Wedding Information

pictures soon...

I've been performing music for weddings and other important events for well over a decade and know first hand how the right music can enhance any occasion. The purpose of this page is to provide some general information on what I normally provide as a classical guitarist or lute soloist for a wedding ceremony. Also provided are some examples of other ensembles, soloists & styles I can provide for your wedding or special event.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What kind of music do you play during the different parts of a Wedding ceremony?

What about requests?

What if we want you to provide accompaniment for a singer (or other musician)?

What if we have no idea what we want for music?

What sort of contract do you provide?

Are you currently available for my date?

What will it cost?

Terms and Conditions.

Ensembles, Soloists & Styles that I can appear with:

• Flute of Recorder
• Voice
• Violin
• Cello
• Viola da Gamba
• Early Music Ensemble
• Guitar/Lute duo, trio or quartet
• Folk ensemble
• Jazz guitar duo
• Jazz trio
• The Maplejuice Quartet

Other recommended Southern Maine wedding professionals:

• Chuck Campbell - Photography: 207-727-5439
• I Love Flowers - Flowers: 207-774-5882
• Mark Sawyer - DJ
• Marcel Gagne - DJ

Prelude - I start playing music shortly before guests arrive. The music is generally stately, beautiful and refined - something to set the tone of the ceremony (which will vary greatly from couple to couple). Some examples of music I've played as Prelude music:

• Bach: Prelude from cello suite #1
• Bach: Jesu, joy of Man's desiring
• Carcassi: Andante
• Spanish Traditional: Folias and Romance

Processional - Usually music to walk slowly to! Sometimes brides select to have separate pieces for themselves and the bridesmaids. Some Examples:

• Dowland: Time stands still
• Vivaldi: Largo from lute concerto in D
• Pacahbel: Canon
• Purcell: Trumpet Tune

Meditation/Musical Interlude - very often couples decide to incorporate a piece of music into the ceremony to serve as a time of reflection. Most often the piece will have some significance to the couple. Some Examples:

• Bach: Prelude from cello suite #1
• John Denver: Perhaps Love
• John Fogerty: Joy of my life
• Heitor Villa-Lobos: Prelude #4
• Vivaldi: Largo from lute concerto in D

Recessional - The most often associated with a feeling of joy and celebration - this is where the couple will either stay and enjoy the limelight or walk away together. Here are some examples:

• The Beatles: Here comes the sun
• Bach: Gavottes 1 & 2 from the 6th cello suite
• Traditional: Simple Gifts
• Gaspar Sanz: Canarios
• Van Morrison: Into the Mystic

Reception - I have been asked to play into the reception at many weddings - especially those that have the ceremony and reception at the same location. Usually I go more in the popular, latin or jazz styles to liven the mood and to begin the transition to a DJ or Band. Some of the best receptions or "cocktail hours" that I've been a part of were when I was playing with a flute player or Jazz quartet - click here to view the types of ensembles I can appear with. Still, classical guitar by itself can still add an extra dimension to the event! Here are some examples:

• Antonio Carlos Jobim: How Insensitive
• Miles Davis: Solar
• James Taylor: Don't let me be lonely tonight
• Rodgers and Hart: My Romance

As my varied examples demonstrate - I've done my share of requests over the years. As someone who understands the significance of music and what it means to us individually I strive to do my best to meet special requests. Of course if I feel that I will not be able to do an adequate job in either transcribing or singing (whatever the case may be) I will communicate that as early as possible. In that regard it is vitally important that I receive materials such as sheet music and/or recordings so that I may begin the process of preparing your special request as soon as possible. Depending on the situation I sometimes have to charge a fee for the time spent in detailed preparations for requests. Call or email me for more information.

This is possible with advanced planning. Depending upon the music and the performance experience of the other musician some time may have to be allotted for rehearsals and therefore an added fee.

This is not a problem at all! I'd say that in better than 50% of all the weddings I've done I have received no specific input or direction on what music I should play. Instead I was asked just to select appropriate music for the kind of setting or mood the couple had in mind. Don't feel bad about making this choice - it doesn't mean that you are uneducated or don't have sophisticated tastes! What it usually means is that you have the taste to select classical guitar or lute but would rather not have the pressure of selecting the exact music!

I, Seth Warner will provide ceremony music for the wedding of Mary A. Moose on May 25th, 2003 which will be held on the summit of Mount Katadin, Baxter State Park, Maine. As discussed with the bride, I will be playing music from approximately 3:00pm to 4:00pm. The compensation fee for this performance is $475. A non-refundable deposit of $100 has been applied to this balance and the remaining $375 will be due two weeks prior to the wedding. Please return a signed copy of the contract at your earliest convenience.

Within the bounds of this contract you can also expect that:

1. I will arrive with enough time to set up properly and conduct myself in a professional manner.
2. I will be dressed appropriately for an elegant wedding.
3. I will be sensitive to the requirements of your guests, facilities management and most importantly - the bride and groom.
4. If in the case of a life threatening situation involving an immediate family member or myself I will endeavor to provide an equally competent and professional guitarist.

What is expected of you:

1. To promptly notify me of any changes of plan or details that would have an impact upon my performance or ability to provide you with outstanding service.
2. Be sure that you have a spot for me at the location to set up in advance and that there is an armless chair available and an electrical outlet within 10 ft of that location.
3. To plan accordingly for how much time you will require my services. Any delays in the ceremony requiring that I play beyond the period of time stated in this contract by fifteen minutes will require reimbursement at a rate of $50 for each 15 minute period exceeded.

Signed: ___________________________________________  Date: ____________

Signed: ___________________________________________  Date:_____________

See the performances page.

Since even the most similar weddings can have a myriad of differences - I prefer to discuss this directly with a potential client once I have a better picture of what is involved. Please call or email for a price for your wedding.

• A date can only be reserved with a non refundable deposit of a minimum of $100.
• The balance is due two full weeks before your wedding date.