Wedding Music
Because it so often plays in the background, people sometimes forget what a large part music plays in our everyday lives. On special occasions, such as weddings, music can take front and center during some portions of the event.
When discussing how to choose wedding music, the Internet gives the bride her starting point for research. Brides can easily sample wedding music by listening to wedding music online or finding downloadable wedding music. This applies to both recorded music and musicians that can be hired to perform live at the reception or ceremony because many wedding musicians offer wedding music audio clips on their websites.
As with many other aspects of the special day, the music is a reflection of the overall theme or tone of the event. It is customary for the reception to have a lighter tone than the ceremony so the musical selections can reflect that choice.
Wedding Ceremony Music
For a traditional ceremony or at least a traditional touch in a more modern ceremony, "Here Comes The Bride" is always a popular choice for the part of the ceremony in which the bride makes her entrance and walks down the aisle. This is one moment in the day when everyone's eyes are guaranteed to be focusing on the bride. Being accompanied down the aisle to The Wedding March is the culmination of a dream of many future brides. If lyrics are sung, remember that one line is, "All dressed in white" so only choose this piece if the bride is indeed in a white outfit. If using only the instrumental version, then there shouldn't be a problem.
If the ceremony location is a church, the couple can hire the regular church organist or choirmaster to provide music at appropriate times throughout the wedding. This is especially likely if the couple has chosen traditional Catholic wedding music or traditional Christian wedding music. For those with higher budgets or those getting married in other locations, another option is to hire classical musicians. Often solo musicians such as those skilled in playing the harp, flute, violin, or piano provide a nice ambience for the ceremony.
For a very informal marriage, non-traditional wedding music may be in order, even before the vows are recited. For example, couples can rent musical equipment or even have a talented friend or family member provide the "soundtrack" of the day. In fact, in that case, with the wedding processional music supplied by someone close to the couple, the memories may be all the more special.
Wedding Reception Music
One of the most difficult decisions to make about the reception is whether there should be a DJ or a band. There are pros and cons to each choice. In either case, one important thing for brides to do is to meet the person who will "emcee" the event. His or her personality will have a large impact on how the guests perceive the music and on how many are willing to hit the dance floor and let loose.
It's always a good idea to speak to references for any potential wedding vendor. When it comes to music, seeing and hearing a band or DJ perform at a previous function will give the bride and groom a much better idea if the performer is a good fit and good all around entertainer.
The dinner music played while the guests are eating should be a bit more subdued than the higher-energy dance music which will follow. That way, it will seem as if the music intensity is building throughout the reception.
Most weddings have the traditional dances such as the mother-son dance and the father-daughter dance as well as the couple's first dance together as husband and wife.
Don't forget that those two songs/dances that have practically become a requirement at modern weddings – The Electric Slide and The Chicken Dance. Guests may grumble when they hear the first notes playing, but those songs are almost sure to be crowd pleasers that will pack the dance floor.
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