Live Music versus Recorded Music
I have seen countless wedding ceremonies since 1999 when I started out. There is a clear distinction between wedding ceremonies that have recorded music from a CD player, computer system, or iPod and live music from a simple instrument such as a guitar to a grand pipe organ. If music is important to you, then you will want to read on....
So what are the pros and cons in making the choice.
PROS OF RECORDED MUSIC AT THE CEREMONY
1. Cost
The choice to have Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole play his ukelele and sing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is an easy choice to make instead of hiring him or someone else to play the same song. So COST is a big factor in why recorded music is a good choice.
2. Unlimited Choices
There are no limits to the type of music that can be played. Even if the song is long, one can fade the selection, if done in good taste.
So cost and choice of music are two good reasons in making the decision to choose recorded musc.
CONS OF RECORDED MUSIC AT THE CEREMONY MUSIC
This is the whole reason for me choosing this topic because there are so many bad reasons to choose recorded music - I feel it out weighs the pros.
1. Poor equipment/sound.
Depending on your guest count, a simple CD player or iPod player will not sound very good. Even if you hire a professional wedding DJ, their equipment may not be situated to be heard in both the ceremony AND the reception based on the layout of the room or location.
2. Professional or non-professional.
In my opinion, it may not matter. Most wedding DJs have most of their experience playing at the reception, not the ceremony. The last two weddings I serviced the ceremony and reception were in the same location, but the DJ could not set up his equipment close enough. Luckily the venue had it's own audio equipment with built in speakers in the room.
BUT - it is not made for someone to CONTROL by changing tracks etc. I have seen pros and non-pros alike mess up the ceremony music. Playing the WRONG SONG - even after practicing.
I have seen COUNTLESS wedding ceremonies where someone is playing the wrong song. Or the song is cut off without being faded.
3. Electricity.
You need electricity to make the equipment work. If your equipment allows for battery power, than we are back to number one on poor equipment/sound. Make sure the professional has extension cords to be able to place their equipment where they can be cued on when to start and stop the song.
CONS OF LIVE MUSIC AT THE CEREMONY
1. Sound
One instrument may not be loud enough to hear in a large room, Therefore the audio may need to be amplified adding cost and electricity issues.
2. Cost
Musicians average between $125 and $150 per instrument. In comparison to a professional DJ whose average is around $200 to be at the ceremony site.
3. Choice of Music
You may have a favorite song and the musician has never played it. They might charge you to find the sheet music and have time to practice the arrangement before your wedding day.
PROS OF LIVE MUSIC AT THE CEREMONY
Elegance and grace that live music makes. Need I say more.....
I have seen countless wedding ceremonies since 1999 when I started out. There is a clear distinction between wedding ceremonies that have recorded music from a CD player, computer system, or iPod and live music from a simple instrument such as a guitar to a grand pipe organ. If music is important to you, then you will want to read on....
So what are the pros and cons in making the choice.
PROS OF RECORDED MUSIC AT THE CEREMONY
1. Cost
The choice to have Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole play his ukelele and sing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is an easy choice to make instead of hiring him or someone else to play the same song. So COST is a big factor in why recorded music is a good choice.
2. Unlimited Choices
There are no limits to the type of music that can be played. Even if the song is long, one can fade the selection, if done in good taste.
So cost and choice of music are two good reasons in making the decision to choose recorded musc.
CONS OF RECORDED MUSIC AT THE CEREMONY MUSIC
This is the whole reason for me choosing this topic because there are so many bad reasons to choose recorded music - I feel it out weighs the pros.
1. Poor equipment/sound.
Depending on your guest count, a simple CD player or iPod player will not sound very good. Even if you hire a professional wedding DJ, their equipment may not be situated to be heard in both the ceremony AND the reception based on the layout of the room or location.
2. Professional or non-professional.
In my opinion, it may not matter. Most wedding DJs have most of their experience playing at the reception, not the ceremony. The last two weddings I serviced the ceremony and reception were in the same location, but the DJ could not set up his equipment close enough. Luckily the venue had it's own audio equipment with built in speakers in the room.
BUT - it is not made for someone to CONTROL by changing tracks etc. I have seen pros and non-pros alike mess up the ceremony music. Playing the WRONG SONG - even after practicing.
I have seen COUNTLESS wedding ceremonies where someone is playing the wrong song. Or the song is cut off without being faded.
3. Electricity.
You need electricity to make the equipment work. If your equipment allows for battery power, than we are back to number one on poor equipment/sound. Make sure the professional has extension cords to be able to place their equipment where they can be cued on when to start and stop the song.
CONS OF LIVE MUSIC AT THE CEREMONY
1. Sound
One instrument may not be loud enough to hear in a large room, Therefore the audio may need to be amplified adding cost and electricity issues.
2. Cost
Musicians average between $125 and $150 per instrument. In comparison to a professional DJ whose average is around $200 to be at the ceremony site.
3. Choice of Music
You may have a favorite song and the musician has never played it. They might charge you to find the sheet music and have time to practice the arrangement before your wedding day.
PROS OF LIVE MUSIC AT THE CEREMONY
Elegance and grace that live music makes. Need I say more.....