Ceremony Services
Photo credits: Chelsea Proulx, Tricia McCormack Photography, and Lindsey Topham
ceremony sound
done right
Your wedding ceremony is the reason everyone gathers on your wedding day. Guests will hear everything that's said no matter where they sit. The sound will come from both sides and from as close to the front as possible without compromising your photos. Just like you, I'm as worried about how things look as I am about how they sound.
Photo credits: Dear Edith & Lily and Chelsea Proulx Photography
HEAR EVERY WORD
The biggest impact I have on a ceremony isn't even the music I play but the microphones I use to make sure everyone hears what's said. We've all been to weddings where no one hears the vows; wait for the kiss, then clap. Your guests will enjoy a more memorable experience and be more "in the moment" at your ceremony because of what I do. And don't worry, it won't look like a press conference. I primarily rely on discreet body worn wireless lavalier microphones.
So even if you're planning for live musicians for the music at your ceremony, don't overlook microphones for your vows. Check out the photos above to see the different ways of mic'ing you, your officiant, and everyone else with a speaking part.
ceremony coordination
My planning forms are specifically designed so I can learn everything I need to know about how you'd like your ceremony to go. I even attend ceremony rehearsals when I can, but I learn everything I need to know ahead of time to produce flawless ceremony sound whether I attend a rehearsal or not. Most venues have a venue coordinator, and we compare notes ahead of time. Some venue coordinators do not get involved in coordinating your ceremony or ceremony rehearsal, so at those venues we're on your own. But don't worry, if you've booked a place like this I'll be sure and let you know during my interview. The ceremony services I provide often include me attending and sometimes even leading your ceremony rehearsal the day before. I work with you and your other vendors to make sure your ceremony goes exactly how you'd like it to go.
traditional or non-traditional?
I've worked both traditional and nontraditional wedding ceremonies. I provide options that feel right for you. The music I play is up to you. Let's consider when you can include music. A more traditional wedding ceremony is made up of four parts:
- Prelude: plays while guests are arriving and being seated (this is crucial for setting the vibe--I provide 15 minutes of this for free)
- Processional: plays when the wedding party comes down the aisle (usually 1 song), followed by the bride/groom-to-be (to her/his own song)
- Interlude: any music that plays during the ceremony itself (optional--usually a backing track accompanying a soloist or a song played during a sand, candle, or hand-tying ceremony, etc.)
- Recessional: plays when the ceremony ends and continues as people file out
Music for a non-traditional wedding ceremony is similarly organized, but can vary in any way.
Photo courtesy of Tricia McCormack Photography
choosing the right music
Ask any little kid what song plays when the person about to getting married walks down the aisle. They'll hum Wagner's "Bridal Chorus." You know, this one...
But almost everyone I work for wants anything but that. Whether you're after classical or contemporary, I can help with suggestions that are right for you. Of course, these aren't meant to limit your choices in any way; you can pick anything you want. After all, that's what your ceremony is about--you.
Remember, I'm privy to the final music choices made by the couples who've come before you, and I share all those hidden gems with you. While traditional choices abound, nontraditional ones might do a better job of reflecting your style. Here's a mixture of both to get you started...
Photo courtesy of Tricia McCormack Photography
thinking OF live musicians?
Maybe you'd like live musicians at your ceremony? I get it, I hired the best I could find for my own wedding ceremony. I've worked with everything from string trios to harpists, classical guitarists to pianists and I'm glad to help you with referrals if you'd like. Just remember, most likely, they're not going to show up prepared to mic anyone else or ready to help you coordinate things. Whenever I work alongside live musicians, I still oversee the ceremony sound. So when budget allows, you want both them and me. I can even mic and cue your musicians for you if that's helpful.
Photo courtesy of Chelsea Proulx Photography
Related Enhancements
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
"So kind, clear in his communication, and passionate about helping us get the experience we wanted. We were planning a few unconventional things, and he was excited about helping us make it all happen."
Kiki Fehling
Lake House Guest Cottages
“He made the planning process easy and stress free. Chris is more than just a DJ--he was instrumental in planning our rehearsal, ceremony, reception, and made sure the coordination between all of our vendors went seamlessly.”
Kendall Winston Beaulieu
Holiday Brook Farm
“He produced our ceremony & reception timeline and I actually breathed a sigh of relief when I received it. You're probably planning a wedding if you're reading this, so you know how stressful those details can be.”
Nicole Pelczynski
Bloom Meadows
“No detail was too small or issue too large! He put together my “down the aisle” music in the most gorgeous way by taking out the words and re cutting the track completely. He made our ceremony and reception just perfect!”
Francesca Sabellico
Barrington Hall
Photo courtesy of Chelsea Proulx Photography