Planning the Music for Your Wedding Day

Posted on: January 02, 2009

As we all know, music is a great way to set the mood for an occasion and there are few occasions where you would like your guests to be in the right mood more than your wedding day. When considering your choices, you should take into account when you would like the music played, what that music will be and who will play it.

Music for the Ceremony

There are usually several distinct times when music is played during the ceremony. These are:

Pre-ceremony – This refers to the time when guests are being seated and when they are waiting for the ceremony to begin. Background music and songs with an emotional or romantic tone would work well.

Bridal Party Entrance – This is when various members of the bridal party enter such as flower girl, ring bearer, bridesmaids and the maid of honour. Some brides even choose different music as each of these members walk down the aisle.

Bride’s Entrance – Once again, the music changes as the bride begins her walk down the aisle. There are many traditional choices for this portion but you can also go the non-traditional route, if you prefer.

Music During The Ceremony – The times when music is commonly played during the ceremony is determined by the traditions of the ceremony itself. For example, in the Catholic tradition, music is normally played during communion and the lighting of the unity candle. In a non-denominational ceremony, there may be music played while the couple signs the marriage certificate. You should determine ahead of time and discuss with your musician when you would like them to play.

Recessional Music – Lastly, music is traditionally played as the bride and groom leave the ceremony venue for the first time as husband and wife.

When choosing the music for each portion of your ceremony, consider that some religious venues have strict guidelines on what can and can’t be played within that venue. You should check on those restrictions before selecting your music. In all your musical selections, keep in mind the emotion you would like to convey. As well, choosing songs of significance will add even more meaning to your special day. A good musician, who has had experience with weddings, should be able to provide you with appropriate selections if you get stuck.

If it’s in your budget, live music played during the ceremony always has a great impact and makes an event more memorable. Here are some ideas: string quartet, violinist, harpist (our pick), vocalist, pianist, guitarist, flutist, cellist or a combination.

Music for the Reception

The reception music itinerary should be a clear outline given to the DJ or band leader of when each portion of the reception will begin. Here are some common moments during a dinner wedding reception where a musical selection is typically played:

Guests Arrival – As guests are arriving and being served cocktails and appetizers, a light musical selection in the background is appropriate.

Bridal Party Arrival – After the guests have been seated, the bridal party is introduced and music can be played at this point. Some couples choose to have humorous musical selections that correspond to the personalities of the bridal entourage.

First Dance – The all-important song selection of the first dance is usually something that is significant and personal to the bride and groom. Whether the first dance is done before or after the meal is up to personal choice.

Other Important Dances – If you are dancing with parents, for example, a special song choice with a personal significance should also be selected.

During Dinner – Once again, light background music would be appropriate during this time. Speeches typically happen during dinner in between courses and stopping the music is always a good signal for guests to pay attention if there is a speech starting.

The Dance – This is the time of night when music is (obviously) a must. This is why you hired your DJ or live band so during the planning stages, do get involved as much as possible in what you would like your DJ or musicians to play or not to play so that you and your guests are not disappointed. Keep in mind the ages and musical preferences of the majority of your guests as well as your own tastes when you plan your play list. Again, experienced DJ’s and Musicians should be able to come up with good ideas for what to play.