| Music provides a beautiful, emotional element to your | | | | background element during dinner to music for |
| wedding and reception. Moreover, the music and | | | | dancing. For example, a string quartet, violin or harp is |
| songs you select will also help make your wedding | | | | a polished backdrop for your celebration, while a rock |
| uniquely your own. Here are some tips on how to | | | | band or twelve-piece orchestra will provide a wider |
| enhance the different phases of your wedding with | | | | range of lively tunes. If you and your fiancé |
| music. | | | | are strong music aficionados, you may even opt for |
| You'll most likely choose two different types of | | | | different groups of musicians or even a DJ alternating |
| music for your ceremony and reception - softer, | | | | with a band that specializes in your favorite style(s) |
| romantic music to be played or sung before, during, | | | | throughout the reception - whether it's jazz, rap or |
| and after the ceremony, and entertaining or dancing | | | | pop. Your style choices can also reflect your ethnic |
| music for the reception. In some cases, the same | | | | heritage, such as Latin, Klezmer or Irish step. |
| musicians are able to provide both. As an alternative, | | | | Remember that good bands and DJs book up early, |
| you might choose to have the church organist or | | | | so you'll need to start researching your options from |
| soloist, or one set of musicians for the ceremony, | | | | nine to 12 months in advance. And, of course, be |
| and a band or entertaining DJ for your reception. | | | | sure you have the chance to hear them in action |
| Should you wish to have music playing before the | | | | before you decide to hire them. |
| ceremony, instrumentals can establish an atmosphere | | | | While a live band might seem like the ultimate in |
| for your guests and may include mood-setting pieces | | | | wedding reception entertainment, keep in mind that |
| that your early-to-arrive guests can enjoy as they | | | | most won't have the same range of selection that an |
| wait for the show to begin. For example, in traditional | | | | established DJ will. There will also be "dead air" when |
| Jewish ceremonies, it is common to have a | | | | the band takes their scheduled breaks, unless you |
| pre-ceremony reception or cocktail hour during which | | | | make arrangements for something to be played |
| the bride and groom have separate chambers in | | | | during that time. If you opt for a DJ, make sure you |
| which to greet guests, in addition to a common area | | | | choose one who is both experienced and fun and can |
| where hors d'oeuvres and drinks are served. It is | | | | play a variety of songs, from slower traditional to |
| festive to have musicians and possibly a singer in the | | | | '50s to rock and roll to faster contemporary music |
| common area at this time to "warm up" the guests | | | | for dancing. |
| with some soft or lively music. Even chamber music | | | | If you'd like to give guests a performance they'll |
| wouldn't be out of place. | | | | always remember, consider staging a humorous |
| For the ceremony, be sure to check with your site | | | | dance and/or lip-sync number to a popular tune with |
| coordinator or officiant regarding any restrictions or | | | | your fiancé and perhaps a couple of |
| limitations that might be in place on music selections. | | | | members of the wedding party. Keep it tasteful - |
| Some places of worship limit the music selections to | | | | remember, this may show up on your wedding video! |
| whatever their own organist can play. However, | | | | But it is your wedding, so it's OK to have fun and let |
| there are numerous other options for your ceremony | | | | your hair down a little. And if you and your |
| music, when allowed, including a harpist, violinist, string | | | | fiancé have taken dance lessons and are |
| quartet, trumpeter, saxophonist, classical guitarist, | | | | proud of what you can do, go on out there and strut |
| keyboardist, flutist, and vocals or choir. | | | | your stuff! |
| Your reception music can range from a refined | | | | |