Detroit Area Wedding Guide
Choose a Wedding Singer
Choosing a Wedding Singer
Music can be reflective, thought provoking and awe inspiring. All of these elements are present in the wedding ceremony music. In fact, the soloist or vocalist should keep the guests' attention and not detract from the ceremony. Aside from the angelic voice in one's ears, the music should flow with the ceremony. It acts as a diversion and pleasantly segways into the next section of the ceremony. For example, when lighting candles or signing documents, there is a lull that would be filled nicely with a beautiful song.
Whether the singer is a soloist or part of a small group or whether he/she is accompanied by a piano, organ, flute or harp, choosing the right person for the task is important and should not be taken lightly at the last minute of the wedding planning. As in the case of many other wedding vendors, good vocalists will be booked early. They may not only perform at wedding ceremonies but also religious times of the year such as Easter and Christmas so if you have someone in mind, speak to him/her early enough to reserve your wedding date.
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While there is no specific tradition on having a singer perform at the wedding ceremony, many families have their own traditions where they expect a singer. They may even have predetermined songs that are expected as part of the ceremony so it is vital that the couple speak to their parents or grandparents and determine up front what is expected. Also, the couple should hear the vocalist perform these specific pieces of music. Further, some churches and clergy are restrictive in the types of songs that are permitted during the ceremony. Be sure to inquire before making the final decision on the songs.
When choosing the singer for your wedding ceremony, here are a few guidelines or that will help you make a decision.
Do you want to interview people or ask the clergy if the church knows of someone in the congregation or choir?
Whomever you choose, listen to their vocals before making the final decision.
Try to listen to the actual songs that will be performed. A rehearsal should be booked so that you know the singer is prepared.
Decide whether you want the soloist to sing only during the wedding ceremony or also during the reception meal. Remember that if he/she is singing at the meal, food should be offered afterward.
The music chosen and the type of music sung by the soloist should reflect your tastes and personal preferences
Review the singer's sheet music if you do not have any ideas of what music to order. While you may not be able to read the music, you can read aloud the words to determine whether they express the sentiment you wish to convey.
Some families view having a singer perform at the ceremony as a tradition because all of their weddings have had a singer. Etiquette does not dictate that you hire a singer but usually a couple will bow to a family's traditions.
Determine exactly how many songs the vocalist must perform and for how long. For example, should songs be performed for the twenty minutes before the ceremony starts as the guests are being seated? Should songs be performed as the couple and the guests leave the inside of the church? Or should a few songs be chosen for specific portions of the ceremony?
Choose music that causes the guests to reflect or become pensive. Do not choose music that is irritating to the ear.
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When hiring a singer for the wedding ceremony, a contract should be drafted to include at the very least the following terms:
date, time and locations of the wedding ceremony and reception if applicable
how many songs are required to sing
what time the singer should arrive - if he/she is required to sing during the seating of the guests, he/she will need to start early
whether accompaniment is included and what it is - if you do not like the flute and she performs with a flutist, you should know this in advance
might include what type of apparel is required if any special details are necessary
total amount, deposit and balance due date
explicit instructions for the outcome should the singer not show up at all, be too sick to perform or experience a sore throat
As with most vendors, you are not really going to hire a second vendor in case one does not show up. But in the case of the singer, it may be a good idea for the couple to discuss a backup plan and enlist a relative or friend just in case. If you hire your own singer, maybe also ask the clergy if someone from the church or choir can be available in an emergency.
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