I played a little bit guitar and piano as a kid, but never anything like a saxophone. Now I'm 28, and getting married in the summer. I've recently really liked an idea to learn saxophone, in order to play a specific song at the wedding. As a big part of it would be the surprise, I would have to practice when she's working late maybe twice a week. [...]
1. Is it realistic to be able to play a short song on an ok level with practicing 2 times a week for 5-6months?
2. Any recommendations or suggestions for instrument? At first I was thinking as long as it plays it's ok, but even though it is more of a humoristic/fun performance than musical, I would prefer it to be as good as possible.
Welcome to the Café! Sounds like you did music earlier, but since entering the working world, perhaps for the past decade, haven't touched a musical instrument. Am I correct?
I remember how busy life was six months out from our wedding 40 years ago. Working a 40+ hour a week job kept me busy enough as is.
Sounds optomistic for twice a week for practising, plus you would need to find a tutor. How good are you at the guitar? If you were someone who say still practises the guitar off and on weekly, then that would probably be your best bet.
However, remembering how busy life was with job and all when I got married, and also how busy you will be at the wedding being the groom and prep beforehand, especially if your wife to be wants a traditional wedding with bridesmaids and groomsmen toward the last month prior, would you actually have time to practise?
I don't want to sound pessimistic, but although the idea sounds nice, it takes dedication to become proficient enough to play the sax. If you were say already into your second year of playing, practising several times a week for 50 minutes a session consistently, (more than the 2 practise sessions you mention weekly,) then I think it would be realistic.
But at this point, given that things will accelerate quickly, I think that you'd be better off say, having the band you hire (if in the plans) to play / sing this song of dedication, or maybe a student family member who already has several years musical experience to do this for you.
Remember, you are her knight in shining armour, and considering how busy things will be at the wedding and with such a short timeline to prepare plus procure a musical instrument, money that you'll probably need toward starting your new life together, I think that although this plan sounds charming, there is enough risk involved that you'd be better off with someone else doing this.
If you want to have it as a longer term goal to truly learn the sax and continue it for the rest of your life, then, by all means go for it. Maybe play that song for one of your future wedding anniversaries or special family event.
Otherwise I see too much at stake to start this project with such a short lead time.
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