Wedding music is one of the most memorable aspects of a wedding. There can be a lot of pressure on the bride to choose the perfect wedding music simply because so many memories will be tied to what is played. The style of your wedding--that is, how traditional it is--will have an impact on the wedding ceremony music that you choose. If your wedding is based on some kind of theme, then the wedding music should fit the theme.
Wedding music should be planned for three major parts of the wedding. First, there should be music when the guests are arriving. Next comes the wedding ceremony music that accompanies the actual rites. Finally, you'll need to plan for music at your reception.
During the time that your guests are arriving for the wedding ceremony, music should be relaxing and welcoming. If you've hired live musicians to provide your wedding music, they should have no trouble playing a selection of love songs or other appropriate pieces. Recorded music is also well-suited for a background to the guests' arrival. Instrumental music will work best in this situation, either smooth jazz or classical depending on your preferences.
Traditional weddings are usually accompanied by a classic set of wedding ceremony music. Major elements of the ceremony that are usually accompanied by music include the procession of the bridal party (bridesmaids and groomsmen), the procession of the bride, the lighting of the unity candle (if you have that in your ceremony), and the recessional of the bridal party. As you decide on wedding ceremony music, keep in mind that if your wedding is being held in a church or other religious venue, there may be guidelines for you to follow regarding music selection.
Compared to the ceremony itself, wedding reception music is pretty much anything goes. You'll want to pick a song with special meaning for both the bride and groom to be played when you're announced at the reception. Otherwise, you can come up with a list of songs that fit the wedding's theme or just collect all of your favorite songs.
For the reception, you can either choose to hire a live band, use the same musicians that provided ceremony music, or even hire a DJ. Another consideration for your wedding reception music is whether or not you expect your guests to dance. If so, then you might want to plan for music that encourages dancing. All in all, you want your wedding reception music to create a festive atmosphere of celebration.
If you decide to hire a DJ for your wedding reception music, then stick with DJs that you or your friends have already heard before. Shopping around for the lowest price could result in a disaster, either through the DJs inexperience or lack of taste. Depending on the DJ, prices could vary from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars for a four hour reception.
Wedding music helps to create an atmosphere of celebration and tenderness, so carefully evaluate all of your wedding music choices. Look for music that is special to both the bride and the groom, but that will also communicate with most of the guests. Try to make finding the best wedding music an enjoyable experience. At least this is one decision that isn't affected by the bride's dress design.
Wedding music can be guided by tradition but should be special to the bride and groom
