Best 5 Wedding Instrumentalists of Melbourne and Victoria

Whether a string quartet, solo violinist, pianist or saxophonist, ABIA’s trusted list of the top instrumental musicians in Victoria will help marrying couples, from Melbourne to Bendigo and the Mornington Peninsula, get their wedding music sorted.

Evangeline Victoria Music | Image Lost In Love Photography 

From the walk down the aisle, to the grand reception entrance, the first dance and the goodbyes at the end, music will play a role in setting the scene and defining the tone throughout your wedding ceremony and reception. Chosen carefully it will evoke emotions on the day, and whenever you hear it for eternity, so it pays to dedicate some time to your wedding music decision making. And naturally, as we like to do at ABIA, we've made the process of choosing your wedding music and performers a little easier — especially for those couples getting married in Victoria.

When do you need music at a wedding?

From readying yourself with relaxing refrains, to entertaining guests while you’re signing the registry papers, music can add to the atmosphere of every instant of your big day. Here are some key moments that you may want to highlight with specially-selected music though.

• The Processional, or walk down the aisle
• Registry signing
• The Recessional, or walk back up the aisle
• Reception entrance
• First dance
• Cake cutting
• Farewell

Image courtesy Tahnaya Wynne Violinist

What music to choose for a wedding?

Music can be a great way to infuse your wedding day with personality, and there really are no rules. Everything from formal classical styles to modern melodies, hard rock, old-fashioned favourites and movie theme songs are on the table, so choose those that hold meaning, or that take your breath away. Here are some tried-and-tested wedding favourites.

10 Popular songs to walk down the aisle to

The Bridal Chorus ‘Here Comes the Bride’ – Richard Wagner

‘All of Me’ – John Legend

‘Canon in D’ – Johann Pachelbel

‘A Thousand Years’ – Christina Perri

‘Isn’t She Lovely’ – Stevie Wonder

‘Halo’ – Beyoncé

‘Marry You’ – Bruno Mars

‘L-O-V-E’ – Nat King Cole

‘Hallelujah’ – Leonard Cohen

‘At Last’ – Etta James

10 Popular wedding reception entrance songs

‘I Gotta Feeling’ – The Black Eyed Peas

‘Best Day of My Life’ – American Authors

‘Here Comes the Sun’ – The Beatles

‘Happy’ – Pharrel Williams

‘24K Magic’ – Bruno Mars

‘Celebration’ – Kool & The Gang

‘Can’t Stop the Feeling’ – Justin Timberlake

‘Viva La Vida’ – Coldplay

‘This Will Be an Everlasting Love’ – Natalie Cole

‘Beautiful Day’ – U2

10 Popular ‘first dance’ wedding songs

‘Perfect’ – Ed Sheeran

‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You’ – Frankie Valli

‘Marry Me’ - Train

‘Your Song’ – Elton John

‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ – Elvis Presley

‘Lover’ – Taylor Swift

‘You Are the Best Thing’ – Ray LaMontagne

‘When You Say Nothing at All’ – Ronan Keating

‘The Way You Look Tonight’ – Tony Bennett

‘That’s When I Knew’ – Alicia Keys

With so many options, finding the right wedding songs can be tricky enough, but finding the right musician, or musical ensemble, to perform them can be even more challenging. In the hands of talented musicians, songs and melodies of all genres can be elevated, but wedding instrumentalists — think violin, cello, piano and saxophone players — offer, perhaps, the most stirring of serenades.

Music with distinct tones work best, but these days instrumentalists cater to a broad spectrum of musical tastes, playing everything from Mozart to Michael Bublé. And if you’re getting married in Victoria, we have the list of the soloists and ensembles voted the state’s best for their wedding music performances, who were announced as winners at the recent 2023 Victorian ABIA Wedding Awards.

Image courtesy Benny Martin Wedding & Event Pianist

How was this list of Victoria's Top Wedding Instrumentals determined? 

At ABIA Weddings, it is important to us that all wedding couples plan their special day with confidence, based on the recommendations of past married couples and their own real experiences. So, this list is solely based on the feedback of real customers who voted for their wedding instrumentalist in the prestigious Victorian ABIA Wedding Awards. Of particular note, this list is not a compilation of businesses with the most Instagram followers, or those who paid to get their name on a list. 
 
Since 1996, ABIA have asked real brides and grooms to rate their wedding vendors out of 100% for: 

• Quality of Product and Experience 
• Quality of Service and Communication
• Value for Money 
• Attitude of Staff and Friendliness  

The Victorian wedding instrumentalists below are those that attained a combined rating of over 95% in these categories, in order of achievement, and were celebrated at the recent Victorian ABIA Wedding Awards.  

Image @edancoombsphotography

Having played for 30 years, and with 15 years in the wedding industry, Benny Martin brings a wealth of experience to his role as a professional wedding and event pianist.

The Melbourne-based musician performs solo, with a female vocalist, as a duo with a cellist or violinist, or as part of a musical trio, and will even bring his own portable digital stage piano, complete with PA speakers and wireless microphone, if needed.

His professional approach, combined with a wide and varied repertoire, offers couples a polished and personalised musical accompaniment to their wedding day celebrations.