The importance of live wedding songs

Please introduce yourself and your band to our readers

My name is David George, bandleader, trumpet player and music contractor. I've been in the music business since 1980. Performing wedding songs and wedding receptions are among the many musical activities I’ve participated in over the years.

My musical career includes 14 years of performing in Europe and 5 in Japan. My bands have had fantastic opportunities becoming acquainted with different cultures by providing wedding songs and music at other social events.

What is your music background?

I started playing in cover bands during the 70’s and later decided to acquire a Bachelor of Music degree. I attended Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle and received my degree in 1980. Playing music for people is the ultimate artistic satisfaction. I believe live wedding songs bring something memorable to such an important event. My band performed at my own wedding reception too.

What are the most common questions that couples ask you?

Most couples are concerned about the list of wedding songs and costs. Also, they ask if the group is able to accompany a guest who wants to perform. I assure couples that my group is able to handle all wedding songs requests.

What differentiates wedding musicians?

A serious musician who knows the craft of music & entertainment will be the one to hire. Couples should be sure of what instruments and singers they want in the group and the kind of wedding songs they want to be played. They should ask how long they want the wedding musicians to perform for, what kind of attire is requested and if they want entertainment for wedding reception.

What was the most unusual wedding where you played wedding songs?

The most unusual was when, after the ceremony, the staff had set up a table of crème pies and the guests started throwing them at each other. Another that comes to mind was at Orcas Island, the couple was married on a sailboat way offshore and sailed in to celebrate with their patiently waiting guests onshore.

”Couples should be sure of what instruments and singers they want in the group and the kind of wedding songs to be played. They should ask how long they want the musicians to perform for, what kind of attire is requested and if they want entertainment for the reception."

How do you prepare for the wedding?

It’s important to stay in contact with the couple up until the wedding. A typical day starts with preparing the ensemble for the performance of the wedding songs and making sure everybody knows where to go, what time the event begins, and what attire is required.

We also need to double-check the equipment to make sure everything is functioning and contact the wedding reception venue in order to notify them when the band will arrive.

Do you offer any packages?

Yes, packages include hiring the group for all or a portion of the wedding reception. The wedding reception ensemble could be augmented with a rhythm section to perform wedding songs for dancing.

We are comfortable playing many styles of classic wedding songs. Guests from the wedding party could sit in with the band at this time. If the band performs wedding songs for the reception as well, the couples will receive a 15% discount.

What services do you offer and how much budget should couples allocate to wedding songs?

I offer solo trumpet, duo, and, trio for the ceremony. Our top requested arrangements include solo trumpet playing Trumpet Voluntary and Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

The budget depends on the length of the event and what size band is requested. For the ceremony, in the greater Seattle area, a solo trumpet would typically cost $200. The cost would go to $375 for a duo and $550 for a trio.

If you could ask one thing of the grooms and brides that would make your job at their wedding easier, what would it be?

Do you have any special wedding songs you want to be performed? If you do, let me know beforehand in order for me to prepare the wedding songs in the correct keys for the guests.