Wedding Music 101

Your wedding music will be the foundation of lifelong memories. Whenever you hear the pieces you have selected, no matter where you are in the world or how old you are, it will bring the two of you back to the day you were married. Choose something classic that you will always love.

Music for the ceremony

The music played at your ceremony can evoke any atmosphere that you wish to achieve, be it spiritual, classically elegant, contemporary or a mixture of styles. “¨ “Your song” might be a huge hit this year, but how will it sound ten years down the track? “¨Check out the music checklist to see what music you will need to organise for the big day.  From now on make sure you always have a pen handy in case you hear something you love. Then you will be able play it and see if your partner feels the same way about it.

Setting the atmosphere

What better way to set the atmosphere for your wedding ceremony than with enchanting, serene live music performed by first rate musicians?  “¨Different combinations of instruments, however, will evoke different moods. “¨You may like to use the following as a guide when choosing musicians for your ceremony:”¨Calming and serene: String quartet, harpist, harp and flute, piano and saxophone, classical guitar”¨Enchanting: Harpist, harp and flute, singer”¨Light and uplifting: String quartet, pianist, piano and violin, guitar and flute”¨Light background music: Piano, piano and violin, piano and saxaphone, string quartet, classical/jazz guitar”¨Fun and bubbly: String quartet, singers or choir, guitar duo, guitar and flute, piano and violin”¨Formal: Organist, string quartet, singer, harpist”¨Dramatic: String quartet, choir, bag pipes”¨Traditional: Organist, bagpipes, string quartet, singer

Music for the reception

Music will absolutely make or break the mood and tone of your reception.

•          Loud music is off-putting and annoying – nobody wants to shout
•          Pop music is trivial and cheap sounding
•          Muzak or elevator music is just cheesy
•          Sombre chamber music will bring people down.

During dinner, light, breezy, beautiful music should be playing in the background and then, when it’s time to dance, the music can come to the foreground so the guests can really let their hair down and party!

Where to start?

Ask yourself:

•          What mood do I want to create
•          What are the different phases of the day

Select appropriate pieces that will give guests an indication of the coming events. “¨”¨As your guests arrive Soft, alluring music so people can chat.”¨During the meal Soft background music will provide intimacy “¨As the meal comes to an end Music can slowly begin to increase in tempo and volume”¨The First Dance Music may be a romantic classic or the Lambada, it’s up to you.”¨After the first dance It’s time for the band or DJ to take over and really let loose with some upbeat, fun tunes. “¨End of the night Finish with wild and rhythmic tunes, or a couple of slow and sexy compilations to wind down with.

Choose tunes wisely

Give consideration to the age and cultural backgrounds of your guests and include music that will appeal. This doesn’t mean you have to compromise your own taste. Simply tailor the music to provide ebb and flow during the evening.