Choosing live music for a wedding drinks reception
Many couples book live music for their wedding drinks reception as live music can really set the tone for the occasion and help to make it more special and memorable.
Probably the most popular choice is a string quartet. Although the repertoires of string quartets focus on classical music, they will also be able to play songs from popular musicals and adaptations of jazz and pop numbers. As they play acoustic instruments, they don’t need electrical power, meaning fewer constraints on where they can play than an act which needs to plug in an amplifier or keyboard. This also means that they can move to a different location easily and quickly – ideal if you want a quartet to play for a wedding ceremony and then move to another location for the drinks reception. That said, even on a fine day, a quartet will need good shelter from the elements see playing outside for more details. Despite their lack of amplification, a string quartet will make a reasonable volume of sound, even when playing outside, but not so much as to drown out conversation. All the above holds equally true for a string trio. Whereas a string quartet consists of two violins, a viola and a cello, a string trio will leave out either a violin or viola.
An alternative to a string quartet or trio, is a wind trio. Pretty well everything that has been written above regarding a string quartet would hold true for a wind trio, where the line-up is usually a combination of flute, clarinet, oboe or bassoon. A third alternative on the same lines would be a brass ensemble, which is also great for playing fanfares.
Another very popular choice for reception music is a jazz band. Swing, modern jazz or Latin jazz line-ups would most likely consist of duos of sax and guitar or sax and keyboard; trios of sax, guitar or keyboard, and bass; or quartets adding drums or another front line instrument (sax or trumpet) or a singer. We advise a bit of caution before booking a singer. Singers do like to communicate with their audience, but not everyone may appreciate being "eye-balled" by the singer as they try to hold a conversation with another guest! These bands will require access to some electrical power, as bass, guitar and keyboard will need amplification.
A jazz option where no power is available is a fully acoustic "trad" or New Orleans style band. Generally a quartet of clarinet, trumpet, banjo and brass bass (sousaphone or tuba), this can create a wonderful "garden fete" atmosphere complete with straw boaters and striped waistcoats or blazers. These bands can move easily from one location to another, indeed they can even play on the move. Continuing the lighthearted
For a more gentle feel, more suitable inside than out-of-doors, you might want to consider a harpist or cocktail pianist.