Ceremony / Reception Music?

For the reception, we plan to have a D.J.

For the ceremony, I'm not sure how much music is supposed to be played and when it should be played. A man my mom works for plays violin beautifully and he offered to play for free but, we don't know when he should play. Should we use him at all at the reception or keep him strictly for the ceremony? Would he just play while people are being seated or what? I've never been married so besides the 'here comes the bride' music, I'm not sure how much music is played and when.

Also, I've got two or three women that would like to sing [separately]. Any ideas or tips?

Ceremony / Reception Music?

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First of all, good job on getting a violinist for free! They're usually really expensive!

As for when he should play and what: he should play certain soft pieces for when people are coming in and also when the parents, grandparents, etc. are being escorted to their seats. When the bridesmaids/groomsmen are coming in, he should play a piece that's usually played and I can't think of the name of it now..... It sounds similar to Pomp and Circumstance at graduations. Of course, have him play the usual "Here Comes the Bride" for your trip down the aisle and the piece played when you and your new husband walk together up the aisle at the end of the ceremony (once again, can't remember what it's called).

As for the women who want to sing, I would suggest one sing during the lighting of the unity candle (if you'll be having one) and one sing after the vows. Having three would be way too much.

Good luck!

Ceremony / Reception Music?

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violin would be nice for the actual wedding part and as for the reception i would have it while guests are arriving and finding seats. once the actual reception starts and you pick up the microphone to greet guests etc. he/she should stop and join the party. as far as the singers i have no idea.
Have the violinist play while people are being seated and for the traditional bridal march, when you walk back down the aisle and during the receiving line if you will have one. It will be entertaining while people wait to congratulate you. As far as the people who want to sing, you could work that into the ceremony. If you are lighting a unity candle, it might be nice to have them sing then, but I would see if they'd be willing to sing a duet/trio or it might make your ceremony really long. Another way is to have one sing during the seating of the guests, one during the ceremony and one afterwards during the receiving line as the violinist plays.
I would say keep the DJ for the reception and have the violinist play while people are being seated and then play a different song when you start walking down the isle.
You can have him play as much as you want. After you walk down the aile your chairman could say a few words and then have him play something to give you time to calm your nerves.

Will the ladies want him to play while they sing?

The sky's the limit, congratulations on your wedding..
Prelude

Procession

Interlude (if you're having any part of the ceremony that could have some music accompaniment, such as unity candle lighting)

Recessional

Also during cocktail hour of the reception.

Visit www.theknot.com- they have some suggestions for music suggestions
I would have him at the wedding only. Somewhere over the rainbow is beautiful on the violin. Ask him for suggestions.