Music is also an important part of marriage. Without music, most ceremonies are just boring and lackluster. Giving a personal touch to the music for your most beautiful event can prove to be the most entertaining event of the day.
Music provides a beautiful and emotional element to your wedding and reception.
Apart from that, the music and songs you choose will also help make your wedding unique as your own. Here are some tips on how to enhance the various phases of your wedding with music.
You will likely choose two types of music for your ceremony and reception – more gentle, romantic music to play or sing before, during, and after the ceremony, and entertaining or dance music for the reception. In some cases, the same musician is able to provide both. Alternatively, you can choose to have a church organist or soloist, or a set of musicians for the ceremony, and an entertaining band or DJ for your reception.
If you want music to play before the ceremony, the instrumentals can set the tone for your guests and may include mood pieces that the early arriving guests can enjoy as they wait for the show to start. For example, in traditional Jewish ceremonies, it is common to have a pre-ceremony reception or cocktail hour where the bride and groom have a separate room in which to welcome guests, in addition to a common area where hors d’oeuvres and drinks are served. It is very festive to have musicians and maybe singers in the common area at this time to “warm up” the guests with soft or lively music. Even chamber music will not be out of place.
For ceremonies, be sure to check with your site coordinator or officiant about any restrictions or limitations that may exist on the choice of music. Some places of worship limit the music selection to whatever their own organists can play. However, there are many other options for your ceremonial music, when permitted, including harpist, violinist, string quartet, trumpet, saxophonist, classical guitarist, keyboardist, flutist, and vocals or chorus.
Your reception music can range from subtle background elements during dinner to music for dancing.
For example, a string quartet, violin or harp is a polished backdrop for your celebration, while a rock band or twelve-piece orchestra will provide a variety of lively tunes. If you and your fiancé are strong music fans, you can even choose different groups of musicians or even DJ take turns with a band that specializes in your favorite style throughout the reception – whether it’s jazz, rap or pop. Your choice of style can also reflect your ethnic heritage, such as Latin, Klezmer, or Irish steps. Keep in mind that good bands and DJs book early, so you should start researching your options from nine to 12 months in advance. And, of course, make sure you have a chance to hear them in action before you decide to hire them.
While live bands may seem like the best in wedding reception entertainment, keep in mind that most will not have the same range of options as an established DJ. There will also be “dead air” when the band takes their scheduled break, unless you make arrangements for something to be played during that time. If you do choose a DJ, make sure you pick one that’s experienced and fun and can play a variety of songs, from slower traditional to the 50s to rock and roll to contemporary music that’s faster to dance to.
If you want to give your guests a show they’ll always remember, consider putting on a humorous dance and / or lip-syncing numbers to a hit with your fiancé and possibly some wedding party members. Keep it tasting – remember, it might appear in your wedding video! But it’s your wedding, so it’s okay to have fun and let your hair down a little. And if you and your fiancé have taken dance lessons and are proud of what you can do, go out there and strut your stuff!