i make live wedding music easy for busy brides€¦ · ave maria – franz schubert jesu, joy of...

I make live wedding music EASY for busy brides

www.DamonWinterMusic.com

The Prelude

The music played as your guests arrive and are seated is known as the prelude. Prelude music

announces that the ceremony will begin shortly and also creates a warm and relaxed atmosphere for

guests as they mingle. Your first guests are likely to arrive about 30 minutes before the ceremony is

due to begin, and their entrance is my cue to begin playing. For many of your family and friends

your wedding may also be something of a reunion, therefore the music must be played at the

correct volume for easy conversation.

The Processional

This is the uniquely thrilling moment when the bride 'walks down the aisle.' The walk itself may be

as short as 30 seconds (in a small church) or several minutes (on the beach with lots of bridesmaids

or a canine ring bearer!) A large number of bridesmaids usually require a separate song to

accompany their entrance.

The music to accompany the bride can be whatever she chooses for her unforgettable entrance: a

sweeping classical piece, modern pop song, jazz standard or even flamenco. I am happy to suggest

suitable selections if requested.

Interludes

Australian weddings can feature ring, candle, ribbon, butterfly, dove, tea, sand and other types of

celebrations within the wedding ceremony. Poetry, Bible passages and romantic texts may also be

read by relatives or friends.

These moments are called ‘interludes’ and appropriate, unobtrusive music can make them even

more special, as well as linking disparate ceremony elements into a cohesive and seamless event.

Signing of the Register



In terms of wedding theatre, the signing of the register is like an intermission towards the very end

of the proceedings.

The bride, groom and witnesses will need several minutes to sign the documents, and perhaps a few

additional minutes for photographs. My music fills this gap in the action for your guests, while also

propelling the formal part of the wedding towards its conclusion.

The Recessional

The grand finale is when you are officially declared husband and wife. The recessional music is a

joyous announcement of your marriage to accompany the cheering and applause of family and

friends at the ceremony’s conclusion.

The Postlude

Happy up-beat music continues during the postlude period when you mingle with family and friends.

This typically lasts for about 15 minutes before the wedding couple and bridal party depart for

special photos or everyone moves on to the next stage of the day’s celebrations.

The Cocktail Hour

While you are having photos taken your guests may remain at the ceremony location or move to a

venue close by for pre-reception drinks and conversation. My extensive repertoire provides

entertainment for all ages, ranging from show tunes and classic pop to flamenco and swinging jazz

standards.

The Reception Meal

Live instrumental music is a traditional and always appreciated accompaniment to reception meals.



As a musician I enjoy adding special touches to the reception meal including, for example, a reprise

of the recessional song for the wedding couple as they make their entrance into the dining area.

The First Dance

After the speeches the wedding couple often take to the dance floor for their first dance as husband

and wife. I am very happy to provide the music for this wonderfully romantic moment, and would

recommend a rehearsal prior to the big day.

Location

I can provide music for indoor and outdoor venues. Music amplification needs to provide a clear and

consistent sound, whether on the beach, in the garden, in a church, or anywhere else – with or

without mains power. I have state-of-the-art equipment which can do this.

Song Choices

I am often asked which songs work well during certain parts of the ceremony. As mentioned

previously, the choice is all yours! That said, it is helpful to know which songs are always well-

received. The suggestions below are based on popular choices from my previous wedding clients.

Prelude: non-religious

A balanced mix of well-known romantic pop songs, light classical pieces (often movie themes) and

jazz standards are suitable for informal and outdoor weddings. Examples include:

Baby, I Love Your Way – Peter Frampton / Big Mountain

(Everything I Do) I Do It For You – Bryan Adams

Air from The Water Music – Handel

Cavatina (theme from The Deer Hunter) – John Williams

Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra

Misty – Ella Fitzgerald



Prelude: Church ceremony

Classical music and hymns are usually (but certainly not always) requested for church ceremonies.

Popular choices include:

Air on the G String – J. S. Bach

Amazing Grace – traditional

Ave Maria – Franz Schubert

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring – J. S. Bach

Trumpet Tune – Henry Purcell

Trumpet Voluntary – Jeremiah Clarke

The processional

The bride may choose any music she likes for her entrance. It is an important moment made even

more dramatic and special if your guests recognise the music you have chosen.

Here are my top six most requested processional songs:

Pachelbel's Canon in D – number one by a mile; very romantic and much loved

Fields of Gold – written by Sting, popularised by Eva Cassidy; a modern classic

Bridal Chorus – Wagner; ideal for fairytale weddings

Air on the G String – J. S. Bach; timeless, beautiful and majestic

Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley; a winner with guests of all ages

Here Comes the Sun – happy and upbeat; a popular choice year-after-year.

Signing of the register

Often a consistent theme is asked for here. For example you might like to hear only classical,

romantic pop or jazz standards. There is usually time for two or three full pieces to be played.

The Recessional



Upbeat and celebratory music is perfect for the moment right after you are finally declared husband

and wife. This can range from classical pieces (for Church ceremonies) to romantic pop and even

Flamenco for the more adventurous.

Popular choices include:

Ode to Joy – Beethoven’s happiest moment

Wedding March – Mendelssohn; as a bookend to the Bridal Chorus this is ideal for fairytale

weddings

Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong / Eva Cassidy; a slower choice for a more romantic

recessional

Love is All Around – The Troggs / Wet Wet Wet; a universally loved pop song

All You Need is Love – The Beatles; the title says it all

Nothing Else Matters – Metallica; although not for every couple, this is an example of an

unexpected choice that could thrill your guests

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: “What songs do you play?”

A: My extensive repertoire instrumental guitar music spans the great wedding classics, jazz

standards, movie themes, love songs, Flamenco, Latin and arrangements of pop and rock songs. Call

me today and I will send you my full song list.

Q: “Why is instrumental guitar the best choice for my wedding?”

A: Because it is atmospheric and subtle, but can also create a variety of moods, without ever

diverting the focus from the wedding couple or the proceedings.

Singers and bands are wonderful, but they can, albeit inadvertently, distract attention from the

bride. The music I play will never do that.

Q: “Can you play outdoors?”



A: Yes. I provide crystal clear sound in any location, indoors or outdoors.

I know how much time and effort goes into organising your wedding.

That’s why I make live wedding music EASY for busy brides.

Call me today for an instant quote.

Have a wonderful, musical wedding!

Wedding Guitarist Damon Winter

Telephone: 0460 007 139

Website: www.DamonWinterMusic.com

i make live wedding music easy for busy brides€¦ · ave maria – franz schubert jesu, joy of...

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