Wedding Entertainment
Here is a list of general and popular recommendations, divided into convenient categories. Please take your time to browse & read through the information guidelines provided below, or click here to access VIEW ALL WEDDING CATEGORIES.
CEREMONY & PRE-DINNER ENTERTAINMENT
PRE-CEREMONY ENTERTAINMENT
This sets the tone for your special day! Create a lasting first impression and add to the excitement of your guest arrivals by using an experienced artist that can set the perfect atmosphere for your wedding. Something Classical will add a sophisticated feel, while live Jazz will have set a more laid-back tone, or book an African act for a really ethnic arrival experience.
CEREMONY
Once inside the chapel / ceremony area, a Classical ensemble sets the perfect mood for the service from the time when the guests start to arrive, and can provide any wedding march or processional piece for the arrival of the bride, as well as accompany hymns, the exchange of rings, and the signing of the register. Other popular choices for ceremony entertainment include Jazz artists, Choirs, wedding singers – to perform that special song, and African entertainment – to add that ethnic feel.
AFTER THE CEREMONY
After the ceremony, it's time for your guests to relax, unwind, and absorb and celebrate the greatness of the moment you’ve all been waiting for – the couple saying “I Do”! The entertainment should be light and fun; something that will complement the champagne and canopies, whilst contributing to lasting memories of this special hour or two! Go with Light Classical (most Classical ensembles, if booked for the ceremony and pre-dinner drinks, will move to light & more contemporary repertoire during this stage), introduce an Easy Listening & Jazzy act or, if yours is an African themed wedding, or you have many international guests, some great African entertainment.
Classical Musicians
Riaan Eloff
Based in PretoriaPianist, performing a selection of well-known and -loved melodies...
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Allegro String Ensemble
Based in DurbanDurban’s busiest string ensemble adds an air of distinction to any special event...
Read MoreJazz & Easy Listening
Gary Deacon
Based in Cape TownAward-winning and in-demand Jazz guitarist who has performed at hundreds of events...
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Breakfast Included Jazz Band
Based in Cape TownCape Town's busiest & highly acclaimed Jazz Band. Jazz at its coolest!...
Read MoreAfrican Entertainment
Abaqondisi Brothers
Based in Cape TownSpectacular 12-piece Isicathamiya choir with international experience...
Read MoreChoirs
Khayelitsha United Mambazo
Based in Cape TownCape Town’s top, internationally experienced Isicathamiya choir...
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South African Youth Choir
Based in Cape TownAn internationally recognised youth choir in the true spirit of "ubuntu"...
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Mbekweni Black Bafanas
Based in Cape TownPopular Isicathamiya (a capella) African choir from Mbekweni in Paarl...
Read MoreWedding Singers
Jimmie Earl Perry
Based in Cape TownDynamic international singer with a powerful baritone and gospel-filled voice...
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Loveline Madumo
Based in JohannesburgOne of SA’s rising opera stars, and member of the acclaimed Black Tie Ensemble...
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Jessy-Jean
Based in Cape TownJazz / Pop vocalist whose sultry voice has taken her across the country...
Read MoreRECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT
The music played during the reception will go a long way in creating the mood of the evening. A live band can really make the difference, but you need to make sure that you choose the right band for your reception. The most important question to ask yourself is whether you want dance music (or at least the option for guests to dance), or purely good live background music? If it is dance music you're after, you would need quite a large band (minimum 4-piece, usually) that can perform a lot of covers and knows how to get and keep people on the dance floor. An alternative is to book an Easy listening artist to perform during dinner, as well as a DJ to take over when it’s time to hit the dance floor.
Jazz & Easy Listening
Nicole
Based in PretoriaVersatile singer, saxophonist and flautist with a sensational voice & stage presence...
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Gary Deacon Duo
Based in Cape TownGary and Willie make up one of the busiest Jazz duos in Cape Town...
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Steve Robinson
Based in Cape TownHighly experienced guitarist who have performed across SA and England...
Read MoreOne Man Bands & Singers
Lynne Poulsen
Based in Cape TownAward-winning singer and pianist with a wealth of experience in the music industry...
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Juanita Kruger
Based in JohannesburgPopular and seasoned vocalist with numerous stage, theatre and musical appearances...
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Rob Taylor
Based in JohannesburgOne of the most sought-after "one man band" entertainers in the business...
