Latest news: We've a new website dedicated solely to wedding music, Dream Day Music. A mobile version will be coming soon.
Please find below all the details you'll need when booking a pianist for your big day and details you may need to consider for ceremonies, wedding breakfasts, receptions, and any of the parts in between. There are a few details of bands and duos with whom Craig works.
We will always strive to let you get on with enjoying your wedding undisturbed. Contact on the day will be with your best man and registrar/priest; neither bride nor groom need take one moment out of enjoying the day to speak to us (unless, of course, you want to!). All details will be confirmed well in advance; there will be nothing to finalise at short notice.
Please ask for honest no obligation, advice on any aspect of your wedding music, even before you've asked us for a quote. Craig married in 2010, so he's well aware of the problems with people giving you the 'hard sell'. You won't get that from us. Nor will there be inflated prices at the mention of the word 'wedding'. So, please have a good read of the information below and do not hesitate to get in touch if there's anything you can't find an answer to!
Civil Ceremonies [Top]
You will be able to choose pieces, and how much or how little music you use. Many people like classical accompaniment to their service, but jazz standards and pop ballads are also requested very frequently; the choice is yours.
Religious music is unlikely to be approved. Songs such as Schumann's 'Ave Maria', will often not be allowed because they're sacred. Consider classical music with a similar feel (eg. Canon in D) as an alternative. "Here Comes the Bride" and Mendelssohn's 'Wedding March', aren't religious, coming from an opera and orchestral suite respectively.
You may use music within the civil ceremony itself. In addition to entrances and exits and the signing of the register, you may be able to use music alongside or in place of readings. It is common for those having a civil ceremony to discuss music choices with their chosen musician(s).
Craig, the musicians he plays with, and the other pianists that we recommend if Craig is already booked are all experienced and accomplished performers with many years' experience performing classical through jazz, theatre and pop songs, or even arrangements of your favourite dance or heavy rock! There's very little that we can't provide, so get in touch, no matter how adventurous you'd like to be. We like a challenge!
Wedding Breakfasts [Top]
Our usual brief is to provide simple, unobtrusive background music. "Lounge piano" is often mentioned. We'll create an ambiance rather than entertain, but guests are welcome to listen more closely and many choose to do just that. We endeavour to keep background music at a level that allows, rather than forces, guests to listen in.
Many couples prefer classical piano or a flute and piano duet (see below) for what is still a largely formal part of their wedding day; others prefer discreet lounge jazz or swing classics to add a little class and sparkle. Craig's performances of contemporary classical pieces such as Einaudi or Yiruma compositions have recently had fantastic receptions from guests, who recognise pieces from films and TV. There are plenty of examples of such pieces on the audio page.
Some couples provide a list of favourite songs to include, and we find that pop songs work wonders for keeping the event relaxed if formality isn't your thing. Current and recently charting songs are a great way to keep younger guests entertained.
Furthermore, requesting your favourite songs for your wedding breakfast means there are more songs to remind you of your special day in the years to come.
Drinks & Evening Receptions [Top]
It is increasingly common to provide guests with some quieter background music to allow them to enjoy a drink and converse, often with those they haven't seen for months or even years. Most treat the music for receptions prior to wedding breakfasts and evening receptions in the same way as the music for the wedding breakfast itself.
Allowing your guests the time to sit and get chatting means they are able to relax with friends old and new, which always helps the evening reception go off with a bang later. It is important to carefully choose both the musician(s) and styles you want to set the right mood. In addition to Craig's solo work (see Wedding Breakfasts above), he is also available as a part of several wedding duos (demos, or even small personal live performances(!), available on request):
- Flute & piano: classical, jazz / swing, pop, musicals etc. Softer, more relaxed and gentle ambiance.
- Sax & piano: usually swing, jazz or pop / soul classics. Equally comfortable with flashy uptempo numbers and mellower ballads.
- Vocal & piano: classical and popular music with either male or female singers, many with Royal Schools of Music training.
- Violin & piano: Craig and a top session violinist team up to provide classical, jazz, pop, theatre and/or swing music.
Looking for something different? Craig is also the keyboard player with Merseyside 'indie-folk-rock' originals band Jessicas Ghost, who have recently supported both The Noisettes and Tinchy Stryder. See jessicasghost.co.uk and facebook.com/jessicasghost.
Craig offers a 25% discount on daytime piano when a band he plays with is booked for the evening.
A quick summary: [Top]
- Free, honest, no-obligation advice
- Piano, flute, sax and singers available, soloists or duos
- Accompaniment for soloists, such as singers, flute players and saxophonists at ceremonies and receptions.
- Solo piano at receptions and wedding breakfasts; classical, lounge piano, pop, musicals and other styles covered
- Duos including flute, sax or singers in all styles: all musicians are experienced and highly-trained performers.
- You won't be disturbed on your big day; details confirmed well in advance of your wedding, and we'll liaise with your best man and registrar on the day
- Appropriate volumes mean guests can choose to listen, rather than being forced to
- We can recommend fantastic DJs and bands
- Piano music creates an ambiance and sets the mood as entertaining guests
- Great for keeping younger guests occupied if current chart hits or film music (such as Disney classics) are included
- Competitive prices, usually without any additional fuel costs