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Father & Daughter Dance Songs for Wedding Reception Bands

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Wedding Reception Band playing Father & Daughter Dance Song

BumbyPhotography.com

Having wedding reception bands perform just the right song for brides and their fathers for the father-daughter dance is the key to making this moment a highlight of the wedding reception.  Picking a song that describes the father and daughter’s special relationship will deliver a moment that you and your guests will always remember.  Below is a list of songs that  wedding reception bands can perform that work wonderfully for the father-daughter dance.  This list contains songs that wedding reception bands have used that are tried and true and some unexpected songs that fit the moment perfectly.   For some of the songs it is obvious from the title why they are so perfect for the dance and others it is apparent when reading the lyrics. A good wedding reception band’s leader/consultant can ask you questions about your musical style preferences and what you would like to express about your relationship and guide you to just the right song. When shopping for wedding reception bands make sure they have knowledge about father-daughter songs as well as first dance songs and other songs for the events of the wedding reception.

 

Father and Daughter Dance Songs for Wedding Reception Bands

  • Daddy’s Little Girl – Al Martino
  • Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle
  • Unforgettable, best when done as a duet like Natalie Cole did with Nat King Cole
  • Always Be Your Baby – Natalie Grant
  • Lullaby (Goodnight my Angel) – Billy Joel
  • A Wink and a Smile – Harry Connick, Jr.
  • Father and Daughter – Paul Simon
  • You Are The Sunshine Of My Life – Stevie Wonder
  • Ready, Set, Don’t Go – Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus
  • Wind Beneath my Wings – Bette Midler
  • You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
  • You Light Up My Life – Leann Rimes
  • Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
  • Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
  • My Love Is – Holly Golightly
  • Walk With You  – Edwin Mccain
  • My Father’s Eyes – Amy Grant’s
  • Through the Years – Kenny Rogers
  • I Loved Her First – Heartland
  • Daddy – Beyonce
  • It Won’t Be Like This For Long – Darius Rucker
  • Kind and Generous – Natalie Merchant
  • When the Stars Go Blue – Tim McGraw
  • Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross
  • When Angels Fly – Tony Ransom & The Heavenly Light Orchestra
  • The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra (with the Count Basie orchestra)
  • How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) – James Taylor
  • What a Wonderful World – Lous Armstrong, Stevie Wonder, Israel “Iz” Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole
  • Dance with my Father – Luther Vandross
  • While You Were Sleeping – Elvis Perkins
  • Daughter –  Loudon Wainwright III
  • My Wish – Rascal Flatts
  • Because You Loved Me (Theme From Up Close And Personal) – Celine Dion
  • Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman
  • In My Life – Beatles
  • Landslide – Fleetwood Mac
  • God Only Knows – Beach Boys
  • Those Sweet Words – Norah Jones
  • Love – John Lennon
  • Anything Anytime Anywhere – Jimmy Buffett
  • That’s What Love is For – Amy Grant
  • I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack
  • Through The Eyes Of My Father – Brianna Haynes
  • I Will Be There  – Phil Keaggy
  •  There You’ll Be – Faith Hill
  • Have I Told You Lately – Rod Stewart
  • I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack
  • Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
  • My Little Girl – Tim Mcgraw
  • My Girl – The Temptations
  • Summertime – Ella Fitzgerald
  • My Love Is – Holly Golightly
  • Daughters – John Mayer
  • Little Angel – Pat Ryan
  • Daddy Dance With Me – Chris Keith
  • Over the Rainbow – Judy Garland,Israel “Iz” Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole
  • Stand By Me – Ben E. King
  • He Didn’t Have To Be – Brad Paisley
  • You Are So Beautiful – Joe Cocker
  • Find Your Wings – Mark Harris
  • Through The Years – Kenny Rogers
  • In My Daughter’s Eyes – Martina Mcbride
  • Daddy’s Hands – Holly Dunn
  • Merchant – Natalie Kind & Generous
  • Then They Do –  Trace Adkins
  • Hero –  Mariah Carey
  • Here Comes The Sun – Beatles
  •  Sunrise Sunset, Fiddler on the Roof Musical
Picking just the right song for wedding reception bands to play for this special father and daughter dance will make this moment memorable.  Having wedding receptions bands perform songs that capture a father and daughter’s relationship enables guests to enjoy and remember the moment.  When wedding reception bands perform unexpected songs for the dance that are perfect for father and daughters it makes the dance unique as well as memorable  If you pick some of the more emotional songs that capture your relationship there will not be a dry eye in the house.

 

To find out more about using wedding reception bands for Orlando, Tampa and Florida weddings, please visit the Music Remembrance web site or contact Music Remembrance.

 

Wedding Ceremony Music: Helpful Tips in Planning

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Wedding Ceremony Music Brass QuartetPlanning your wedding ceremony music should be a fun process to personalize your wedding.  For many, it can be overwhelming and brides and grooms often don’t know where to start.  In another Music Remembrance article you can find information on Choosing Music Ensembles for the Wedding Ceremony. This article guides you through the process of choosing your wedding music style and ensemble.  Once you have selected your ensemble then it is just a matter of selecting the music.   These tips will help you select your wedding ceremony music and have it run smoothly.

Knowing the different events that you will need music for at your wedding ceremony is the first step.  Following are the main events of the wedding ceremony that most brides and grooms use music for and some tips in selecting the music for each.

Prelude (Also Called Seating Music)

Any music ensemble that you select for your wedding should provide prelude music while your guests are being seated as part of their wedding ceremony music fee.  I recommend, for an average size wedding, that the musicians be in place to start the prelude 1/2 hour before the ceremony begins.  They should start performing as the first guests arrive.  The wedding music ensemble should have enough music to perform should the ceremony starts late.