Read MoreCover & Function Bands
Candy Duo
Based in JohannesburgCelebrated performers Andy and Cathy join musical forces in this sensational duo...
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The Swingsetters
Based in Cape TownHighly entertaining 7-piece Swing, Blues and Rock band...
Read MoreWedding DJs
DJ Rene
Based in Cape TownSA's celebrated world DJ, bringing home to Africa the sounds of Europe and beyond...
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DJ Lloyd Wild
Based in JohannesburgVersatile DJ with more than 15 years' experience in the music industry...
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DJ Preston
Based in Cape TownPopular DJ who caters for a culturally diverse market with his up to date playlists...
Read MoreNOVELTY WEDDING ENTERTAINMENT
Are you looking to do something completely different? Want to add to the excitement of your Big Moment by blowing your guests away with innovative entertainment of international standard? A Novelty Act, Show Band, or Circus Act / Acrobat would certainly get your guests talking, and will create great memories of the occasion! Novelty Entertainment can be used during any stage of the wedding, instead of or in addition to the more traditional entertainment choices!
Show Bands & Artists
Nubia
Based in JohannesburgFour popular songbirds come together for a musical extravanganza of note!...
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The Sticky Triggers
Acclaimed and versatile big band, specialising in the musical styles of yesteryear...
Read MoreNovelty Acts
Colin Underwood
Based in JohannesburgAward-winning comedy magician, acts as pickpocket, mime artist, juggler & compere...
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Alexander May
Based in Cape Town"The Mind Magician" - unique mixture of inexplicable mind phenomena, humour and fun!...
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Ilan Smith
Based in JohannesburgMagician and illusionist with a unique combination of enchantment and humour...
Read MoreThe music samples below denote the standard wedding repertoire performed by the Five Seasons Classical in-house ensembles; they have been tried and tested at hundreds of successful weddings. Should you have any special requests which do not fall within the scope of this list, we are happy to consider such requests, given adequate notice. Kindly note however that certain special requests and items which require special transciption, or purchase of sheet music, will attract additional costs and will be quoted for separately. Please read our FAQ Section for clarification.
PRELUDE (before ceremony)
We suggest prelude music from 15 minutes before the start of the ceremony. This sets the mood for your guests as they are waiting for the wedding ceremony to begin. It is not necessary for you to choose the prelude music; through long experience we have found that allowing the musicians to choose from a wide variety of material, according to what “feels” best for the moment and the location, usually works best.
Typically, the music before the ceremony will include some of the following:
- Albinoni: Adagio
- Mozart: Eine Kleine Nachtmuzik
- Mozart:Divertimenti
- Mozart: Ave Verum
- Boccherini: Minuet
- Bach: Brandenburg Concertos
- Corelli: Concerto Grosso
- Vivaldi: various selections from Four Seasons
- Morning from Peer Gynt Suite by Grieg
- Elgar: Salut D'amour
- and many more...
PROCESSIONALS & RECESSIONALS
- F. Mendelssohn: Wedding March from A Midsummernight's Dream
- R. Wagner: Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin
- J. Pachelbel: Canon in D
- Purcell / Clarke: Trumpet Voluntary
- G.F Handel: Arrival of the Queen of Sheba
- G.F Handel: "Hornpipe"from Water Music Suite
- G.F Handel: La Rejouissance from the Royal Fireworks Suite
- L. Beethoven: Ode to Joy
SERVICE MUSIC (Register, Unity Candle etc.)
- J.S Bach: Jesu Joy of Man's Desire
- J.S Bach: Air on the G-String
- J.S Bach: Sheep May Safely Graze
- J.S Bach: Arioso
- F. Schubert: Ave Maria
- Bach-Gounod: Ave Maria
- G. Faure: Pavane
- G.F Handel: Largo from Xerxes
- G.F Handel: "Air" from Water Music Suite
- C. Franck: Panis Angelicus
- J. Massenet: Meditation from Thais
- L. Delibes: Dôme épais (Flower Duet) from Lakmé
- C. Debussy: Claire de Lune
PRE-DRINKS & RECEPTION MUSIC
The reperoire is typically lighter and up-beat, incorporating light Classics, Tangos, Jazz, Movie theme tunes, Broadway pieces etc.
