Music for Destination Weddings. When it comes to planning a wedding, every detail is meticulously curated to create a magical and unforgettable experience. From the choice of flowers to the selection of the perfect gown, each element plays a pivotal role in weaving the tapestry of this special day. Among these, music stands as a universal language that has the power to evoke emotions, ignite memories, and set the tone for the celebration.
Music and Location
In the realm of destination weddings, where the backdrop often steals the show, the synergy between music and location becomes an integral part of the experience. Imagine exchanging vows against the backdrop of a sun-kissed beach, surrounded by the gentle caress of ocean waves. Now, envision this moment accompanied by the melodic strains of a classical violinist or the dulcet tones of a string quartet, seamlessly blending with the natural symphony of the setting. It’s in these instances that the magic truly happens.
In this guide, we embark on a melodic journey through the world of destination weddings, exploring how the location and setting can profoundly influence the music choices. Whether you’re planning a ceremony atop a picturesque mountain, within the opulent walls of a historic house, or on the enchanting streets of an iconic city, we’ll unravel the secrets to harmonizing memories that will resonate with you and your guests for a lifetime.
Creating an Atmosphere
Join us as we dive into the art of selecting music that not only complements your chosen destination but also enhances the overall atmosphere, creating an ambiance that is uniquely yours. From timeless classics to modern melodies, we’ll navigate through a symphonic selection process designed to transform your destination wedding into an extraordinary musical masterpiece.
Balance the Atmosphere
Destination weddings often take place in diverse settings, ranging from sun-kissed beaches to historic castles. The choice of music should align with the ambiance of your chosen location. For a beach wedding, opt for acoustic melodies or light, tropical tunes that complement the sound of crashing waves. In contrast, a grandiose castle setting may call for classical or orchestral compositions to create an atmosphere of timeless elegance.
Reflect Your Personal Story
Your wedding is a reflection of your unique love story. Use music as a means to narrate that story. Select songs that hold sentimental value or lyrics that resonate with your journey as a couple. Whether it’s the song that played during your first date or a track that signifies a shared experience, these personal touches will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Curate the Perfect Playlist
Creating a well-curated playlist is crucial to ensure that the music flows seamlessly throughout the day. Divide your selections into distinct segments such as pre-ceremony, ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and reception. Each phase calls for different moods and tempos. Soft, instrumental pieces can set a tranquil atmosphere for the pre-ceremony, while livelier tunes should take center stage during the reception to get everyone on their feet.
Accommodate Diverse Tastes
Remember that your guest list will likely include individuals with a wide range of musical preferences. Incorporate a variety of genres to cater to diverse tastes. A mix of classic hits, contemporary pop, and perhaps a few cultural selections will ensure that everyone finds something to enjoy.
Specific Music Examples for Venues
Winery wedding ceremony
Ceremony:
- Prelude:
- “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
- “Marry Me” by Train
- “Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel
- Processional:
- “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane
- “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen
- Bride’s Entrance:
- “Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert
- “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
Castle Wedding (Hatley Castle and Dundurn Castle comes to mind)
A castle wedding calls for elegant and majestic music that complements the grandeur of the venue. Here are some classical and contemporary music options for various parts of the wedding ceremony:
- Processional (Bridal Entrance):
- Traditional:
- “Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel
- “Bridal Chorus” from Lohengrin by Richard Wagner (Here Comes the Bride)
- Contemporary:
- “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
- “Marry Me” by Train
- Traditional:
- Interlude (During the Ceremony):
- Traditional:
- “Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert
- “Air on the G String” by Johann Sebastian Bach
- Contemporary:
- “All of Me” by John Legend
- “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
- Traditional:
- Recessional (After the Ceremony):
- Traditional:
- “Wedding March” from A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Felix Mendelssohn
- “Trumpet Voluntary” by Jeremiah Clarke
- Contemporary:
- “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder
- “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
- Traditional:
- Cocktail Hour/Reception:
- Classical:
- Various pieces by Mozart, Beethoven, and other classical composers
- Contemporary:
- Depending on your taste, you can choose from a wide range of genres and artists. Some suggestions:
- Jazz standards by artists like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald
- Soft rock and acoustic covers
- Depending on your taste, you can choose from a wide range of genres and artists. Some suggestions:
- Classical:
- Dinner Music:
- Classical:
- String quartet or chamber music playing pieces by classical composers
- Contemporary:
- Acoustic versions of popular songs, light jazz, or instrumental covers
- Classical:
Remember to consider the acoustics of the castle and the capabilities of any musicians you hire. If live music isn’t feasible, you can also use recorded versions of these pieces.
Ultimately, choose music that resonates with you and your partner, and that fits the overall atmosphere you want to create for your castle wedding.
Destination wedding Locations in Canada
Canada offers a diverse range of beautiful destinations for a destination wedding. Here are some popular wedding locations across the country:
Banff, Alberta:
Located in the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park offers breathtaking mountain views, pristine lakes, and charming alpine villages.
