The Soundtrack to Your Ceremony
If words like prelude, processional, and recessional feel confusing, this guide is here to gently walk you through each part of the ceremony and how live acoustic cello enhances it.
From the first notes your guests hear as they arrive to the joyful music that follows your first kiss, cello adds warmth, romance, and emotional depth to every step down the aisle. Together, we’ll shape a soundtrack that feels timeless, personal, and unmistakably yours.
Prelude and processional
The prelude is the half an hour before the ceremony starts, usually when guests are finding their seats. Think of it as the “quiet chatter” before a movie. Typically, I will play traditional wedding tunes here as background music to set the stage.
The processional is the time when the wedding party walks down the aisle, usually in groups. The audience is quiet, so the music will stand out here. It’s a great time to select music meaningful to you, and a fun opportunity to pick songs that reflect each group or person walking down the aisle!
Ceremony
The ceremony is the reading conducted by the officiant of the words that will marry the couple. Usually this might include vows, a ring exchange, and a kiss at the end. Music is appropriate here following the kiss.
Sometimes, there might be a long interlude during the ceremony when no one is speaking (such as during a tying the knot ceremony, sword ceremony, or other unique tradition). This would also be a good time to add background music to help the ambiance.
Recessional
The recessional is the opposite of the processional, when the wedding party leaves the front of the room through the aisle. The atmosphere is joyful following the ceremony, and a great time for music to complement your walk off stage.
The couple might get their own recessional song, or the whole wedding party can walk off to the same song.
Just the Basics
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Tier One includes music for the processional and the ceremony. This means that I’ll play as you and your wedding party walk down the aisle, as well as at key moments during the ceremony.
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This package costs $450 and will be paid in two installments, half due when you book your date and half due 30 days prior to the event.
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You’ll be able to request three custom songs for this package. For any remaining songs, you’ll be able to select between genres (e.g. pop music, traditional, folk, religious). Please see the Song Selection tab to get a sense of the different genres.
Ceremony & Cocktail Hour
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For this package, I’ll perform for the processional, ceremony, and recessional, as well as during cocktail hour.
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This package costs $650. Half is due when you book your date, and half is due 30 days prior to the event.
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You’ll be able to choose five specific songs.
For any remaining songs, you’ll be able to select between genres (e.g. pop music, traditional, folk, religious). Please see the Song Selection tab to get a sense of the different genres.
The Works
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For this package, I’ll perform a 30 minute prelude while guests are finding their seats. I’ll also play the processional, ceremony, and recessional music. I’ll also play during cocktail hour.
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This package costs $950, with half due upon booking your date, and the second half due 30 days before the event.
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You’ll be able to select 7 custom songs. For the remainder, you’ll be able to choose between genres (pop/folk/religious/video game soundtrack/etc). Please see the Song Selection tab to get a sense of the different genres.
The Fine Print
The Music
I provide solo acoustic cello for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and select moments throughout your celebration. I arrive 40 minutes early for a calm, seamless setup. Ceremony music includes up to 30 minutes; cocktail hour is one hour, with additional time available as needed on an ad hoc basis. You’re welcome to choose special songs for meaningful moments according to the package you choose. Remaining music is thoughtfully curated by me within your chosen style, creating a flowing and romantic atmosphere.
Sound & Setup
I perform seated, acoustically, using a music stand and digital or sheet music—never amplified. For the cello’s natural warmth to carry beautifully, placement is arranged within comfortable proximity to you and your guests. Acoustic cello is especially well suited for ceremonies and intimate gatherings.
Attire
I wear formal all-black attire as a timeless, unobtrusive choice. If your celebration has a specific color palette, I’m happy to make thoughtful efforts to coordinate where possible.
Outdoor Celebrations
Outdoor performances are welcome with appropriate care. Full shade and safe weather conditions are required at all times to protect the instrument and ensure performance quality. If there is no shade available, I will bring a white canopy to play under. In cases of rain, extreme temperatures, or unsafe conditions, music may be moved indoors or paused at my discretion.
Investment & Scheduling
A 50% non-refundable retainer secures your date, with the remaining balance due 30 days prior to the event. Performance time, travel, and standard setup are included. One reschedule within one year is welcomed, subject to availability.
Peace of Mind
In the rare event of illness or emergency, I will make every effort to provide a trusted professional substitute. If this isn’t possible, all payments will be fully refunded.