Seating the Mothers

 A piece is usually selected to be performed during the mother’s entrance.  This entrance most commonly takes place  immediately preceding the wedding ceremony.  This piece is often continued while the groom (also possibly groomsmen) and officiate take their place. (Know that this order can vary. At some wedding ceremonies the groom and wedding officiate take their place before the mothers.)  A piece that is somewhat subdued is usually selected for this, thus saving the drama for the bridal party and bridal processionals.

Music For the Bridal Party Processional (Entrance) 

The bridal party includes the flower girls, ring bearers, bridesmaids (and groomsmen if they are escorting the bridesmaids) and any pets in the ceremony.  It is most typical to select one song for the entire bridal party.  For large bridal parties and/or very long aisles, some brides and grooms will select one song for the flower girls and ring bearers and another song for the brides maids.  The music for the bridal party can either be lively or subdued depending on the tone that you would like to set and if you want a dramatic contrast for the bride’s entrance.

Music for the Bridal Processional (Bride’s Entrance)

Select one special song for your moment.  In general, I suggest that this be the most dramatic piece out of all your wedding ceremony music.  This can often be preceded with a fanfare for an added dramatic effect.

Music for Unity Candle, Sand, Crystal, Coin or Wine Ceremonies, Rose Presentations or Similar Event in the Ceremony Requiring Background Music

 If you use music for these ceremonies you will want to select soft subdued music.This will keep the music in the background of the event and allow your guests to hear the words spoken.

Music for the Bridal Party Recessional (Return Down the Aisle at the Conclusion of the Wedding Ceremony)

Most brides and grooms choose to use one piece for this event.  A joyous piece to celebrate this wonderful occasion is most commonly selected.

Postlude

The postlude consists one or two pieces that can be played immediately following the recessional if your guests have not finished exiting the ceremony site. You can choose to keep the mood celebratory or give more of a feeling of closure for the ceremony by selecting somewhat more subdued music.

For traditional classical pieces for each segment of the wedding ceremony visit our article in our Music Remembrance blog.

Have fun planning your wedding ceremony music to make your special day personal and memorable.

Hiring String Music for Weddings

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SivanPhotography.com

Selecting string music for weddings need not be a challenge. There are so many popular pieces of string music you can choose for your wedding.

String music adds elegance and sophistication to any Orlando or Florida wedding. There are many different string soloists and ensembles to fit a variety of types of Orlando wedding ceremonies, venues, and budgets.

Stringed instruments can be heard without amplification in small to medium venues and have the capability of playing soft for smaller venues.  Stringed instruments can be heard well through some large wedding venues if the acoustics of the room are reverberant.  This will usually be the case if there is limited carpeting and drapery.  If you have a very large venue amplification will most likely be needed so that all of your wedding guests can hear.

Stringed Instruments Used for Wedding Music

  • Violin
  • Viola (A viola looks like a larger violin, is held and played like a violin, has a deeper sound and plays lower notes.)
  • Cello (A cello looks like a very large violin that rests on the floor and is held  between the musicians knees when played.  It has a rich and deep sound and plays lower notes than the violin and viola.)
  • Stringed Bass (The largest and lowest sounding of the bowed stringed instruments, it looks like a large cello and is played standing up or sitting on a stool because it is so large.)
  • Harp
  • Guitar
  • Classical Guitar
  • Ukulele (Looka like a very small guitar)
  • Piano
  • Harpsichord (played much like the piano has a softer sound and is commonly heard in Baroque music)

Any type of music can be performed by the string soloists and ensembles violin, viola, cello, and harp are most typically known for performing classical music.  Guitar is known best for pop, rock and jazz music but classical guitar is wonderful for weddings.  To me, there is nothing more beautiful for a wedding ceremony than strings or trumpets playing baroque music.  Baroque music is classical music written from 1600 to 1750.  Some good examples of this are Handel’s La Rejouissance and Henry Purcell’s Trumpet Voluntary.  For something unexpected and unique a string trio or string quartet playing other kinds of music like pop, country, blues, jazz or folk music adds a personal touch.  Using a jazz, folk pop or even rock guitar for your ceremony can help personalize the day for many as well.

When choosing a string soloists or string ensemble for your wedding music it is important to use full time professionals.  Stringed instruments are difficult to play in tune and using part time “weekend warriors” or students for this important day often leads to disappointment.  Just imagine walking down the aisle to poor sounding out of tune music.  You want to make sure that your wedding day is memorable, in a good way.

Musicians are paid per person so for weddings on a budget a soloist or a small ensemble works best.  Some of the nicest and most budget friendly choices are the small ensembles (also called chamber ensembles) .

Small String Ensembles

  • Solo Violin
  • Violin Duo
  • Violin and Viola Duo
  • Violin and Cello Duo
  • String Trio:  A string Trio most often consists of violin, viola and cello although some trios consist of two violins and cello.
  • String Quartet: The string quartet is the most classic wedding music string choice and gives a full and elegant sound perfect for any wedding venue.  The string quartet is comprised of two violins, viola (looks like a slightly larger violin)  and cello.
  • Solo Harp
  • Harp and Violin Duo
  • Harp and Flute Duo
  • Harp and Violin Duo
  • Harp, Violin and Cello Trio
  • Solo Guitar
  • Solo Classical Guitar
  • Guitar Duo
  • Guitar and Violin Duo
  • Guitar and Harp Duo
  • Guitar and Flute Duo
  • Guitar Trio
  • Guitar with Violin Duo
  • Guitar, Harp and Violin Trio
  • Guitar and Singer
  • Solo Piano
  • Piano and Violin Duo
  • Piano and Guitar Duo
  • Piano with Violin Duo
  • Piano with String Trio
  • Piano and Vocalist Duo
  • Solo Ukulele
  • Ukulele and Guitar Duo
  • Ukulele, Guitar and String Bass Trio
  • Ukulele and Vocalist Duo

Large String Ensembles

I have include some ensembles with harp with the larger ensembles because of the higher cost.  It is considerably more expensive (approximately double the cost) to hire a harpist than other string musicians.  The reasons for this are the cost of the instrument and the difficulties in transporting it to wedding venues.

