Live Music is always something to consider for your wedding.  If your budget allows, it is a great way to add atmosphere to your special day and is far more effective both visually and aurally than a CD playing in the corner.  There are many choices available from solo musicians for a wedding ceremony, through to small groups such as a string quartet or a full function band for the evening entertainment.  Prices can range dramatically, depending on how long you require the musicians for, where they have to travel from, and whether you require specific repertoire or are happy to go with what they advise.  

What type of music should I have and when?

It is important to consider where you can best use the music and decide upon the type of music most appropriate to that point in the occasion.  If live music is to be a part of your budget it is no use blowing £900 on a top quality String Trio for during dinner entertainment, if you have 250 guests all chattering away loudly.  You and your guests will not hear the music properly, the musicians will feel as if they are doing battle against the throngs and you will have wasted your money!  As a general guide, I would suggest the following groups:

Ceremonies:
Solo musicians- Organist, Violinist, Singer, Cellist, Harpist, Wind player, Trumpeter, Piper
Duos – String Duo, Flute & Harp, Voice & Piano
Small Ensembles – String Trio or Quartet, Flute Quartet (= Flute, plus 3 strings), Woodwind Quartet (e.g. Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon), Brass Quartet (e.g. 2 Trumpets, French Horn, Trombone)

Drinks Receptions:
String Group – Trio, Quartet, Quintet
Woodwind Group – Trio, Quartet, Quintet
Piano Trio or Quartet (= Piano, plus 2-3 strings)
Jazz Band – 3 -6 musicians, often including saxophone, drums, bass
Brass Group – Quartet or Quintet

Wedding Breakfast (suited to smaller numbers of guests)
Piano Trio/Quartet
String Quartet
Jazz Trio/Quartet
Singer plus small band