Melodious Wedding Music

The musical entertainment of your wedding is a very noticeable reflection of you and your fiancé's personal taste. Music is a key part of the wedding day, from the beginning to the end. Think about the best wedding you've ever been to. What was the music like? Some couples want to dance the night away while others prefer the music to lend itself to the atmosphere. It's all up to you.

The most popular (translation: best) wedding entertainers are usually booked up to a year in advance. As soon as you know where the music needs to be, start looking for your entertainment. Consider logistics as well: a solo pianist will be drowned out 200+ guests and a 10-piece band will overwhelm and intimate wedding setting.

While it may not sound like what you have planned for your wedding, most of the music that ends up being played is a mixture of slow dances and danceable pop. This is a tried-and-tested formula that is a favourite because it works. The best wedding celebrations are the ones that get dad, grandma, your maid of honour and the ring bearer all up at the same time. Experience counts for a lot here because weddings have a completely different rhythm from other parties. A good entertainer – be it DJ or bandleader – knows how to keep the flow going from the cake-cutting to packing the dance floor.

There are many different types of music for your wedding day. Prelude music is played prior to the ceremony, while your guests are arriving and being seated. Processional and bridal music is played during the time the family, the wedding party and the bride walk down the aisle. Interlude music is optional and is played during parts of the ceremony i.e.: if you have a pianist doing a solo during the signing of the register. Recessional music is played and the new husband and wife (and wedding party) walk the aisle together. Postlude music is played as the guests are leaving the ceremony venue, after the recessional. Finally, there is the reception music. Important songs and dances during the reception are the first dance, the father/daughter and mother/son dances, the bridal party dance, cutting the cake, the bouquet and garter toss and the last dance.

Click here to see some of the top choices for these momentous times during your wedding.

Before you and your fiancé sit down to work out your song list, including your do-not-play list, ask yourself a couple of questions:

• How many children and teenagers will be in attendance? What is the average age of our wedding guests? Understanding their music tastes will ensure you get a good variety.
• Even if I don't like a particular song or group, if a guest wants to hear it can I tolerate it?
• Can I trust the DJ/Band I hired to use all the music at their disposal to ensure everyone has a good time?
• How will we define the role of our entertainer? Will they narrate the entire party, act as the Master of Ceremonies, or should they just stick to the music?

When you do make your final decision, there are still a couple of things to keep in mind. Any details about dollar amount and payment schedules should be in writing in the contract. Clearly specify the date, time, and location of your wedding. Check all your facts and details carefully, including any overtime options that might be discussed. A simple mistake can mean a major mix-up and everyone want beautiful music for their wedding day.

Personalize Your Wedding Atmosphere with Live Music

We’ve all been there, sitting at a beautiful wedding ceremony when the music stops and there is “dead air”. The CD or MP3 recording has stopped and the bridesmaid is not quite down the aisle. Instantly, the romantic atmosphere of the entire ceremony is in jeopardy. Live musicians ensure that this won’t happen to you. Your music will be seamless, uninterrupted and totally unique to you on your dream day. Live musicians can also enhance your cocktail hour by entertaining your guests with some of your favourite tunes.

Think about the ways that you can personalize your wedding with live music. You can choose music unique to your style and have it played in a manner that suits the atmosphere of your wedding day. Musical selections can be tailored in length and tempo for the various components of your wedding. There will be no awkward silences or stunted endings. You can choose the instrument or ensemble that best reflects your personality. A hot trend for weddings this summer will be elegant piano music that will up the romantic ambience of your day.

Wishing you a wedding with unforgettable music and moments,

Laurie & Barb, Occasional Notes, www.occasionalnotes.net