Music, Emerald Coast Style

DESTIN, FL - Your wedding day and the events surrounding it will, without a doubt, be one of the special memories you take with you throughout life. Music will create a unique and special soundtrack experience for everyone. Selecting the type of entertainer to provide music can seem a little overwhelming to someone who has never done that sort of thing before. However, the following steps will help ease your worries and guide you through the process of selecting the perfect performer for your ceremony, reception, and all the other exciting events surrounding your special day.

Begin by selecting the events you would like to celebrate with music. These include the ceremony, welcome party, rehearsal dinner, and wedding reception. Knowing the location of where each of the events with music will take place will be a guide to the type of performer you will need. 

For instance, selecting music for your beach wedding ceremony requires keeping in mind the background sounds at the beach. There will be the soothing but prominent sound of the waves coming ashore, the cries of seagulls, and the ever-present coastal wind. The musician will need to be relatively close to the action to be properly heard. In contrast, music for a rehearsal dinner or welcome party may be more of a background nature as opposed to the all out dance party of a fun-filled reception.

Second, select the type of performing group you would prefer. Many brides and grooms like to have live music for their ceremony as well as a welcome wedding guest party, rehearsal dinner, and wedding reception. 

For the ceremony, you need to decide on the type of instrument you would like. A few that work very well in this setting are the guitar, violin, harp, sax, and steel drums. Keep in mind that a beach wedding takes place where there are no electrical outlets. Acoustic instruments are a given.
 
Deciding on the type of music for your beach wedding ceremony can be fun too. Do you want the traditional Mendelssohn and Wagner or the more casual coastal style music? By having your ceremony on the beach, you have more options to choose from with music.

In selecting music for your rehearsal dinner and reception, there are three main choices. You can select live music using any ensemble from a full band to a solo artist with or without backing tracks. Backing tracks help make a solo artist sound like a full band. Another choice is a disc jockey. The final choice is a combination of live performer and disc jockey. Keep in mind the diversity of ages and musical tastes in the group of family and friends gathered to help you celebrate your wedding. While the bride, groom, and wedding attendants may like the latest songs on pop radio, the usual majority of guest at the wedding will have other musical preferences. 

Third, make a list of musicians to choose from. They can be found from several sources including, wedding coordinators, the web, magazine ads, or musicians you know. Working with a musician that is professional and experienced with the unique requirements of wedding events is a must for success!  Select a few with experience and fees that are in line with your budget. You do have a budget... right? 

Forth, listen to their demos and talk with them. Knowing what styles of music you want and would work best for your ceremony, welcome party, rehearsal dinner, and reception will help narrow the field of choices. You can then focus on what each candidate has to offer. Additionally, you will gain a better understanding of the costs involved. 

Remember, the music will either make or break your event. When it comes to the success of your wedding ceremony and reception, the fees charged by experienced professional musicians are worth every penny. After reviewing the demos, experience and discussions of each entertainer, you will know which one to select. You'll just have "that" feeling. 

Finally, make your selection early and sign the contract. Because so many brides and grooms choose to be married on the beautiful Emerald Coast's beaches, the available dates fill up fast. This will ensure the musician's availability and give them time to prepare any "special" song request.

Following these few steps will help make the task of booking performers for your wedding events a little easier and much more effective. Then, the worry and stress of planning this part of your special day goes away. When the preacher says, "I now pronounce you husband and wife", you can say with confidence, "Let the party begin!" Everyone will enjoy celebrating your new beginning with great music... Emerald Coast style!

Chuck Lawson is a professional musician, songwriter, and entertainer now residing in Destin, Florida. He holds a Bachelor of Music Degree and regularly performs on guitar, vocals, and steel drums for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and private parties. You can contact Chuck at (850) 496-7230 or e-mail chuck@chucklawson.com.