Chicago
Wedding Pianist Kathie Nicolet
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Many
brides are 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 that your special
day be memorable, beautiful, and special.
Relax
and trust the wedding professionals to help you by virtue
of their expertise. For instance, I have had countless
years of experience and witnessed almost every possible
scenario imaginable:
- I
have seen a bride faint just before saying “I
do.”
- Brides
who heard the Bridal March and stood frozen
in the doorway.
- The
ring bearer who 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. A professional musician is trained
to take requests, play polished, professional arrangements,
and do it all while smiling and carrying on a conversation
without taking their hands off the keys.
All
beautiful, elegant, wedding ceremonies and receptions
will have “live” music; please leave your
CD’s 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. 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 post
nuptial champagne brunches. A celebration without music
is only a meeting.
Ask
your friends to share names of local 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, and corporate events
that include wonderful people such as bands, orchestras,
DJ’s, florists, photographers, caterers, videographers,
etc.
Also,
consider asking your catering coordinator for their
list of professional musicians in your area. 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 guests are talking about
for weeks to come following a wedding, this reflects
extremely well upon the vendor and the facility. If
we look good, they look good, and YOU look good !
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.
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Congratulations
With All My Sincere Good Wishes For A Beautiful Wedding!
For those seeking recommendations for 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!
-
Kathie Nicolet
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- Preferred
Vendor of Mayor Daley’s Office of Special Events
- Chicago
- Chicago
Historical Society
-
Hyatt - Hilton - Marriott - Doubletree Guest Suites
- Omni -Ambassador East Hotels
- Von
Maur Lead Pianist - Charlestowne / St. Charles 2004
- Nordstrom
Lead Pianist Oak Brook / Woodfield 1994-1997
- Cheney
Mansion - Abbington Banquets - Maggiano's / Oak Brook
- Medinah Country Club - Michigan Shores Club / Wilmette
- Ruth Lake Country Club / Hinsdale
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