Are you concerned that your budget may not be able to handle live music at your wedding ceremony? Don't be! While you likely won't have Celine Dion singing live at your wedding, that doesn't mean you don't have other very high quality options.
There are plenty of fantastic vocalists and instrumentalists in your area.
Local high schools and colleges are loaded with such people.
These people would love to have the opportunity to perform at your wedding, and they'll do so at a very reasonable cost.
The best way to find these people is to place a call to your local high school or college music director.
He or she will likely have several people they can recommend to you.
Or ask them to post a notice on their bulletin board, asking for their students to call you to arrange an audition.
In addition to your local high schools and colleges, there are four other places you'll want to be sure to take a look for lower cost vocalists and instrumentalists.
They are out there - it's your job to find them.
1.
Your church or place of worship Your church organist may very well be interested in playing at your wedding.
If they've been in the position for any length of time, it's likely that they have plenty of standard wedding pieces of music that you can choose.
Other members of your congregation may also have musical talents - perhaps someone who plays the harp, clarinet or even a guitarist.
These folks may be able to work very nicely with the organist, or perhaps on a solo basis.
2.
Music teachers / music tutors These folks are great resources for music talent.
Where they are teaching folks how to sing or play and instrument, it's pretty clear that they are experts in these areas.
It just may be that one of these folks would be a perfect fit at your wedding, so be sure to consider contacting some of these folks.
3.
Your local newspaper Many musicians and vocalists advertise in local papers.
You can also place an ad of your own, outlining what you are looking for.
4.
Online There are many websites that offer localized search engines for musical talent.
The best place to start would be Wedding Music USA - weddingmusicusa.
com.
This site allows you to search for local musicians, vocalists, and DJs.
Another place to check out is Craigslist.
org.
Check out the state or city closest to you.
You can also place your own ad like you may want to do in the newspaper.
The more people you can reach, the better pool of folks you'll have to choose from.
Regardless what group you choose someone from - amateurs or pros - to perform at your wedding, ALWAYS hold auditions before making a final selection.
If the music you are interested in is not in their repertoire, don't count them out just yet.
Provide them with sheet music and ask them to play or sing a verse.
Doing this will give you a good idea whether they will be able to learn the piece before your big day.
Holding auditions will also give you the opportunity to determine if their talent matches up with what they are charging.