Choosing the Perfect Wedding Music
Up there with the ‘I do’s’, the signing of the register, and the cutting of the cake, music is one of the key features of most Wedding Days. The unspoken rule is that it needs to create an atmosphere that represents your relationship and your personality, whether it isromantic, sophisticated or just a bit different! The music is the backdrop to the day, like a film soundtrack, so try and have some fun with it.
To help you in the process, here are a few little ideas and tips about how to choose the perfect music for your event.
The Ceremony
Church Service: The church service is the most special part of the day (after all it is why you’re all there!), so why not mark it with something equally as beautiful and romantic? A String Quartet or a harpist can provide the soft and elegant accompaniment, whilst not being too overpowering and stealing attention from the beautiful bride!
For an alternative to the traditional Wedding March, here are a few options…
1) Shubert: ‘Ave Maria’
2) Bach - ‘Air on a G String’
3) Schumann: ‘Traumerai’
Civil Ceremony: Civil Ceremonies are slightly more relaxed, with a more intimate atmosphere, creating the opportunity to indulge in a wider variety and perhaps more adventurous choice of music. An acoustic duo of guitar and vocals works well in these settings, and they are often happy to learn your choice of songs for this part of the day.
The Drinks Reception
Live music during a drinks reception or wedding breakfast can really help to break the ice and get the drink and conversation flowing. Jazz ensembles and pianists are popular choices, and will really add an air of sophistication and style.
There is room for a bit of fun here too, for example Dixieland or trad jazz bands work extremely well for outdoor receptions. They can provide a fun, friendly and upbeat atmoshphere!
If you want to get your guests chatting away whilst photos are being taken, then why not hire a magician? They are often very charming, and will provide your guests with wonderful entertainment.
Wedding Bands
After the plates have been cleared, and everyone has drunk just enough champagne, having a live band will really get the party started. There are a huge amount of options available, and it is easy to get overwhelmed, so here is a rough guide as to what to look for:
Party Bands: Party bands cover many genres and styles; their repertoire is often based around the dance floor fillers from the 1950s to the present day. They can be enjoyed by all ages, and will have something to please everyone.
Specialist Bands: These are bands that specialise in one area of music, be it swing, rock n roll, jazz or rat pack. They are great for that unique touch, and will help make your day stand out from the rest.
Themed Bands: If you’re having a Celtic themed wedding, why not hire a ceilidh band? They undoubtedly get everyone up, dancing, and having fun!
And finally, that all important first dance…
It should be soppy enough to bring a tear to the eye, cool enough to avoid the roll of the eyes, and most importantly, something that you can comfortably dance to in a floor length wedding dress and heels!
So where to begin? Well if you and your partner don’t already have that ‘special song’, why not take some inspiration from some of our most beloved celebrity couples and their first dance tunes:
1) William & Kate: ‘Your Song’ Ellie Goulding
2) Beyoncé& Jay z: ‘Crazy in Love’ by Beyoncé& Jay Z
3) Barack & Michelle Obama: ‘You and I’ Stevie Wonder
4) David & Victoria Beckham: ‘It Had To Be You’ Starlight Orchestra
You can’t really go wrong with the above songs, and hey if it’s good enough for royalty and major celebs then it’s good enough for us! It is a particularly great idea to play your own composition, nothing says ‘I love you’ more than a plug to your own chart topping hit (Beyoncé…)
But putting all this aside, the most important thing to remember when choosing your wedding music is to make sure YOU like it. Don’t be pressured by tradition, or by what’s ‘cool’, this is your day to go crazy and do whatever you want!
And the second important thing to remember is book early! Bands need to be booked well in advance, so as soon as you have a date and a venue, prioritise the music to make sure you get the best.
Katy Miller
