When you are planning your special day, you have almost unlimited choices of wedding musicians and bands in Orlando. Brides and grooms may sometimes find it difficult selecting music for their events.  This is often because only a few choices are known or many choices are known but it is difficult to imagine which music groups would be the most appropriate for your special day.  I think that lists of choices that work well for the wedding ceremony, wedding reception and cocktail hour can be very helpful.

Below are lists of music ensembles that I believe work very well for wedding ceremonies, receptions and cocktail hour.  All of these wedding musicians and bands can be found in Orlando and Central Florida.

Wedding Ceremony

Wedding Ceremony Ensembles

Classical and/or Ambient Music: Any of these ensembles can play a large variety of music styles including classical, pop, jazz standards, Christian pop and folk music.

• Brass Quartet: Two trumpets, trombone and tuba.  Some ensembles vary instrumentation.
• Brass Quintet: Two trumpets: french horn, trombone and tuba for a slightly more full sound than the brass Quartet.  Works well for large venues or large wedding parties.
• Brass Choir: Large brass group for that “wow” factor
• Brass Quartet, Brass Quintet or Brass Choir with Organ: This magnificent and regal combination will fill the air and create an awe inspiring sound.
• String Quartet: Two violins, viola and cello, gives a sophisticated elegant feel.
• Harpist
• Organist
• Harp and Flute Duet
• Solo Violinist
• Violinist with piano, guitar, harp, or organ
• Trumpet and Organ Duet a very popular wedding choice for a regal effect
• Fanfare Trumpets – The long trumpets used to announce royalty
• Guitarist
• Pianist
• Italian Tenor
• Singer with Piano, Guitar, Harp or Organ
• Woodwind Quintet: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, french horn
• Chamber Orchestra: Combine the brass quintet and string quartet for a small orchestra
• Symphony Orchestra: A full symphony orchestra for the couple that wants something truly extraordinary

For themed wedding music choices see blog below,  “Great Party and Weddings Themes”

Wedding Reception

Before selecting your wedding reception musicians it is helpful to decide if you would like music for background, lively music or dancing music. Do you want one kind of music or a large variety that will please and keep all of your guests dancing?  If you are like most couples you desire background music for dinner and a large variety of dance music after dinner. If this is your desire, you would be best served with a band that specializes in wedding ceremonies. Wedding bands have a large repertoire of all styles and welcome requests.  These bands also have the expertise to perform as master of ceremonies (MC) and assist you with all of your music details including picking times and songs for the bridal party entrance, bride and groom entrance, first dance, father and daughter dance, mother and son dance, toasts, cake cutting, guarder and bouquet tosses.  Having an experienced band to keep things running smoothly through these events is important, but will be essential if you do not have a wedding planner.

Wedding Reception Ensembles

• Wedding Band
• Your favorite rock, pop, country, salsa or other style band – Remember, you will not get variety for your guests or the MC and wedding expertise with these groups.
• Jazz Band or Combo – for a more mellow but still danceable approach.  I suggest getting one with a singer to please more guests.

For themed wedding reception music see blog  “Great Wedding and Party Themes below.”

Cocktail Hour

Many of the wedding ceremony music groups will work very well for the cocktail hour.  If you can use the same group that performed for your ceremony you can save a considerable amount of money.  Another option to save money is using a group from the wedding reception band.  Most wedding bands have a duo, trio or quartet from within the band that can arrive early and play the cocktail hour.  These groups can usually play light pop or jazz as soft ambient music.  If you are on a tight budget but would like music for cocktails request the wedding bands guitarist as a solo guitarist or pianist as a solo pianist. Most people prefer to use a group without a vocalist.  This helps keep the music as background so your guests can enjoy mingling.  Do you want the music as the focal point or background?  If it is a focal point a group with a singer or a brass group work well.  Which ensemble you pick will set the tone for cocktails.  Do you want the sophistication of the harp, the elegance of strings, of more of a party atmosphere with a pop trio?

Cocktail Hour Ensembles

Wedding Ceremony ensembles that work well:

Any of these ensembles can play a large variety of music styles including classical, pop, jazz standards, Christian pop and folk music.

• Brass Quartet – Two Trumpets, Trombone and Tuba.  Some ensembles vary instrumentation.
• Brass Quintet Two Trumpets, French Horn, Trombone and Tuba for a slightly more full sound than Brass Quartet.
• String Quartet -Two violins, viola and cello, gives a sophisticated elegant feel.
• Harpist
• Harp and Flute Duet
• Solo Violinist
• Violinist with piano, guitar or harp
• Fanfare Trumpets: The long trumpets used to announce royalty. Used at the end of cocktail hour to announce that 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.
• Guitarist: Classical jazz, pop or folk
• Pianist: Classical, jazz or pop
• Singer with piano, guitar or harp singing light classical music
• Singer performing pop or jazz accompanied by guitar or piano or ensemble of guitar bass and drums or piano, bass and drums
• Woodwind Quintet: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, french horn
• Chamber Orchestra, combine the brass quintet and string quartet for a small orchestra

Small Ensembles from Wedding Reception band that work well:

• solo pianist
• solo guitarist
• solo pianist that sings
• solo guitarist that sings
• Duo, trio, or quartet from reception band, either jazz or pop music or both can be requested

Other Suggestions:

• Jazz duo, trio or quartet.  If you are a jazz fan and want that specifically it always takes things to another level if you hire a group that specializes in that.
• Blues singer.  To bring the mood up from the ceremony and get your guests ready to party, try something a little different to set the tone.
• For themed wedding music suggestions see blog below, “Great Party and Weddings Themes”