Jasper, Alberta:
Similar to Banff, Jasper provides stunning mountain scenery with a more relaxed and less crowded atmosphere.
Whistler, British Columbia:
A world-renowned ski resort town, Whistler offers a picturesque backdrop with its mountain vistas and charming village.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia:
From the lush rainforests of Tofino to the gardens of Victoria, Vancouver Island provides a diverse range of natural settings for a wedding.
Victoria, British Columbia:
The capital city of British Columbia is known for its historic architecture, beautiful gardens, and coastal charm.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario:
Located in the heart of Ontario’s wine country, this town offers vineyard views, historic sites, and a quaint atmosphere.
Toronto Islands, Ontario:
A group of small islands in Lake Ontario, this location provides a unique waterfront setting with stunning views of the city skyline.
Prince Edward County, Ontario:
Known for its wineries, charming small towns, and beautiful countryside, this region offers a rustic yet elegant backdrop for a wedding.
Mont Tremblant, Quebec:
A picturesque village in the Laurentian Mountains, Tremblant provides a romantic setting with European-inspired architecture.
Quebec City, Quebec:
With its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and views of the St. Lawrence River, Quebec City offers a romantic and old-world atmosphere.
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia:
Known for its rugged coastline, rolling hills, and Celtic heritage, Cape Breton provides a unique and scenic backdrop for a wedding.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island:
The capital city of PEI offers a mix of historic charm, waterfront views, and a relaxed island atmosphere.
Our wedding string quartet and ensembles
The solo violin
The smallest bowed string instrument in the violin family is the violin. It is also the quietest instrument, but that does not mean that it cannot produce a sound. Don’t forget that violin soloists regularly perform with a 50-100 piece orchestra, in a large hall seating 2000 or more people, and the solo violin can be heard over the entire orchestra, and at the very back of the concert hall. How? This comes down to the skill of the violinist, and positioning. This is why at wedding ceremonies for example we often are quite picky about the exact spot where our violinists and ensembles perform, no matter if the string ensemble is outdoors or indoors a single violinist is a great choice.
Duo d’Amore’s solo violinist is a great option for those who want live music but have a smaller budget. The solo violinist performs classical pieces, contemporary pieces, and a mix of both. Their music is perfect for wedding ceremonies, cocktail receptions, and intimate dinners.
The solo cello
Like the solo violin, a solo cellist is a great option for slightly smaller wedding ceremonies and receptions. Larger than the violin, it is very resonant, and can play an equally wide range of music. Clients that hire the solo cello and solo violin for weddings and events often have a guest list of under 50, but not necessarily so.
The violin and cello duo
The violin and cello duo, or string duet, is made up of one violin player and one cello player. This is our most requested string ensemble for hire around Toronto. Having both the violin, which is able to play soaring melodies, and the cello which is able to anchor and often accompany, while having an even larger sound it is no wonder that this is our most popular string ensemble. I like to imagine that the violin is like the right hand of the piano and the cello is the left had of the piano, together they can play almost anything, and that is another reason that it is our most popular ensembles.
Duo d’Amore’s violin and cello duo is a popular choice for weddings. The duo consists of a violinist and a cellist who play together, creating a beautiful, harmonious sound. The duo’s repertoire includes classical pieces, contemporary pieces, and a mix of both. Their music is perfect for wedding ceremonies, cocktail receptions, and dinner parties.
The String Trio
The string trio is made up of the violin and cello, with the addition of a third instrument. Often this is a violin or viola. We recommend this ensemble for 150-200 guests. The string trio a great mid size ensemble that is an excellent option for an outdoor wedding or large church wedding.
The String Quartet
Our string quartet is the largest wedding ensemble that we have for hire. We often recommend the string quartet for large gatherings, receptions, weddings and events with 200 or more guests. The string quartet is one of our more versatile ensembles, as we can perform everything from Bach, Beethoven and Brahms in the classical spectrum, to pop, jazz, folk, Top40 and beyond.
Choosing wedding ceremony and reception music
Duo d’Amore has one of Canada’s largest collections of wedding pop and classical music for our string ensembles. In general here is what we recommend for a wedding ceremony. Of course, every ceremony is different and we like to customize things to suit your plans and ideas. We also have lots more wedding music planning ideas and resources on our blog, here.
Custom musical arrangements-perfect music for Destination Weddings
We often arrange music specifically for our brides and grooms. Imagine that you want a certain song and you want to walk in to a specific part of that–we can tailor this to suit. Ask us about our custom song arrangements.
Listen to music samples:
Visit our website to listen to pop and classical wedding favourites performed by our musicians: Listen to samples here.
Contact us
If you or someone you know is having a destination wedding ceremony or reception in Canada, and would like amazing Music for Destination Weddings, contact us today.
