For those couples looking for alternatives to classical ceremony music while still grappling with their desire for tradition, there’s good news. Star Talent’s Rock and Pop strings. These classical musicians have a repertoire which includes everything from Abba to Zepplin. Your favorite hip hop song sounds more than just respectable; it’s cool and classic at the same time, allowing you to incorporate your favorite song in a way that surprises and delights your guests (and doesn’t upset your mom, dad or grandma).
Michael Taylor, owner of Star Talent and creator of Rock and Pop Strings, agrees that customizing ceremony music is an emerging trend.
Brides and Grooms don’t want “predictable” music. Recent ceremonies have included Bridal Parties entering to Journey, Black Eyed Peas, Train and Kanye West. Brides selecting U2, Oais, Coldplay or Sting for their ascent down the aisle. All of these song ideas are transcribed for string ensemble and arranged in a manner suitable for an elegant ceremony.
Check out Star Talents blog to hear samples of some of their arrangements. You won’t believe how good AC/DC’s Back in Black sounds when it’s played as classical music. Favorite song or movie theme? No problem, for a bit extra, they’ll score it and learn it for your wedding. You can even intersperse contemporary with classic, punctuating different parts of the ceremony.
When choosing songs, remember there are many components and moments to customize music; Prelude (1/2 hour prior to the ceremony as guests arrive and take their seats), Bridal Party Processional (as the bridal party and Groom walk the aisle), Brides Processional (song just for the bride), and let’s not forget the upbeat Recessional (song once the ceremony has concluded).
Below, a few suggestions from their repertoire.
PROCESSIONAL:
- So Cool, from the True Love Soundtrack
- All I want is you – U2
- Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
- Pure Imagination – Willy Wonka
- I Got a Feeling – Black Eyed Peas
RECESSIONAL (which should be more upbeat):
- Don’t Stop Believin’ – performed by String Quartet
- Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – performed by Gospel Choir
- Marry Me – by Train – Guitar / Flute / Violin / Cello
- Good Life – by Kanye West – String Trio
- Fly Me to the Moon – Symphonette of 12 strings
- Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You – Performed by Harp / Flute / Violin /Cello
- Some Nights – by Fun. – Acoustic Guitar Trio
And one final bit of advice; don’t be afraid to mix classical with contemporary. There are no wrong answers, only what feels right for you.