How to Choose the Perfect Music for Your Wedding Day
Choosing the music for your wedding day is something that requires careful consideration. Imagine watching your favourite movie without a soundtrack, it would be dreadful, you’d have a totally different view of the film. The same can be said of your wedding day, get the music wrong, and people may remember it for the wrong reasons.
The right music can brighten up the day and make it a more memorable and emotional occasion. You want to have music that captivates everyone and makes them feel at one with the ceremony. There are so many different things to consider, and we’re going to talk about them all throughout this guide. Let’s look at the various steps involved!
Step 1. Pick The Right Music For The Right Setting
Firstly, it’s important to realise that your wedding day involves various different settings. You have the ceremony, which is traditionally inside a church. Then, you have the reception, which can be wherever you want it to be. A lot of people usually have their reception in a big hall or room somewhere, normally in a hotel or similar venue.
Now, different music is best suited for each setting. As an example, the music at your reception is most likely going to be more generic music. You’ll have your first dance, which is a song very close to you and your partner’s heart. Then, you need music that everyone can dance to and have a great time. So, you may be playing some golden oldies or pop classics as well as regular chart songs during this time.
Needless to say that the music during your ceremony will be entirely different. Here, you’re looking at a more classical approach. You want music to play as everyone is arriving and sitting down in the church. Then, you have the processional music which plays as people such as the bridesmaids, flower girls, and the bride makes their way down the aisle. This music right here is probably your biggest concern.
If you want our advice, we suggest you go really traditional. Have the traditional processional music that you see in films or at other weddings, it keeps things classic and really helps set the mood and get everyone focused on the ceremony. Of course, you also need music as you make your way out of the church following the pronunciation of man and wife.
The music you pick to play at the ceremony is totally dependent on you and your tastes, but it should reflect the setting. As for your reception, you can go with whatever your heart desires. There, it’s more about playing songs people know the words to, can have a dance to, and will enjoy.
Step 2. Decide How The Music Will Be Played
One of the first things you want to think about is how the music will be played. You have various options here, but most people end up choosing between a DJ and a live band. In fact, there’s no reason you can’t use both options, both work well in different settings. DJ’s are great for creating a party atmosphere at your reception, while live wedding bands are perfect for setting the scene and playing beautiful music at your ceremony.
Choosing The Right Band For Your Wedding
What type of band is best suited for a wedding setting? It depends on what you’re using them for. If you want a band for your ceremony, then you’re looking at groups that can play classical music – strings are probably the best option for a traditional wedding. You don’t have to bring in a whole orchestra, a quartet will be fine.
The question here is; what do you look for in the perfect wedding band/quartet? Well, we have a few tips for you, the first is the most obvious, quality! You need to know this band can play, and play well. Ask for live demos of their talents to see if they meet your lofty standards. Likewise, can they play a variety of different songs? You need them to play more than just one tune, they have to be able to play several at different times. Finally, you have to think about the price. How much will they cost for your wedding day? Don’t be afraid to pay for quality, that’s the important thing to remember here. If you feel their quality warrants their price, then go for it.
If you want a band for your reception, then you might be looking for something more mainstream, such as a band with singers and musicians. Generally speaking, most people don’t opt for this as bands are a bit restrictive on what they can play. A band may only be able to play a selection of songs, whereas a DJ can play any song on the planet and take requests too.
Choosing A DJ For Your Reception
Choosing the best DJ is similar to choosing the best band for your ceremony. You’re looking for that combination of talent, experience, and affordability. With DJ’s, you’re also more likely to find reviews or recommendations online, so pay attention to them too.
A DJ is a perfect idea for a reception as they can get the party started when everyone takes to the dancefloor. They’ll play all the classics that get everyone hyped up, and can also take requests from your guests to play songs that maybe hold significance for you and your friends.
Step 3. Picking Your ‘First Dance’ Music
The final thing to think about is what music will play during your first dance. This is something you should discuss with your partner beforehand. You can either pick a classic first dance song or choose something with significant meaning to the both of you.
We prefer the second option, as it makes the song special if it means something to you. Make sure you tell the DJ and check beforehand that they’re definitely playing the right song to avoid any mishaps.
There you have it, this has been a guide to help you choose the perfect music for your wedding day. Mainly, think about different music for different settings, how the music will be played, and what your first dance will be. Then, you’ll have the ideal musical backdrop for your wedding.