styles for their service.

Suggested Wedding Music

 

Planning a Reception or Corporate Event

Copley Chamber Players perform for many corporate events, including annual meetings, award dinners, product promotions, fundraising banquets, building dedications, holiday parties, and store openings. Although each event is unique, all involve similar planning questions.

Ensemble Selection

The size of the ensemble can be balanced with the size of the gathering. In general, estimate at least one musician for every 35 to 50 guests. The ratio can be adjusted depending on amplification and location. This allows the guests to converse freely while the music is being played. A harp-flute duet is perfect for a dinner of 100 guests. A building open house attracting several hundred guests could be highlighted wtih a brass quintet.

Repertoire Selection

Most receptions feature lighter classical music. Some blend in popular selections as the event continues. At a dinner honoring Nobel Prize winners, Copley Chamber Players performed music of each recipient's nationality.

Indoor Events

Traffic flow is crucial at indoor events. Calculate 4' x 4' of floor space per musician. Place the musicians at opposite ends of the room from a bar or food stations. Allow ten feet between the first seated guests and the musicians. This leaves room for serving staff to move freely around the tables.

Outdoor Events

The musicians need to play in shaded areas and out of the wind. Placing them on a patio, riser, or other hard surface helps in sound production. A wall or side of a tent projects the music toward the guests. Because of damage to their instruments, most musicians cannot play in weather below 60 degrees.

Other Considerations

Dress code for our musicians is black tuxedo or concert attire, unless otherwise requested. There may be electrical requirements for lighting and amplification needs. Sometimes speeches and toasts need to be coordinated in advance. Copley Chamber Players is happy to assist you with any questions.

 

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