- Piazzola: Calambre
- Jazz standard - Lullaby of Birdland
- Gardel: Tango por Una Cabeza
- Monti: Czardas
- Joplin: The Entertainer
- Albeniz: Tango
- Gershwin: The Man I Love
- McLean: Czardas Tango
- MacLean: Tango
- MacLean: Fandango
- Bizet: Habanera from Carmen
- Bizet: Entr'acte to Act 3 of Carmen
- Mozart: Slow Movement from Quartet in D
- Vivaldi: "Winter" from The Four Seasons
- Vivaldi: "Spring" from The Four Seasons
- Bach: Brandenburg Concertos
- Beethoven: Ode to Joy
- Borodin: Nocturne from String Quartet No. 2
- Brahms: Hungarian Dance No. 5
- Dvorak: Largo from "New World Symphony"
- Handel: Selections from Royal Fireworks
- Handel: Selections from Water Music Suites
- Extensive Broadway pieces
- Movie theme tunes
- Pop arrangements
MUSIC FOR SOLO HARP BOOKINGS only
Processionals / Recessionals
- Pachelbel: Canon in D
- Wagner: Bridal Chorus
- Mendelssohn: Wedding March
- Clarke: Trumpet Voluntary
Other(Register etc.)
- Schubert: Ave Maria
- Bach: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Frequently Asked Questions (Weddings)
Click on the expand icons to view answersWe have compiled a list of questions most frequently asked by our Wedding clients. If you do not find an answer to your queries, please do not hesitate to contact us on enquiries@5seasons.co.za.
For more general FAQs, please visit our General FAQs page.
Booking Procedures
Question: How do I make a booking?
Question: How long will it take for you to answer my initial enquiry?
Question: I don't know very much about Classical musicians but would like an ensemble to perform at my ceremony / pre-drinks / reception. Can you advise me?
Question: Once I've selected a wedding package, how do I confirm a booking? What is the next step?
Question: What about payment? Do you require a deposit?
Question: When is the balance payable?
Costs & Payments
Question: I have limited budget. Can you still help?
Question: What are the charges? Is it very expensive?
Question: Do your musicians charge for travel / petrol?
General Booking Questions
Question: I would like to hear your groups before booking. Can I come to your office to hear them rehearse?
Question: Can I choose a particular ensemble from your website?
Question: What is a Five Seasons in-house ensemble?
Question: Typically, at how many weddings do your groups play? Have they played weddings before?
Question: I would like the musicians to "audition" for me free of charge. Is this possible?
Question: My wedding is taking place outdoors. Is this a problem? Can the musicians perform in direct sunlight?
Question: How long will my booking last?
Question: Will the musicians arrive on time?
Question: How will they know where to go? Who provides directions to the venue?
On the wedding day, it is always helpful to appoint one person to act as organiser. This can either be your wedding plannner, or perhaps the groom, best man etc. The musicians will then deal with this person, so that the bride doesn't have to worry about logistical arrangements at the venue! Back to top
Question: My ceremony / pre-drinks / reception are taking place at different venues. Is this OK?
Question: What if my wedding runs late?
Question: Do the musicians require meals & beverages?
Question: Your list of FAQ's is long and I am worried that the musicians will add to my stress levels on the day. You seem to have many rules. Why is that?
SPECIAL REQUESTS / CHOICE OF MUSIC
Question: What about special requests for my entrance, signing of register, recession etc? How do I choose the music and communicate my choices to the musicians?
Question: You say you charge for requests outside the Artists' repertoire. What does this mean?
Question: I have my Entrance song on a CD, but I want the musicians to play it on their instruments. Can I give them the CD so that they can learn it that way?
Question: Can the musicians accompany hymns during my ceremony?
REHEARSALS
Question: One of my friends / relatives will be singing / playing something at my wedding. Can they join your ensemble and when can they rehearse?
Question: I would like the musicians to attend a wedding rehearsal.
Question: Why do the musicians charge for rehearsals? Is this really fair? Surely they should include this as a free service seeing as I am paying for their performance at my wedding?
DRESS CODE
Question: I have decided to make a booking, but I am concerned about what the musicians will wear on the day? Can I instruct them on how to dress?
Question: Will my ensemble be male or female?
CONTACTING THE MUSICIANS
Question: I assume I will have direct contact with the musicians before the wedding?