  • Harp with String Trio
  • Harp with String Quartet
  • Piano with String Quartet
  • Harpsichord with String Quartet
  • String Orchestra When it comes to making a strong and extraordinary statement the string orchestra sets an opulent and elegant tone.  Best for larger budgets, a string orchestra is composed of violins, violas, cellos and string basses.  Some string orchestras add harp and/or piano or harpsichord.
  • Symphony Orchestra (A full orchestra which includes the string orchestra and brass, woodwinds and percussion)

There are many different string soloists and string ensembles, like the popular string quartet, that add elegance and sophistication to any Orlando or Florida wedding.  For more information on hiring strings for Orlando wedding music please visit our wedding pages.

Ideas for Using Fanfare Trumpets for Weddings & Events

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Fanfare Trumpets

Using fanfares and fanfare trumpets can make any Orlando or Florida wedding or event regal and dramatic.  This article gives a brief description of fanfares and list some of the many ideas for using them to make your Orlando wedding or event dramatic and memorable.

Fanfares are usually short pieces of music played by trumpets or other brass instruments and sometimes accompanied by percussion.  Fanfares are used to announce kings and queens, before announcements to gain audience’s or guest’s attention, important parts of events, events involving dignitaries, the beginning of television and radio news shows, at the winning moment in video games.  Some fanfares are full pieces, such as The Fanfare for the Common Man by Copeland, but these are not as commonly used for events.

When fanfares are seen played in movies, they are usually performed on fanfare trumpets.  Fanfare trumpets are the long trumpets used for playing fanfares that can hold banners. They are also referred to as herald trumpets, coronation trumpets (because the are used for coronation of kings) or ceremonial trumpets.

Today, fanfares played by fanfare trumpeters, trumpeters, brass quartets, brass quintets, brass choirs and brass ensembles are commonly used in weddings and events.  For extra drama or a regal atmosphere banners can be hung from the fanfare trumpets and the fanfare trumpeters can be dressed in a variety of costumes.   Some wedding couples have special banners with their names or initials on them and some events use banners with company or charity logos or names.  Here are some of the many ways that fanfares and fanfare trumpets may be used in weddings and events.

 FANFARES AND FANFARE TRUMPETS IN WEDDINGS

There are many uses for fanfares and fanfare trumpets in wedding ceremonies and receptions.  These are some of the most effective.

Wedding Ceremony Music

  • Fanfare Trumpets play a fanfare after the bridal party entrance and immediately before the bridal processional (the bride walking down the aisle).  This gives a royal tone fit for a princess and lets the guests know that it is time to stand for the bridal processional.
  • At the end of the ceremony a fanfare is played before the priest/minister/officiate announces “Mr. and Mrs…  This can be done several ways.  One effective way is for the officiate to say I now present to you [short fanfare is played] Mr. and Mrs…

 Wedding Reception Music

  • Fanfare trumpets play fanfares at the end of the wedding cocktail hour to announce when it is time to move to the dinner location. The fanfare trumpeters perform a fanfare to get your guests attention and then either the trumpeters, or a chef standing in-between them, announces that “dinner is served” as the doors to the dinner room open.
  • Fanfare trumpets play a fanfare to announce the bridal party entrances.  This helps get all guests attention and makes the entrances dramatic.  Some wedding couples use fanfares before each bridal party member enters after their names are announced.  Some brides and grooms reserve the fanfares for when they are announced.
  • For large weddings, fanfare trumpets are used before every event of the wedding ceremony to get everyone’s attention e.g. cutting of the cake, toss of the bouquet, exit of the bride and groom.  These fanfares are coordinated with the wedding band leader who announces the events.

FANFARES AND FANFARE TRUMPETS FOR EVENTS

Fanfare trumpets make any event dramatic and regal.  These are a few examples of the many ways that fanfare trumpets can be used during events.

  •  Fanfare trumpets are used during events to gain guests attention for announcements e.g. “Dinner is served.” “The silent auction closes in ten minutes.” “Please go outside for the fireworks.”
  •  For events with awards or prizes being given fanfare trumpets make the presentation exciting.  “And the winner is,” fanfare played by fanfare trumpets, “John Smith”.
  •  Fanfare trumpets for morning events or meetings really wake everyone up and get them ready to participate.

To find out more about using fanfares and fanfare trumpets at Orlando, Tampa and Florida weddings and events, please visit the Music Remembrance web site or contact Music Remembrance.

Using Brass Music for Weddings: Tips and lists of Brass Ensembles

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Credit: Sterling PhotographyBrass music adds a regal touch to any Orlando wedding. At the beautiful royal English weddings you will always hear the triumphant sound of the long fanfare trumpets.  Brass music adds a sense of importance, regal atmosphere and pomp and circumstance.  There are many different brass soloists and brass ensembles to fit a variety of types of wedding ceremonies, size of venues, and budgets and they are all available in Orlando and throughout Florida.

When it comes to making a strong regal statement at your wedding, the fanfare trumpets and/or a brass quintet or brass choir really stand out.  Brass instruments can be heard without amplification in large venues and have the capability of playing softer for smaller venues.  If you have a very large wedding venue and want a big sound, the larger the brass ensemble is, the louder the music can be. Even the largest brass ensembles like the brass quintet and brass choir still have the capability of playing softer for smaller wedding venues.  Whatever you choose, brass music for weddings is always regal.

