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Oratorio - Helen's Editorial (the singer speaks)

Just like everything else in life, things over time change and evolve. Weddings are no exception, the promise, the commitment, the reason does not change, but the way in which we choose to make that commitment, has changed dramatically.
As our cultures and beliefs become entwined and more diverse, we find many more alternative wedding services, not necessarily away from the traditional church, or registry office, but with different and new aspects incorporated as part of the wedding ceremony.
Certainly, there is a vast and growing choice of unusual venues coming into play for religious and civil ceremonies, castles, stately homes, luxury hotels, the London eye or a beautiful sandy beach in Cornwall may be your choice. Arriving in anything from a helicopter to a vintage fire engine, whilst your guests arrive in chauffeur driven luxury, or perhaps a open top London bus with a butler serving champagne. 
However, I feel that one aspect is often over looked, wedding venues old and modern, including some of the most expensive and exclusive in the country, generally do not supply a high quality sound system during the actual ceremony. Very often they use their piped system or a small portable unit to accompany the brides arrival and the couples departure, and often nothing at all during the signing of the register. When investing so much time and money on a venue, poor quality sound or none at all, can often let the ceremony down. I would advise all couples to discuss this at some length with the venue organisers, as it can make a major difference to your special day. Obviously to choose Elton John performing on a diamond encrusted baby grand piano, would cost a fortune, but a musician, say a harpist, a flautist, a classical guitarist, a soloist or perhaps a quartet of musicians for example, may not be as expensive as you might expect. It could very easily be one of the smallest expenses you will have to make, but could make a massive impact on the memory of your special day.
During church services and registry office ceremonies, it is becoming increasingly popular for people to want modern songs or love ballads. These are not always suited to the church organ sound, but can be complemented with the above and used in conjunction with the organ throughout the service. Unless of course you're chosen church is fortunate enough to have a choir.