A Day in the life of a Wedding Pianist
Delve behind the scenes as I take you through a day in the life of a pianist. I have chosen a wedding day as they constitute a significant portion of my annual bookings. I’ll guide you through all aspects from preparation in advance and on the day, and the poignant moments during the ceremony, to the lively interlude and fun of the drinks reception and wedding breakfast, and the pause for reflection at the end of the day.
Preparation
In the months and weeks leading-up to the wedding, I collaborate with the couple on song choices, provide draft recordings, and finalise details, usually over a video call. The weeks and days before, I meticulously review all aspects, ensuring the music is in place and the schedule is clear. I also liaise directly with the venue and anyone else helping to coordinate the day to ensure all logistics have been considered.
Before the Ceremony
On the wedding morning, it takes an hour to get ready and pack my equipment, which includes two digital pianos, my baby grand piano shell and amplifier amongst other items. I like to arrive at the venue around two hours before I am due to start playing. This allows for setup, coordination with venue staff and participants. As weddings are such happy occasions, I also like to build in time to speak to people and soak in the atmosphere! For ceremonies and receptions, I often set up two pianos in different locations, facilitating a smoother and quicker transition during the day.
Ceremony Prelude
I begin to play as guests arrive, setting the tone for the ceremony. There is always a building sense of anticipation as the ceremony approaches! When I get the nod from the person conducting the wedding, I will gradual fade out my playing, which is a cue to everyone that the ceremony is about to start. I then have the privilege of playing as the bride and her bridal party, walks down the aisle. This is a thrilling moment that requires precision and adaptability on my part as it all takes place in the moment and it is not possible to know exactly how long it will take in advance. The live music also adds an extra layer of emotion and spontaneity, making each ceremony wonderfully unique! I play until the bride is at the altar and everyone is ready for the ceremony to begin, and then I will bring them music to a subtle finish.
Ceremony Highlights
I then have the pleasure of witnessing the ceremony. Depending on where I am sitting, I often have a prime view of proceedings and can see the joy and emotion of the happy couple and their family members in the front seats! Observing the ceremony, from vows to the newlyweds’ announcement, I play carefully chosen songs during the signing. There is then a seamless transition to the final act of the ceremony when I tend to play an slightly faster tempo exit song to match the energy in the room and the applause and cheering of friends and family, as the newly married couple walk back down the aisle.
Reception and Wedding Breakfast
Transitioning to the next part of the day, I showcase my repertoire, also taking requests, during the drinks reception. I have the capability and equipment to play outdoors and, particularly during the summer, the reception is very often held in the gardens or on a terraced area. My top quality amplification system ensures the sound travels well outside, as well as in large indoor rooms!
I really enjoy this aspect of the day, as I get to see family members reuniting who haven’t seen other for a long time, groups of friends having fun, children running around, elderly family members enjoying a sit down and taking in the atmosphere around them. Wedding guests very often come over to chat to me as well, which is another genuine joy of the job!
During this part of the day, I also get to see the wedding photographer in full operation. They are not only photographers, but also organisers, announcers, and choreographers, as they ensure everyone gets into the photographs they are supposed to be in, within the time limit they have.
Sometimes the venue will have its own grand piano. All pianists love playing a traditional grand piano, and I’m no exception! It’s not uncommon for me to switch between grand pianos, and digital pianos over the course of a day.
The reception unfolds, and my music becomes a thread weaving through the varied scenes of the day. Very often I will be asked to continue playing during the wedding breakfast as well. It’s often during the wedding breakfast that I’ll get more song requests, and occasional impromptu sing-a-longs can break (it’s the 80’s classics that bring people out of their shell for some reason!).
The Homeward Leg
I love playing at weddings. But it is tiring! The reason they are tiring is because they matter. I want to do the best job I can, and this involves being fully prepared and putting in a top performance.
The day concludes with a coffee to perk me up before my drive home, a moment to savour the ongoing festivities, and a chance to meet other musicians or entertainers who may be arriving for the evening celebration. Upon returning home, I unpack, unwind, and reflect on the day’s highs, often accompanied by a well-deserved glass of wine!
Reflections
There is always a lovely afterglow to a wedding. I have received some wonderful reviews from couples, expressing gratitude for the musical contribution to their special day, which serve as a poignant reminder of the privilege and joy it is to play the piano at a wedding. It’s something I never take for granted. The thrill of seeing and reading people’s reactions, and the positive engagement on social media, fuels my passion for making each celebration eve more memorable and special for everyone involved.
I play the piano for wedding ceremonies, drinks receptions, wedding breakfasts, or any combination of these aspects of the day! Please get in touch if you’d like to talk through the musical plans for your wedding day or to book my services – I’d love to play for you!
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