Planning Wedding Music

Music is a very important aspect of wedding ceremonies and receptions. Music sets the mood of the event and gets the party rolling at the reception. When planning a wedding, it is important to consider what type of music you want to include.

For those on a budget, prerecorded music can be a simple solution. I have been to a wedding where the music consisted of a boom box and a member of the wedding party hit play at the appropriate moment. It was a simple and functional solution. With today’s technology, you can set up a play list on an MP3 for guests to dance to during the entire reception and simply hook the MP3 up to speakers.

When using pre-recorded music, having a DJ will make the event progress more smoothly. DJs are very popular for receptions as they can pick and choose the right music for the moment and take special requests from the guests. They can also make announcements and help move the event along. DJ’s will generally bring a wide selection of music and may bring their own equipment to play the music on as well. Be sure when discussing the event that it is clear who is providing what. If there are specific songs want for your wedding, make sure the DJ has them or procure them as necessary for your event. If you want a particular type of music at your event, such as country or classical, be sure the DJ knows.

Having live musicians is ideal for a wedding ceremony. Pre-recorded music cannot change in tempo when things go slower or faster or make last minute improvisations when things change. Experienced wedding performers generally have a wide repertoire of wedding music and can improvise as necessary. Live musicians can be expensive though as their rates compensate them not just for the time they are playing at your event, but also for the practicing and rehearsing that is necessary for their trade. A popular option for weddings is to hire musicians for the ceremony and have a DJ for the receptions. This particularly makes sense when the wedding and reception are at separate venues.

There are many choices when hiring musicians for an event. Do you want classical music at your event? If you like strings, you can hire a soloist, a duo, a trio, a quartet, or a larger group. You can also hire a brass ensemble, use a pianist or organist, have a singer, or pick a performer with pretty much any instrument you like. For instance, a harpist makes an unusual and lovely choice for a wedding ceremony. Keep in mind, the more musicians in the group, the more the group will cost. When looking for musicians, ask friends for referrals, check with the local orchestras, schools, and universities. Not every musician plays weddings, but many will be able to refer you to someone who does. You might be able to find students who are willing to perform for a lower rate; however, be realistic about your expectations. There are some very good young musicians, but the best performers will likely charge more money regardless of their age and schooling level.

Would you prefer rock music for your wedding? Or perhaps you want classical music for the ceremony and a rock band for the reception? There are many bands that play events, or you can hire a singing guitarist to entertain your guests. Watch for local bands that suit your tastes, and ask them if they would be willing to perform at your wedding. Whatever kind of musician you choose, know what you are getting. It is advisable to listen to the performers prior to the event. If you cannot go to a live performance, listen to a recording.

Whether you have hired musicians or a DJ, be considerate of them on the event day. If you have booked the musicians for an hour, do not expect them to stay longer if things go astray. You can ask, but remember they may have other engagements later in the day, and if they do stay longer, pay them accordingly. If you are happy with the performers, tip them and refer them to your friends when they are planning events.

Wedding music can get expensive, but if the event is a success it is well worth the expense and effort required. After all, theses are the entertainers for your event and their performance may be the difference between a ho hum party and an event that the guests will remember for years.