Question: Can I meet with the musicians before the wedding?
Question: Why can't I have the contact details of the musicians immediately after paying the deposit?
I NEED TO CHANGE MY BOOKING
Question: I need to cancel my booking. Can I have my desposit refunded?
Question: I have already made a booking and would like to change one of the instruments in my ensemble / I need to change the booking length. Is this possible?
Question: I have already made a booking and my wedding date is getting close. I am very worried that things will go wrong! What can I do and who should I contact?
Client Feedback
Just a quick note from us to say thank you to you for organising everything and of course a big big thank you to the lovely Quartet for playing so beautifully at our wedding. Everything after the ceremony went by in such a blur, I did not get a chance to thank them in person, so please pass on my thanks. A number of people commented on how nice it was to have live music and I really enjoyed hearing the pieces of music we had chosen.
Robyn Pickering
I wanted to say a very special thank you for arranging the Gary Deacon Duo for us. I was so sad that the day did not allow ANY time for me to meet them personally, but everyone has commented on how fantastic they were. I must say that when we were nearby I heard them play and it was really “Music to my ears”! They were simply marvellous and if there is ever another event I’ll be calling you again!
Tanya Milbank
We got married at Kloofzicht Lodge and the Lyric Ensemble played during and after the service. The music was absolutely beautiful, all the guests are still talking about it. So I would just like to thank Five Seasons and the Artists for your professionalism, I will most definitely recommend your company to people that are getting married.
Nadine Bond
I would just like to send a special thanks to you & the Vuthela Marimba Trio for their beautiful music during the cocktail hour at our wedding at 12 Apostles. Wow, wow, wow! Their music added beautifully to sunset over the ocean & helped make it a magical start to the celebrations. The guests thouroughly enjoyed their playing & were surely more than impressed by their skills. With so much talent & your skills as an agent, I trust they will go from strength to strength.
Ronel Tischendorf
I just wanted to thank you for all the organization for the quartet for my son’s wedding on 1st January. They were excellent and I could have listened to them all evening! Please could you pass on our thanks to the players.
Rose Fernsby
Just want to say thanks to your company for sorting out the music at out wedding. The string trio was very good and set the mood right from the start. DJ Preston was great and kept the dance floor busy throughout the night.
Riaan
A short note to thank Five Seasons for the amazingly talented quartet of musicians who played at the wedding at the Birchwood! They were absolutely brilliant and had everyone in awe. I would most certainly recommend Five Seasons to anyone who requires top-class music at their functions. The musicians were true professionals and very friendly: Liza - Flute, Camelia - Violin, Marin - Cello and Voleri - Viola. How's that for a memory? That's the impression they made on me personally! David, it was a pleasure dealing with such a professional outfit and I truly hope to have the pleasure of working with you and your musicians again in the future. You were also most helpful and obliging and I thank you for that. I enjoyed out little chats!
Cheryl Dormer
Our wedding was a huge success! I would like to thank you for all your support, Keith was awesome, all the guests loved his performance.We will definitely recommend you guys in future.
Mandy
Just to say thanks for the Marimba band amaAmbush for Sat's wedding - they were really great - and all the guests & the couple really enjoyed their music!
Sue, Waves 'n Wine Weddings
I just wanted to say a big thank you!! The string quartet was great and all of the guests loved the Marimba band - they played beautifully! Thanks for all of your help, it has been a great pleasure working with you.
Sheila Valverde
We have just got back from our Honeymoon and wanted to thank you, all the musicians and the DJ for the wonderful music at our wedding! All our guests commented on how wonderful the duo and the marimba were and our pictures can certainly testify to how much our guests enjoyed the DJ! Thanks again for all your help in putting it all together.
Tanya & Antonio
I just wanted to thank you for all your help with our wedding. You have always been so quick to respond to my emails and take into consideration everything I have requested, and you have also been extremely good in advising me. The musicians (Five Seasons Classical Ensemble)were wonderful - extremely well presented and the music was wonderful - it was better than I imagined and I am truly grateful for all your help.
Louise Denford
I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say thank you for making our wedding reception and dancing so much fun. Our guests absolutely had a ball and you were all fantastic (Sound Image Band)! I have never seen so many of my friends and family up dancing, it was a truly brilliant evening.
Catherine & Luke












