Chicago Wedding  Pianist Kathie Nicolet
              Suggestions For Selecting Your Wedding Musicians

Many brides are so overwhelmed by having to make 2,156 decisions in planning their  wedding ceremonies and receptions to ensure their absolutely perfect wedding day. What to choose?  Silver or gold  table linens?  Chicken or salmon?  Pink  roses or delphiniums? 

Please, allow me to assist you in selecting your wedding musicians.....

As a Professional Chicago Pianist and Wedding Musician for over 21 years, I have been a significant part of thousands of celebrations  that included "behind the scenes" negotiations, phone discussions, music selections, rehearsals, recommendations for additional vendors, etc. Particular  brides were searching for ONLY the best, and I\'d like to share suggestions in how you can do the same to ensure YOUR special day being memorable, beautiful, and special.

# 1 . Relax  and trust the wedding professionals to help you by virtue of our expertise! We have had countless years of experience and witnessed almost every possible scenario imaginable. I, personally, have seen a bride faint  just before saying “ I do”,  brides who heard the Bridal March and just stood  in the doorway, frozen -- ( The ring bearer had forgotten the ring  on the 16th floor of  the hotel!), ceremonies starting 45 minutes late because Uncle Bob took a wrong turn driving to the church, etc. Despite the challenges presented, these weddings were absolutely beautiful ~ with much credit given to professional vendors who knew how to handle them! When selecting your vendors, be sure they can offer you top references and have professional materials to share that represent a quality business. If your phone calls are not handled professionally and promptly, you are wise to  go to someone else. 

 Remember: You are planning one wedding. We help plan thousands!

Many people are looking for value today and may believe that because Aunt Frannie plays the piano, she\'d be perfect as your cocktail pianist! Aunt Frannie may know " Let Me Call You Sweetheart" ~ but do you want to hear it 35 times in an hour? Will your guests be disappointed because she doesn\'t know how to play anything else?  Let Aunt Frannie be a guest. Leave the music to the professional who has a wide repertoire for everyone present. We are trained  to take requests, play polished, professional arrangements ~ and do it all while smiling and carrying on a conversation without taking our hands off the keys !!

# 2   All beautiful, elegant, wedding ceremonies and receptions will have "live" music. Please leave your CDs in the car. If you are absolutely on the tightest budget, you can hire a solo musician for what two dinner entrees or a lovely floral centerpiece  would cost you. It’s smart not to “ cut corners”  with  ambience. Music sets the tone for your day. Your guests WILL notice! Keep this thought in mind, as well,  for your wedding showers, rehearsal dinners, and your post nuptial champagne brunches !! A celebration without music is ONLY a meeting.

# 3.   Ask  your friends to share names of Chicago vendors they have dealt with for their special occasions. If you don\'t know of anyone, the facility where you are planning your event usually has a list of Preferred Musicians for Wedding Ceremonies/Receptions/Corporate Events that include wonderful people such as Bands/Orchestras/DJ\'s/Florists/Photographers/Caterers/Videogrpahers,  etc. Just ask your Catering Coordinator for their list of Professional Musicians In Chicago. This is the best possible resource you can find in that recommended vendors do not PAY to be listed!!  Preferred vendors are, specifically, recommended for consistent quality service and impeccable reputations. Anyone can get listed in a phone book or a wedding magazine for a fee.  Recommendations will cost you nothing but are tremendously valuable resources. If the facility recommends someone superior who your guests are talking about for weeks to come following your wedding,  this reflects extremely well upon the vendor and the facility,  If WE look good, THEY look good !!
#4.   Chicago brides planning Catholic wedding ceremonies need to consult with the Musical Director of their local churches before selecting musicians. It is common practice for the church to REQUIRE you utilize their "in house" musicians and will not allow you to bring in "outside" vendors. The church often has an “approved” list of musical selections allowed.  Be sure to call first.

Congratulations on your special day!   For those seeking recommendations for additional  Chicago vendors, please contact  me, anytime ~ !!  My personal recommendations are provided as complimentary service for those seeking only the BEST that Chicago has to offer for YOUR Special, Successful Day!! 
Warmest Regards,
Kathie Nicolet  

Chicago Pianist For Beautiful Wedding Ceremonies And Receptions Since 1983 www.knicoletpiano.com
Phone: 630 830 2345
Preferred Vendor Chicago History Museum

Hyatt/Hilton/Doubletree/Westin Hotels -  Von Maur Lead Pianist – St. Charles   
Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved K L Nicolet Article Cannot Be Reproduced,                           Duplicated Or Reprinted Without Permission