Sick of hearing the same old wedding music? Want to make your ceremony really stand out from the rest?

If your vision is to have a ceremony that’s anything but a cliché, then consider your music selections, and what you really want your choices to express. The following options may be a little left of centre, but can sometimes create just the right atmosphere and emotion that you’re after:

Wind Quartet

Consisting of flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon, a wind group can perform the usual ceremony repertoire with a unique twist. Able to draw upon similar song list to a string quartet, a wind quartet will resonate well in a large space, and are able to perform outdoors without any problems. Having a flautist perform at your ceremony will add a romantic, lilting touch, and the support from the other instruments will serve to fatten out the overall sound.

Sourcing a wind quartet can prove to be challenging. The best method by far is to approach either an entertainment agency or well-known conservatorium. Endorsement by either an agency or music institution will ensure that the musicians are trained professionals, and familiar with performing in this setting.

A Cappella Group

If you or your partner are avid fans of barbershop quartets, this could be the perfect fit for you. Good a cappella ensembles will generally be able to perform from an extensive repertoire and will accept song requests, so that you can have a say in what you walk down the aisle to. A cappella groups also have the added positive of allowing you songs with lyrics, not just melodies. This can open up an entire range of options based on the words as well as the music.

If possible, make sure you see the group first, or at least hear a recording. There are many amateur (and sometimes out-of-tune!) vocal ensembles out there, whom you will want to avoid at all costs.

Irish Pipes

Good Irish pipe musicians can be difficult to find in Australia. However if you have Irish or Celtic roots, and would like to play homage to them, then this is something you may want to consider. Having a key part of your wedding that connects with your (or your partner’s) cultural heritage will add a personal touch (and is also guaranteed to please your relatives!).

Irish pipe players play from a range of traditional and more modern Celtic songs and ballads. This instrument is wonderful in its ability to play more than one melodic line – but it’s important to make sure you find an experienced piper. Bad Irish pipe playing is…well, bad!

Latin Trio

It may seem an odd suggestion, but if you want your ceremony to stand out from the rest, why not have a Latin band perform? Obviously only appropriate for secular ceremonies, a Latin band will inspire a fun and light-hearted atmosphere for you celebration, and is guaranteed to entertain your guests as they arrive and wait for the formalities to commence

For celebratory moments, such as the recessional, a Latin band will certainly provide a festive effect, and should have your guests tapping their feet before the reception has even started.