SMALL BRASS ENSEMBLES AND SOLOISTS FOR WEDDING MUSIC

Musicians are paid per person so for weddings on a budget a soloist or a small ensemble works best.  Some of the nicest and most budget friendly choices are:

  • Solo Trumpet
  • Solo Piccolo Trumpet (smaller and higher pitched trumpet)
  • Fanfare Trumpet (the very long trumpet used for fanfares)
  • Trumpet and Organ
  • Piccolo Trumpet and Organ
  • Trumpet and Piano
  • Piccolo Trumpet and Piano
  • Trumpet Duo
  • Piccolo Trumpet Duo
  • Fanfare Trumpet Duo
  • Trumpet Duo with Organ
  • Piccolo Trumpet Duo with Organ
  • Trumpet Duo with Piano
  • Piccolo Trumpet Duo with Piano
  • Brass Quartet (two trumpets, trombone & tuba or two trumpets and two trombones or two trumpets, french horn and trombone)

The fanfare trumpeters in this list add such a wonderful regal presence to weddings but are best used for fanfares (e.g. before the brides entrance).  They are often not the best choice for complete songs for wedding processionals (walking down the aisle) or wedding recessionals (walking back down the aisle after the ceremony).

These brass ensembles and soloists work well for classical/traditional wedding music and other styles.  If you are using unconventional music you can replace the trumpeters with other instruments to fully create a non-traditional atmosphere. Using brass with unconventional music can add a sense of balance and please a variety of guests.  You can also replace the trumpeters with other brass instruments, like trombone or french horn, while using traditional music for a more unconventional sound.

LARGE BRASS ENSEMBLES FOR WEDDING MUSIC

For a more dramatic effect, the larger wedding brass ensembles are breathtaking.  The look and sound are truly royal and have the capability of great volume when needed for large wedding venues.  Some of these brass ensemble choices are:

  • Brass Quartet
  • Brass Quartet and Fanfare Trumpets
  • Brass Quintet (two trumpets, french horn, trombone and tuba)
  • Brass Quintet and Fanfare Trumpets
  • Three, Four or more Fanfare Trumpets
  • Brass Choir (also called Brass Ensemble)
  • Brass Choir and Fanfare Trumpets
  • Antiphonal Brass Choirs (Brass Choirs or Brass Quintets on two, three or four sides of the venue).  To hear this effect listen to the Antiphonal Brass Choirs of Gabrieli.
  • Antiphonal Brass Choirs (Brass Ensembles) and Fanfare Trumpets

Percussion may be added to any of the larger brass groups.

Whether you go with a dramatic large ensemble, a smaller brass ensemble or a brass soloist, using brass music for your Orlando or Florida wedding will set a classy and regal tone that your guests will remember.

For more information on hiring music for your Orlando or Florida wedding please visit our other Music Remembrance blogs and our Music Remembrance wedding pages.

Why Use Classical Music for Your Orlando Wedding Ceremony Music?

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Orlando Wedding Ceremony Music, string

SivanPhotography.com

Classical music is one of the most popular choices for Orlando wedding ceremony music. Using classical music for wedding ceremonies adds a sense of sophistication and class. There are many other reasons that classical music works wonderfully for wedding ceremonies and is so popular.  I will discuss some of them and you can decide if classical is the right choice for your wedding music.

When you are shopping for a wedding dress most brides want something that will not look silly and dated in pictures and videos years from now. Most brides look for something more timeless.  When it comes to choosing wedding ceremony music, couples often do not think of timelessness and select music of the current trend.  Current music makes a statement that day but when looking back at videos 25 and 50 years from now will you think, “what was I thinking?”  Classical music has stood the test of time for hundreds of years and will always sound timeless.

What tone are you trying to set for your wedding ceremony?  The music plays an important role in setting the wedding ceremony tone.  If you are having an elegant, sophisticated, royal or luxurious wedding, classical music will set the tone. Classical music is so varied and vast that it can be used for almost any tone and many themes like: winter wonderland, autumn, spring, summer, flowers, simple, fun, Halloween, Christmas etc.

Religious wedding ceremonies often have music restrictions.  Choosing classical music from the large variety of sacred classical music can easily fit any church’s wedding music guidelines.  Some religions and churches also have restrictions on what instruments can be used and most classical ensembles are acceptable under these restrictions.

Most traditional wedding ceremonies have a somewhat serious tone to accompany the serious and important nature of the vows being taken.  Using classical music can help highlight the importance and significance of these important vows.

When selecting music for your wedding ceremony it is important to think about all of your guests.  One kind of music that everyone can enjoy and won’t offend anyone’s ear or sense of taste is classical.  It won’t be too harsh or loud for your older guests. Although classical music may not be what all of your guests normally listen to, it is used so frequently in TV shows, commercials, movies and schools that it’s something that everyone can relate to in some way.

Below are some examples of Classic Music Wedding Ensembles that are popular and add a sense of sophistication and class.

Royal and Regal
Sophisticated and Elegant
  • String Quartet
  • String Trio
  • String Duo
  • Solo Violin
  • Vocalist with piano
  • Vocal Duo
  • Vocal Quartet
  • Choir
  • Solo Classical Guitar
  • Guitar Duo
  • Flute and Guitar Duo
  • Harp
  • Harp and Flute Duo
  • String Orchestra

These are some of the many reasons classical music is so very popular for wedding ceremony music in Orlando.  Now you can decide if it right for your very special day.  For information on hiring classical ensembles please visit the Music Remembrance web site.

Wedding Music Do’s and Don’ts

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Wedding Music Advice, Bride & groom

 

The music for your Orlando wedding ceremony and reception will be one of the most important factors in setting the tone for your special day.  This wedding music advice article of do’s and don’ts will help make your wedding day a day that you and your guests will always remember.

