Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life, and you want everything to be perfect. One of the most important aspects of your wedding is the music you choose. The right music can set the tone for your entire day, from the ceremony to the reception. Whether you're looking for romantic ballads or upbeat dance tunes, there are a few key things to consider when choosing the right music for your wedding. In this blog post, we'll explore tips and tricks to help you find the perfect wedding music to make your day unforgettable.
Ceremony Music Tips:
The first wedding music must do with the arrival. Ensure guests arrive with the vibe you want. Most couples want to create a romantic ambiance, which is often created with instrumental music. Artists like The Guitar Guy and Brooklyn Duo are popular choices. Classical music can certainly fit this moment, but we recommend it if you or your family are fans of it.
A popular choice is to use the previously mentioned artist because they will cover popular music in a classical form, which seems to fit well. Since people will recognize the melodies, they'll connect a little more with the music.
Make the music fit the scenery. For example, big organ music, not a guitar, seems out of place in the woods. Think, if the musicians were playing live here, could they?
Change the musical style for the moment. This is a great way to send an organic cue to your guest that something is changing or starting. You can move from guitar to piano or instrumentals to songs with vocals for your professionals.
Another wedding music must do is to pick a song with an impactful melody for your recessional. Couples often want that music to play with their kiss, but the officiant still has something to say. If the beginning of the song or part of the song you will play is several bars of recognizable melody, you get the best of both worlds with the music playing at an opportune moment, and the officiant can still speak. Here is an example by Ray LaMontagne, "You Are the Best Thing." It starts with power but settles for speech and is very recognizable.
Reception Music Tips:
The first wedding music must do is if you're not classical or jazz aficionados, don't play it; it's not you. Don't feel pressured to play instrumental music for the cocktail until the end of dinner. Instead, consider easy listening tracks that reflect your personality and get guests toe-tapping. Mid-temp songs can help you to create a romantic, fun, or party vibe. Too much slow music can result in guests leaving early.
Make these selections unique to you. This is your party, and it should feel like guests are in your house. For cocktails or dinner, choose those tunes you love but are not danceable tracks. For example, the Beatles have an amazing collection, but many will not get people on the dance floor, but they may have them singing at their tables.
Choose a mixture of music. Some couples say, "I only want new music," and others say, "I just want regular wedding tracks." First, know you have a range of ages, which is why we ask about the guest age and ranges. You want every guest to leave with a good experience. As much as you might not like some years or genres, you could find a few tunes you like, and you can compromise a little. Guests generally will only dance to music they recognize.
A romantic slow dance with someone you love is wonderful. This gives an opportunity for memorable moments like your grandfather and grandmother together or an uncle dancing with a niece. Think of slow songs like sprinkles; sprinkle here and there.
Remember when we ... Those songs you listened to in high school, college, or at other family events that got a big reaction; put them on your must-play list. Some families love a unique song because there are memories attached. Playing that song will instantly recreate those moments, and you'll find yourself immersed in those people.
Wedding Playlists are plentiful. Give your DJ those must-plays by creating a playlist for the moment. DJs will mix by BPM, Key, Genre, and sometimes Decade. Don't hesitate to give many suggestions and let them blend them. All streaming playlists can easily be shared.
We offer the opportunity to allow your guest to select songs too. In fact, you can also see a count of how many times a song is selected. You can approve or even delete them, but remember that some of these choices might have significant meaning to the guest. Obviously, if they go against your wishes, they should be removed.
Don't leav'em sitting. Dancing can begin anytime. In New Jersey weddings, people will immediately start dancing following the introductions. If you want this to happen, just be sure to let your DJ know and your caterer; they likely plan to serve food at a specific time. Work in a slow dance set between courses. Sometimes, this is helpful to give the caterer time to assemble more plates. There is no need to wait until all formalities are done to start dancing.
Give your DJ leeway to go where the guests want, but stay inside your preference. For example, "You don't like Disco." When a guest approaches the DJ and requests a Disco tune, the DJ has to decline, and it could leave your guest unhappy. But, if you are comfortable with Funk, the DJ can say something like, "Thanks for reminding me, I can try, but did you know the bride really likes Rick James?" Finding a way to compromise with your guest will leave everyone with a great memory.
Don't you dare play ...
We absolutely want your "Do Not Play" list. We never want to play a track with a negative memory or association. We want you to enjoy the music, not sit and wait for something you'll dance to. Don't hesitate to add artists, genres, and specific songs. If you don't like many wedding songs, go to Spotify, copy a long wedding playlist and delete the songs you don't mind, and then share it with your DJ.
