Planning the Music for your Wedding Ceremony
I have performed at more than 500 wedding ceremonies. I have coordinated music for more than 900. Each one is special and unique. I would not do this if I didn't enjoy it so much. Most of the events have been played as a solo pianist. Some have been done on a battery powered electric piano for those hard to get outside locations. Many have been with vocalist, violinist, an ensemble of players. I also contract the popular string trios & quartets, harpist, trumpet players, and bagpipers.
First I like to meet with the bride & groom to be. I do not charge for this time. We sit down in my home (Linden Hills area) with my grand piano and talk about the event and the music.. This gives me a feel for the style of wedding that will take place. Traditional , contemporary, religious, themes, etc. I generally like to perform 10 to 15 minutes before the ceremony starts. Along with creating a sonic ambience it also gets people in and seated for the event. I have found during the years if I play much longer than 15 minutes often people get up to use restrooms, smoke, get a beverage, etc. 10 or 15 minutes before is perfect.
The two essential pieces to select are the processional and recessional. If a lighting of the unity candle takes place I provide background music while that is taking place. Often there can be special pieces played within the ceremony. Many people enjoy having their music traditional & elegant. At the same time couples would like something new and different. We all like Canon in D but hear it so often. I like to get creative. I have acquired music from my travels in Europe and will be posting audio clips on this page in the future. I have a fantastic wedding march I discovered in London last year. Everyone that hears it wants it for their processional. This is your only wedding so have fun and enjoy the process!
Every event is a little different, this is just a basic outline. Many brides call me me and listen to songs over the phone.
Rates for a basic ceremony with piano on site start at $225.00 per player in the Twin City , Minnesota area. Harpist & Pipers are more.
Rehearsals are extra providing the musician is available.
Each ceremony is written up on a standard Union contract. If ceremony location is in a unique place we ask for a map and phone # of location.
I love doing the ceremony. For me it is a mini concert that people remember the rest of their lives. To this day I still run into people whose ceremony I played some twenty years ago! They are like family.
Be sure to visit our links section for other wedding related services.
Steven Hegman
(651) 457-9684
hegman at live.com
(Please put that address above in the standard format, using @, and mail using your own email program. This is a probably futile attempt to stem the tidal wave of spam we get every day, grrr.)
Minneapolis, St. Paul, Twin Cities