Do

  • Check for volume and time restrictions for music at your venue
  • Seat older guests away from loud music and speakers.
  • Include your culture in the wedding music. Ethnic instruments, songs and costumed musicians for the ceremony or reception can add a personal touch to your wedding music.
  • Ask your married friends about what they liked and didn’t like about their wedding music.
  • Ask your wedding musicians and band for ideas.  They are professionals and if you tell them what tone or theme you are trying to set they will often have great ideas.
  • Hire full time professional musicians with wedding experience.  Your wedding is not the time for someone’s first wedding gig.
  • Make sure your wedding venue has enough room you have for the number of musicians you are using.
  • Have music for the cocktail hour or while your guests are waiting for your arrival.
  • Have the ceremony music reflect who you are.
  • Have the some reception music reflect who you are but have music for all ages.
  • Pick a first dance song that holds a memory or has meaning for you as a couple.
  • Take dance lessons for your first dance song.
  • Have the wedding planner or someone else coordinate with the reception band about the announcement of the bridal party, special dances, toasts, cake cutting, guarder and bouquet toss.  Have the band announce these events.
  • Use music to set the tone at the wedding ceremony and reception.
  • Find out if the wedding band plays continuous or takes breaks.  All professional wedding bands will have cds of music to play during breaks.  There is often a higher fee for continuous music.

Don’t

  •  Call wedding musicians that don’t have recordings and a web site.  Any professional musician with experience will have these resources available to you.
  • Make your wedding too long with too much featured music or solos.
  • Forget to ask your musicians for referrals.  Wedding musicians are usually very familiar with the other wedding vendors and venues and can share valuable information with you.
  • Wait until the last minute to hire wedding ceremony musicians and a wedding reception band.   Good musicians are often booked for peak days and seasons a year in advance.
  • Forget to find out about overtime possibilities and prices from your wedding band ahead of time.
  • Give your wedding band a strict play list.  They are experienced in playing for the crowd and keeping everyone dancing.

I hope that these tips will help you have beautiful and memorable wedding music to make your day special.  For more articles with tips on wedding music in Orlando, Central Florida, Tampa and Florida visit the Music Remembrance Blog.

Classy and Classic Songs for the First Dance

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BumbyPhotography.com

This is a list of popular classic first dance songs for your wedding.  Any wedding band should be willing and able to perform these for your special dance.  If you already have a song that is “your song” it can be a great special touch even if it is not a romantic song.  To make it even more memorable for your guests have the MC tell the story behind the song first.  If you don’t have “a song” or are looking for something that will make your  wedding classy and classic here is a list of songs that will be memorable.

  • At Last
  • As Time Goes By
  • Dream a Little Dream of Me
  • Our Love Is Here to Stay
  • Somewhere
  • When I Fall in Love
  • Unforgettable
  • Forever
  • Grow Old with Me
  • Can I Have This Dance?
  • I Will Always Love You
  • What a Wonderful World
  • The Way You Look Tonight
  • As Time Goes By
  • Here and Now
  • Tonight I Celebrate My Love for You
  • Our Love is Here to Stay
  • Unchained Melody
  • When a Man Loves a Woman
  • A Whole New World
  • Can’t Help Falling in Love With You
  • Could I Have This Dance?
  • Fascination (Waltz)
  • I Only Have Eyes for You
  • It Had to Be You
  • Endless Love
  • Wonderful Tonight
  • Come Away with Me
  • I Wanna Grow Old with You
  • Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
  • You Are So Beautiful
  • Always and Forever
  • Through the Years
  • Feels Like Home to Me
  • Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love)
  • Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
  • I Love You (for Sentimental Reasons)
  • Crazy
  • Embraceable You
  • L-O-V-E
  • Our Love is Here to Stay
  • Someone to Watch over Me

If you don’t see a song that you like here, ask your Orlando or Florida wedding band for more classic wedding first dance song ideas.  Have a memorable first dance!

New Orleans Band Parade

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New Orleans Band Parade in Orlando, FloridaA New Orleans band parade is historically for funerals and are now used for funerals, weddings and events.  The New Orleans parade was originally performed by dixieland jazz bands or dixieland brass bands in the early 1900’s.  The dixieland band processes to the grave site performing slow sad music like “Just A Closer Walk With Thee”.  After the funeral service the band plays upbeat dixieland songs  like “When the Saints Go Marching In” to celebrate their loved one going to heaven to be with God.  Now the celebratory part of the tradition is also used for weddings and events.

The New Orleans band parade is often called  “second line” parade.  This is because when the parades were first done, there would traditionally be a “second line” of people marching along with the band.

Events Using New Orleans Band Parades and Music
  • Funerals:  Traditionally the parade is at the cemetery.  The dixieland band processional leads family and friends on foot, or in cars, to the gravesite.  The band performs slow jazz funeral music until everyone gathers at the graveside.  After the service the dixieland jazz band performs upbeat New Orleans jazz music to celebrate their loved one’s transition to heaven.
  • Memorials: New Orleans jazz music at the memorial service.  The band provides prelude music (music before the memorial service), service music hymns and postlude music or parade out of the service music.  The postlude or exit processional parade music is traditionally upbeat second line music celebrating a love one’s transition to heaven.
  • Weddings:  Use jazz brass band parades for your wedding ceremony recessional (walk back down the aisle at the end of the wedding ceremony) for a memorable surprise for your wedding guests.  Some wedding couples like A parade starting right after you walk back down the aisle.  The most popular New Orleans wedding parade is a parade from the ceremony to the cocktail hour or the cocktail hour to the reception.  What a fun surprise for your guests instead of being herded from cocktails to the reception. A trumpet performing a fanfare to get everyone’s attention and then inviting everyone to join the parade.
  • Conventions/meetings: Wake up everyone at your morning meetings with a New Orleans Brass Band parade though the room performing  fun interactive music.   Imagine your CEO leading the parade with a traditional New Orleans umbrella.
  • Parties and Events:  Nothing livens up a party more than dixieland jazz music.  Choose soft background music or a fun lively performance.
Costumes

Different brass band costumes for different occasions

  • Funerals: The traditional New Orleans band parade Costume (pictured above)
  • Weddings: The traditional New Orleans band parade costume (pictured) with mardi gras beads
  • Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras Parades & Parties: The traditional New Orleans parade costume with mardi gras beads or purple, green and gold mardi gras costumes
Hire A New Orleans Band Parade

In Orlando, Florida, Central Florida and Florida contact Music Remembrance for an authentic New Orleans style brass band performing dixieland second line music.  A large selection of different size brass jazz bands are available.  If you would like, the band continues performing for your event after the parade.

