The Sounds of Marriage
Lance W. Orndorff

Music – a wedding is still a wedding without it, but wow, does it ever make a difference. There is a certain kind of feeling that music evokes. Combine that feeling with the dynamics and emotions of a marriage ceremony and the sum is greater than the parts. We associate music with events and one way to keep the memory of your wedding day alive is to hear the music that was played when you went down the isle and the feelings can come rushing back, over and over again.

Since my wedding officiating also includes a certain amount of wedding planning advice, I always ask brides to be what they are planning for food, flowers, ceremony, venue, and of course, music. More often than not, they still have not decided on how to handle the ceremony music. Oh sure, the DJ for the reception was probably the first vendor chosen only after the venue, but the ceremony music is often one of those pesky details left for very last.

Fear not, it just does not have to be that way. What many of you are not aware of, or not at least during the planning stages of your wedding, is that right here in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, and indeed in most areas of the county, there is seasoned talent waiting to be tapped – and for far less than professional musicians. I’m not knocking the pros, but when you are watching every dime, in many cases the choice of musician can save you more than $1000.00. Who are these musicians of whom I speak?

That talent I’m speaking of is in the music schools at the conservatories, universities, military bands, and even high schools. You can usually find several reliable students (get several that way if one drops out, you still have at least two) who will come and play their hearts out for 1/5th the price of the professionals. The students are accepted by the schools because they have talent. And as most starving students will tell you, they are usually willing to do some work for that extra college cash. 

So, now that the idea is swimming in your head, you are wondering who to call. I would start by pulling out the yellow pages and looking under schools, colleges and universities, and high schools. Call the main number and ask for the music department. When you get someone in the music department, tell them that you are looking for several students that may be interested in playing at your wedding. Be sure to tell them its for pay, not for free. Usually, they will take your name and number and pass it on to the students or post it on the bulletin board.

This is just one way to cut the costs of your wedding affair. And the students really appreciate the extra cash they make, the professional-like experience they get, and the recognition that their talents are needed. Be sure to send me an email and let me know how your musical student talent search comes out. I’ll share your comments in future newsletters.