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Ceremony Music
Our most popular ensembles for ceremony music may be found below.

  String Quartet
classic. elegant.
 
 
  String Trio
the mini quartet
 
 
  Violin & Cello
simple yet intimate
 
  Violin & Piano
classic. elegant.
 
 
  Cello & Guitar
rich & versatile
 
 
  Harp Solo
unique full shape
 
  Flute & Harp
classic. elegant.
 
 
  Piano Solo
rich & versatile
 
 
  Classical Guitar
unique full shape
 

Ceremony Structure
Civil Ceremonies: For civil ceremonies, Panache performances last for about an hour and is apportioned into the following sections:
  • 30 minute ceremony – everything between the attendants’ processional to the recessional, including the lighting of the unity candle, readings, rose-giving ceremonies, etc.
  • 20 minute prelude as your guests arrive
  • 10 minute postlude as your guests leave.

These times may be re-arranged in a number of ways but the minimum charge for all Panache’s performances is an hour. If the ceremony is shorter than expected, our clients enjoy the additional benefit of a performance while they take pictures and/or receive guests. If required, the duration of the performance may be extended by half-hour or hour increments and are pro-rated accordingly.

Outdoor Ceremonies: The majority of wedding ceremonies during the summer season are often outside and our policy is structured around the protection of expensive wooden instruments and electrical equipment:

  • Instruments must be protected from direct sunlight either through natural shade or through some sort of canopy. Performances scheduled around 4:30 PM or later usually do not have to worry about this requirement.
  • Rain on the instruments is very dangerous. Weather conditions may prevent us from performing completely unless we receive protection from the rain. However, in most of these instances, the entire wedding may already have been moved inside so this is usually not an issue.
  • The temperature must be at least 60C to prevent wooden instruments from cracking. Lower temperatures can also numb performers’ fingers decreasing their nimbleness and flexibility.
  • Other important factors for outdoor ceremonies include wind, which affects how the sound travels and the ability of the sheet music to stay on the stand, as well as the availability of a working outlet for electric instruments, amplifiers, and speakers.
Jewish Ceremonies: Panache is experienced in Jewish ceremonies and works closely with your synagogue and rabbi to ensure that music selections follow all guidelines and structures for the service and reception. Our clients can request music for any part of the festivities, from the veiling of the bride to the service to the Horah and beyond.

Most of our ensembles’ repertoire already includes many traditional Jewish selections and if we do not have a specific piece, we can make sure that we have the means to acquire them. As a note, our custom ensemble portfolio also features Klezmer and orthodox Jewish bands.

Catholic Ceremonies: Our familiarity with Catholic ceremonies is extensive and we have a close working relationship with many of the musical directors in our geographic area. Whether or not you choose to have a full mass or not, Panache is flexible in performing alone, with the musical director, or with other accompanying musicians to create a beautiful atmosphere while adhering to the necessary religious structure, such as hymns and readings.

The duration for most full mass ceremonies lasts usually for an hour and a half and as always, Panache can pro-rate the additional time for you as needed.

Ceremony Sections
Prelude:
The prelude occurs before the ceremony and is the time when your guests are arriving. Prelude music is important because it sets the tone for your wedding and what to expect. Most prelude selections create a calming and elegant atmosphere that welcomes your guests and accentuates the anticipation.

Pre-Processional

The pre-processional is the time that important family members, such as the mother of the bride, are to be ushered to their seats. It is a great opportunity to honor important family members and the music can be classical, an instrumental version of a contemporary ballad, or a piece of great sentimental value – like a lullaby or favorite hymn from your childhood.

Attendants’ Processional
The attendants’ processional begins as soon as the bridal party appears at the top of the aisle. The music you select should have a steady tempo that the bridesmaids and groomsmen can comfortably walk down the aisle to at a measured pace.

Bridal Processional
The bridal processional begins when the bride is about to walk down the aisle and should either be dramatic and sweeping or light and sweet. Sometimes, this is the same piece as the attendants’ processional but to make a clear distinction it is usually different. Again, keep in mind the tempo and style at which the piece will be performed and selections can be made either from classical or instrumental versions of favorite ballads and contemporary love songs.

Ceremony and Lighting of the Unity Candle
During the ceremony, the music is usually designated during certain times (such as lighting of the unity candle) if any at all. However, there are many variations. Some of our clients like to have their favorite songs playing softly in the background throughout the ceremony while others choose to substitute music in place of readings. Other clients request that we perform religious pieces that they and others request that we do not perform at all. It ultimately depends on your program and the atmosphere you wish to create.

Recessional
The recessional begins as soon as you are pronounced husband and wife. Music selections convey feelings of excitement and joy and there is an unlimited variety of music to choose from. Use the time to create a feeling of celebration but be careful to make sure that it is appropriate for the style of your wedding as well as the ceremony site.

Postlude
The postlude follows the recessional, which ends after the last member of the bridal party walks off the aisle. The music is un-intrusive, elegant, and much more upbeat, allowing guests to exit their chairs and start mingling with the other guests. If you and your fiancé have definite musical tastes, this time is a great opportunity to showcase them.