While booking a second line parade, mardi gras parade, dixieland parade, jazz parade, funeral processional, and New Orleans wedding parade, ask your musicians if they are full time performers to get the best bands available. Music Remembrance uses all full time professional musicians.

New Orleans Band parades make your funeral, wedding or event memorable. We hope to be a part or your event. Please let us know how we can serve you.

Choosing Music Ensembles For the Wedding Ceremony: Helpful Lists of Music Styles and Ensembles

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Sometimes choosing music ensembles for your wedding ceremony can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t need to be.

I think that it is wise to first decide which kind on mood, tone or theme that you would like to set for your ceremony.  After choosing your tone, selecting the style of music is an easier second step.  After choosing the music style, choosing a music ensemble of that style will seem less daunting

Remember that when you get to this step there are many recordings available on web sites  and you tube so that you can hear what each ensemble sounds like.

Of course, our wedding music ensembles offered here at MusicRemembrance.com are always available to serve you.

Below are some lists of styles and ensembles that I hope you will find helpful.

 

STYLES OF MUSIC FOR YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY

  •  Classical (the most popular choice – includes Baroque and Renaissance Music)
  • Acoustic Pop
  • Folk
  • Christian Popular
  • Christian Traditional (hymns and sacred classical pieces)
  • Pop
  • Rock
  • Punk
  • Hip Hop
  • Alternative Rock
  • 1960’s pop
  • 1970’s pop
  • 1980’s Pop
  • 1990’s Pop
  • Disco
  • Old School
  • Reggae
  • Ska
  • Christmas Music
  • Children’s Songs
  • Campfire Songs
  • Big Band Music
  • Retro Swing
  • Jazz
  • Smooth Jazz
  • Fusion
  • Bebop
  • Cool Jazz
  • 1920’s Jazz
  • Early Jazz
  • Traditional Jazz
  • New Orleans Street Beat Jazz
  • Vocal Jazz
  • Latin Jazz
  • Salsa
  • Calypso
  • Themed Music
  • Choral Music
  • Opera
  • Italian Opera
  • Operetta
  • Instrumental Music
  • Chamber Music
  • Wind Ensemble Music
  • Orchestral Music
  • Marches
  • Disney Music
  • Movie Themed Music
  • Universal Studios Music
  • Cartoon Music
  • Rap
  • Dance Music
  • Dance Band Music
  • R&B (Rhythm and Blues)
  • Country
  • Soul
  • Blue Grass
  • Traditional Jewish
  • Cajun Music
  • African Music
  • Balinese Music
  • French/Parisian Music
  • Japanese Music
  • Chinese Music
  • Russian Music
  • Ukrainian Music
  • Irish Music
  • English Music
  • German Music
  • Middle Eastern Music
  • Italian Music

 

 MUSIC ENSEMBLES FOR YOUR WEDDING

CLASSICAL – Chamber Music Ensembles and Orchestras

(Includes Classical, Baroque and Renaissance Music)

Brass

  • Brass Quartet
  • Brass Quintet
  • Brass Choir
  • Solo Trumpet
  • Trumpet & Organ
  • Trumpet & Piano
  • Trumpet & String Quartet
  • Trumpet & String Orchestra
  • Trombone Quartet
  • Trombone Choir
  • Fanfare Trumpets

Strings

  • Solo Harp
  • Harp & Violin Duo
  • Harp & Guitar Duo
  • Harp & Flute Duo
  • Harp, Violin and Flute Trio
  • String Quartet
  • String Trio
  • Violin & Cello Duo
  • Violin Duo
  • Solo Violin
  • Strolling Violin
  • String Ensemble
  • String Orchestra
  • Solo Guitar
  • Guitar Duo
  • Guitar & Bass Duo
  • Guitar & Violin Duo

 Woodwinds

  • Solo Flute
  • Flute & Harp Duo
  • Flute & Piano Duo
  • Flute & Harpsichord Duo
  • Flute & Guitar Duo
  • Flute, Harp and Violin Trio
  • Woodwind Trio
  • Woodwind Quintet

 Keyboard

  • Organ
  • Piano
  • Piano Duo
  • B-3 Organ
  • Harpsichord
  • Electric Piano (Great for outdoor weddings)

Orchestras

  • Symphony Orchestra
  • Chamber Orchestra
  • String Orchestra

Percussion

  • Percussion Ensemble
  • Drum Ensemble
  • Marimba Ensemble

CHORAL MUSiC -Classical/Pop/Folk/Traditional Christian Music

  • Choir
  • A cappella Choir
  • Vocal Ensemble
  • Choir with Pianist
  • Choir with Organ
  • Choir with Organ and Brass Quartet
  • Choir with Chamber Orchestra
  • Choir with Symphony Orchestra

OPERA

  • Soprano Soloist
  • Alto Soloist
  • Tenor Soloist
  • Baritone Soloist
  • Bass Soloist
  • Italian Tenor
  • Opera Singer with Piano
  • Opera Singer with String Quartet
  • Opera Singer with Piano and String Quartet
  • Opera SInger and Chamber Orchestra
  • Opera SInger with Symphony Orchestra
  • Opera Troupes
  • Opera Singers with the Ensembles Above

