The music played on your wedding day is as important as the decorations you select in setting the tone and mood for your wedding day. A special song shared between the newlyweds or an up-beat dance number that encourages the guests to hit the dance floor will be sure to make your wedding day unique and memorable.
Try to remember that there will be a variety of different people of varying age attending your wedding. This is important when selecting music for the day as most couples want to accommodate their guest’s tastes and play a wide variety of music from romantic ballads to the latest commercial tunes.
It is also important to specify to your DJ or singer what their role is. Whether it is to keep the music flowing or to double as a master of ceremonies, ensure you have discussed your expectations. Let the musicians know where they will be performing so that they can adequately prepare and be sure to check your venue for adequate power sources and room for the band to perform. Also ask your musicians if there is an extra charge for learning new music and allow them plenty of time to do so. Finally, make sure you book your music as early as possible. Provide the musician with a deposit to secure the date and ensure you have a signed and written contract stating what you expect from them.
Music during the ceremony is usually of a softer and more romantic tone to set the appropriate atmosphere. Instrumental music is popular amongst brides and serves as appropriate unobtrusive background music. If the ceremony is to be held in a church it is important to remember to ask about any restrictions on musical repertoire. (Some churches may request that only sacred music is featured.)
At the reception a wider of selection of music may be played that reflects your taste and those of your guests. You may prefer a traditional string quartet, a soothing jazz band or perhaps a band or DJ if your mission is to get all the guests involved and on the dance floor.
Approximately 10% of the cost of a typical wedding is set aside for music and entertainment. A popular alternative to having a band play at your wedding is to hire a DJ to play pre-recorded CD’s of your choice.