Wedding Guidelines
Quality live music for your wedding celebration can welcome and ‘gather in’ your guests, as they arrive, enhance the flow of the ceremony itself, and give ‘lift’ and ‘energy’ as you and your guests move from the formal ceremony to the ‘party time’. Investing in thoughtfully performed live music will make your wedding unique and memorable.
Sarah Burnell performs celtic, classical, and some popular wedding music, in tasteful programmes tailored to suit your ceremony. She has a wide range of experience performing at weddings, and a comprehensive knowledge of both sacred and secular wedding liturgies. She has played for full, formal church ceremonies, intimate outdoor ceremonies, and everything in-between!
The format of wedding music most often requested is:
- Approximately 15 minutes of ‘gathering’ music prior before the ceremony;
- An entry ‘march’;
- A quiet, meditative piece/song during the signing of the register, or after a prayer;
- An exit ‘march’ in a more upbeat, lively style;
- Approximately 10 minutes of music, as guests are exiting the venue.
You may hire Sarah solo, on violin, or singing. You may also choose to add piano, guitar, bodhran (celtic drum), flute or mandolin, which allows for more varied musical selections and more complex musical textures. You can choose exactly the musical mood, instrumentation, and texture you wish, to match your ceremony liturgy.
Rates vary according to the musical pieces requested, the venue, travel expenses, and the instrumentation. Please contact [email protected] to obtain some sample fee structures.
Sometimes the bride and groom request specific songs or tunes which have special significance for them, are appropriate for weddings, but which are not “regular repertoire”. Sarah and her band will be pleased to learn these personal favourites for you, and prepare them to a high performance standard for your ceremony. However, these will obviously require rehearsal extra time, and transcription/arranging time. The rate increases according to the preparation time required.
Live music during the ‘receiving line’ or dinner hour is always most appreciated by the guests. It creates a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere.
If the wedding is outdoors, Sarah will need a power source for her amplifier (otherwise no one hears anything, in the wind!). The violin and cello must be positioned in shade of some sort. These are very expensive instruments, and the varnishes do not like full sun! If you are requesting vocal selections, then a microphone is usually required, and should be provided by the clients.
Let Sarah tailor your wedding music to suit your personal tastes and budget, and create a programme that will be unique and memorable! Please contact manager Linda Crawford to have Sarah contact you to discuss your wedding plans.
Other Private Parties
The Sarah Burnell Band can bring their lively celtic music to your next private event! Be it a birthday party or anniversary, christening or other family milestone, Sarah’s ensemble can bring joy and energy to your gathering. You might want to consider clearing some space for dancing!
Contact [email protected] to discuss your event plans, and to get a price quote.