ITALIAN OPERA

  • Italian Tenor
  • Three Italian Tenors
  • Soprano Soloist
  • Alto Soloist
  • Baritone Soloist
  • Bass Soloist
  • Opera Singer with Piano
  • Opera Singer with String Quartet
  • Opera Singer with Piano and String Quartet
  • Opera SInger and Chamber Orchestra
  • Opera SInger with Symphony Orchestra
  • Opera Troupes
  • Opera Singers with the Ensembles Above

OPERETTA

  • Soprano Soloist
  • Alto Soloist
  • Tenor Soloist
  • Baritone Soloist
  • Bass Soloist
  • Vocalist with Piano
  • Vocalist with String Quartet
  • Vocalist with Piano and String Quartet
  • Vocalist and Chamber Orchestra
  • Vocalist with Symphony Orchestra
  • Operetta Troupes
  • Operetta Singers with the Ensembles Above

INSTRUMENTAL

  • All of the Ensembles listed under Classical

WIND ENSEMBLE MUSIC

  • Wind Ensemble
  • Concert Band

MARCHES

  • Marching Band
  • Concert Band
  • Wind Ensemble
  • Sousa Band
  • Brass Band
  • English Brass Band
  • Orchestra
  • German Band
  • Drum and Bugle Corp
  • Marching Stage Show Act
  • Trash Can Drum Ensembles

 ACOUSTIC POP

  • Solo Guitar
  • Guitar & Voice
  • Guitar & Vocals
  • Guitar Duo
  • Guitar Duo & Voice
  • Guitar Duo & Vocals
  • Guitar & Upright Bass Duo
  • Guitar, Upright Bass & Vocalist
  • Guitar, Upright Bass & Vocalists
  • String Quartet
  • String Quartet & Singer
  • String Quartet & Singers
  • Solo Piano
  • Piano & Voice
  • Piano Duo
  • Piano Duo & Singer
  • Piano Duo & Singers
  • Piano & Guitar Duo
  • Piano & Guitar Duo & Singer
  • Piano & Guitar Duo & Singers
  • Piano, Guitar & Bass Trio
  • Piano, Guitar & Bass Trio & Singer
  • Piano, Guitar & Bass Trio & Singers
  • Guitar, Bass & Drums Trio
  • Guitar, Bass & Drums Trio & Vocalist
  • Guitar, Bass & Drums Trio & Vocalists
  • Piano, Bass & Drums Trio
  • Piano, Bass & Drums Trio & Singer
  • Piano, Bass & Drums Trio & Singers
  • Guitar, Piano, Bass & Drums Quartet
  • Guitar, Piano, Bass & Drums Quartet & Singer
  • Guitar, Piano, Bass & Drums Quartet & Singers

FOLK

Same Ensembles as Acoustic Pop

 CHRISTIAN POPULAR

  • Contemporary Christian Band (consists of Piano, Bass, Keyboard, guitar(s) )
  • Contemporary Christian Band & Singer or Singers
  • Contemporary Christian Band, Singer(s) & Horn Section

CHRISTIAN TRADITIONAL

Same Ensembles from Classical Ensemble List

JAZZ MUSIC

  • Jazz Combo
  • Jazz Combo with Singer
  • Jazz Big Band
  • Jazz Big Band with Singer
  • Jazz Quintet
  • Jazz Quartet
  • Jazz Trio
  • Jazz Duo
  • Solo Jazz Piano
  • Jazz Piano with Singer
  • Jazz Piano Duo
  • Jazz Piano Duo with Singer
  • Solo Jazz Guitar
  • Jazz Guitar with Singer

VOCAL JAZZ

  • Vocal Jazz Quartet
  • Vocal Jazz Group
  • Vocal Jazz Choir
  •  Swing Choir
  • Swing Era Vocal Jazz Trio with Big Band
  • Swing Era Vocal Jazz Quartet with Big Band
  • Vocal Jazz Group with Jazz Combo

BIG BAND MUSIC

  • Big Band
  • Big Band with Vocalist
  • Jazz Big Band
  • Jazz Big Band with Vocalist
  • Avante Guard Big Band
  • Studio Orchestra
  • Society Orchestra

RETRO SWING

  • Big Band
  • Big Band with Singer
  • Big Band with Singers
  • 6-piece Big Band
  • 6 piece Big Band with Singer
  • 6 piece Big Band with Singers

DIXIELAND

  • Dixieland Jazz Band
  • New Orleans Funeral Band
  • Dixieland Combo
  • Solo Dixieland Pianist
  • Solo Dixieland Pianist with Vocalist
  • Solo Dixieland Guitarist
  • Solo Dixieland Guitarist with Vocalist
  • Solo Dixieland Banjo Player
  • Solo Dixieland Banjo Player with Vocalist
  • Zydeco Band
  • Dixieland Trio
  • Dixieland Quartet
  • Dixieland Quintet
  • Dixieland Sextet

1920’s JAZZ 

  • Society Jazz Orchestra
  • Dixieland Jazz Band
  • New Orleans Funeral Band
  • Dixieland Combo
  • Solo Dixieland Pianist
  • Solo Dixieland Pianist with Vocalist
  • Solo Dixieland Guitarist
  • Solo Dixieland Guitarist with Vocalist
  • Solo Dixieland Banjo Player
  • Solo Dixieland Banjo Player with Vocalist
  • Dixieland Trio
  • Dixieland Quartet
  • Dixieland Quintet
  • Dixieland Sextet

SMOOTH JAZZ

  • Smooth Jazz Ensemble
  • Smooth Jazz Ensemble with Vocalist

FUSION

  • Jazz/Rock Fusion Band (Duo, Trio, Quartet, Quintet, Sextet, Septet…..)
  • Jazz /Rock Fusion Band with Vocalist
  • Jazz /Rock Fusion Band with Horns
  • Jazz/Rock Fusion Band with Horns and Vocalist

