Wedding Ceremony Musicians for hire in Greater Manchester
Latest reviews of our Wedding Ceremony Musicians in Greater Manchester
"Andrew is excellent. He was timely, professional, and he’s just an all round lovely person! Would definitely recommend for any event, his piping is incredibly moving. Thank you Andrew! "
Rebecca hired Andrew Brian for a Wedding (available in Greater Manchester)
"Jess played a wonderful set of sets at our wedding. She is a truly incredible musician and we are so lucky to have had her perform as part of our day. In addition to her (extensive!) selection of songs, she arranged a harp version of a track that is special to my partner and I for her to walk down the aisle to. It turned out better than we could have ever imagined. In the lead up to the big day, Jess ensured all the right questions had been asked & answered to ensure everything went smoothly. We cannot recommend her enough."
David hired Jess Hughes for a Wedding (available in Greater Manchester)
"Oh my goodness. No matter what I say it won’t do Rachael justice! From the very first point of contact to saying goodbye after the wedding she has been the most delightful, kind, respectful and helpful person I’ve ever come across. No question was too much (and I asked alot) no request to hard and I’m actually sad to not know her personally. The music was delicate and precise. She made our wedding day. I could not recommend Rachael enough!! Amazing Thank you forever and always "
Nicola hired Rachael Brentwood for a Wedding (available in Greater Manchester)
FAQs about hiring Wedding ceremony musicians in Greater Manchester
Take the stress out of hiring musicians with Encore
Do you play music during wedding ceremony?
While music isn't strictly mandatory for a wedding ceremony, it's become a deeply ingrained tradition. Its absence might feel oddly quiet and leave some key emotional moments unaccompanied. Live music in ceremonies is used mainly to guide the flow of the wedding. For example, processional music announces the bride’s arrival, recessional music celebrates the union, and interludes provide smooth transitions between readings or vows.
When do you need music in a wedding ceremony?
While the specific timing can vary depending on the length of your ceremony, however as a rule of thumb: Prelude: Around 15-20 minutes before the ceremony starts, soft, calming music begins playing as guests arrive and take their seats. Processional: Music starts right as the first member of the wedding party enters, and continues as the bride walks down the aisle. This typically lasts 2-4 minutes depending on the length of the aisle and song chosen. Readings/Interludes: Short instrumental pieces or calm ambient music can be played between readings or announcements (usually 1-2 minutes each). Vows: Some couples choose to have music playing softly in the background while exchanging vows, while others prefer silence for this intimate moment. Unity Ceremony/Ring Exchange: If you're having a special ceremony like lighting a unity candle or exchanging rings, you might choose a short, meaningful piece of music to accompany this moment (around 1 minute). Recessional: As the newly married couple exits the ceremony, the music shifts to a more upbeat and celebratory tone. The recessional music typically lasts 1-2 minutes, depending on the chosen song. Of course, whichever music you choose is at your discretion as a couple but if you’d like more advice tailored to your vision, please get in touch with one of our experts today.
What is recessional music for wedding ceremony?
The recessional music is the songs that play as you take your first steps as a newly married couple. It marks the joyful end to your ceremony and sets the tone for the drinks reception. Take a look at your blog for inspiration and guides on how to choose the right recessional song for your big day.
How much do wedding ceremony musicians cost?
The average cost of a wedding ceremony musician depends entirely on the type of musician you choose, as well as, other factors such as time of year (peak wedding season being the most expensive), experience of the musician and location of your wedding venue (local musicians almost always the least expensive due to lower travel costs). However, below is a rough guide of prices of some popular musicians for wedding ceremonies: String quartet - £840 Acoustic duos - £650 Organist - £400 Harpist - £350 Singing guitarist - £300 Violinist - £300
Should I have music at wedding ceremony?
Whether you’d like wedding ceremony music is up to you, however, nothing beats the atmosphere live music can create, and your ceremony does set the tone for the rest of your wedding. Live music is great for adding a layer of emotion and intensity to key moments such as the bride walking down the aisle, that pre-recorded music can’t. Another key thing to remember is that with live music, it reduces the chances of technical difficulties as live musicians are seasoned professionals who know how to manage sound levels effectively and maximise the acoustics of a venue. You don’t want to risk pitchy sounds or uneven noise levels during the most important moments of your life.
What music to play before wedding ceremony?
Usually, couples choose to play music before the ceremony as the guests are arriving to create an ambience and set the tone for the rest of the day. Ultimately the choice is up to you, but ideally, you want background music that creates a nice atmosphere but doesn’t overpower conversations as your guests mingle.
How to play music at outdoor wedding ceremony?
There are a lot of great live music options for an outdoor wedding ceremony. String instruments such as violins, cello, and viola are great for outdoor weddings as they have a sharp, directional sound that can cut through background noise in open spaces. Likewise, jazz bands suit outdoor ceremonies as they often feature horns and woodwinds which also project well outdoors. Other outdoor wedding ceremony musicians you may want to consider are harpists, singing guitarists, acoustic duos, and steel drum bands. If you’d like a more interactive experience, consider a roaming band who wander around the venue or dancefloor and perform amongst your guests. Due to their nature of performance, roaming bands are ideal for outdoor wedding ceremonies because they don't need amplification and their sound fills any outdoor space no matter how large.
Hiring a Wedding Ceremony Musician in Greater Manchester
Renowned for its iconic music history and thriving arts scene, Greater Manchester continues to be a hub for musical talent. Whether your event is in the heart of the city or in surrounding areas like Salford or Stockport, it’s easy to find the perfect Wedding ceremony musician to suit your style. With a community passionate about live performance, this is a region where music truly comes alive.
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