COOL JAZZ

  • Cool Jazz Trio
  • Cool Jazz Quartet
  • Cool Jazz Quintet
  • Cool Jazz Sextet
  • Cool Jazz Orchestra
  • Studio Orchestra

BEBOP

  • Solo Bebop Pianist
  • Pianist with Singer
  • Piano Duo
  • Jazz Piano Duo with Singer
  • Piano & Guitar Duo
  • Solo Guitar
  • Guitar & Singer
  • Guitar Duo
  • Combo
  • Combo with Singer
  • Big Band
  • Big Band with Singer
  • 4 piece Combo
  • 5 piece Combo
  • 3 piece Combo
  • Big Band

LATIN JAZZ

  • Latin Jazz Band
  • Solo Pianist
  • Pianist with Bass and Percussion
  • Pianist with Singer
  • Piano Duo
  • Jazz Piano Duo with Singer
  • Piano & Guitar Duo
  • Solo Guitar
  • Guitar & Singer
  • Guitar Duo
  • Combo
  • Combo with Singer
  • Big Band
  • Big Band with Singer
  • 10 Piece Latin Jazz Band
  • 9 piece, 8 piece, 7 piece, and 6 piece Latin Jazz Bands
  • 4 piece Combo
  • 5 piece Combo
  • 3 piece Combo
  • Big Band

SALSA

  • Salsa Bands of various sizes

CALYPSO

  • Steel Drum Band
  • Calypso Band

REGGAE

  • Reggae Band
  • Ska Band

1950’s POP, 1960’s POP, 1970’s POP,1980’s POP 1990’s POP

  • 1950’s Band, 1960’s Pop Band, 1970’s Pop Band, 1980’s Pop Band, 1990’s Pop Band

Some bands specialize in these eras and dress in era costumes

POP

  • Pop band with Singer
  • Pop band with Singers
  • Pop band with singers & Horn Section

ROCK

  • Rock Band with Singer(s)
  • Rock Band with Singer(s) & Horn Section

RHYTHM AND BLUES

  • Rhythm and Blues Band
  • Rhythm and Blues Band with Horn Section
  • Solo Piano
  • Pianist/Singer
  • Piano Duo
  • Solo Guitar
  • Guitarist and SInger

COUNTRY

  • Country Band
  • Solo Guitar
  • Guitar and Singer
  • Guitar Duo and Singer
  • Vocal Quartet

BLUE GRASS

  • Blue Grass Band
  • Solo Banjo
  • Banjo and Singer
  • Guitar and Singer
  • Blue Grass Quartet
  • Banjo and Fiddle Duo
  • Banjo, Fiddle and Bass
SOUL
  • Soul Band
DANCE MUSIC
  • Wedding Band
  • Pop Band
  • Variety Band
  • Big Band
  • Band with Record Scratcher
RAP
  • Rapper
  • Rapper with Band
  • Rapper with Band and Video

HIP HOP

  • Band with Vocalist/Rapper

PUNK

  •  Punk Rock Band

ETHNIC MUSIC

Traditional Jewish

  •  Traditional Jewish Ensembles
  • Jewish Band: Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Trumpet, Trombone, Sax
  • Small Jewish Band: Guitar or Piano, Bass, Drums, Soprano Sax

Cajun Music

  • Traditional Cajun Ensemble
  • Early Jazz Ensemble
  • Solo Guitar
  • Guitar & Vocal Duo
  • Guitar Duo
  • Guitar Duo & Vocal
  • Guitar & Bass Duo
  • Guitar, Bass & Vocal Trio
  • Violin & Guitar Duo
  • Violin, Guitar & Vocal Trio
  • Violin, Guitar & Bass Trio
  • Violin, Guitar, Bass & Vocal Quartet

African Music

  • Traditional African Music Ensembles
  • Drum Ensembles
  • Drum Ensembles with Voice
  • Percussion Ensembles
  • Percussion Ensembles with Voice
  • Traditional African Music Ensemble & Vocals

Balinese Music

  •  Traditional Balinese Music Ensembles
  • Balinese Gamelan Ensemble

Italian Music

  • Traditional Italian Bands of various sizes
  • Solo Vocalist
  • Strolling Vocalist
Spanish Music
  • Traditional Spanish Ensembles
  • Flamenco Guitar
  • Guitar Duo
  • Guitar Trio
  • Guitar Ensemble

Japanese Music

  • Traditional Japanese Ensembles
  • Bamboo Flute
  • Flute
Chinese Music
  • Traditional Chinese Ensembles
Russian Music
  • Traditional Russian Bands
  • Solo Violin
Ukrainian Music
  • Traditional Ukrainian Bands
  • Solo Violin
Irish Music
  • Traditional Irish Bands
  • Traditional Irish Pub Sing-a-long bands
German
  • Traditional German Bands
  • Polka Bands
Middle Eastern Music
  • Traditional Middle Eastern Ensembles

CHRISTMAS MUSIC

  • All of the above classical ensembles
  • All of the above jazz ensembles
  • Pop Bands

THEMED MUSIC

CHILDRENS SONGS

  • Singer
  • Guitar and Singer
  • Piano and Singer
  • 2 Singers
  • 2 Singers with Guitar
  • Vocal Group
  • Vocal Group with Guitar
  • Singer with Band
  • Singers with Band

CAMPFIRE SONGS

  • Singer
  • Guitar and Singer
  • 2 Singers
  • 2 Singers with Guitar
  • Vocal Group
  • Vocal Group with Guitar
  • Singer with Band
  • Singers with Band

Once you have selected a style of music for your wedding ceremony selecting the ensemble should be much simpler.  I hope that you find this list of music styles and music ensembles for each style helpful.  Orlando’s Music Remembrance carries all of these ensembles and more.