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Wedding Tips - Wedding Music
Tip: Don't Forget the Cocktail Hour Music
After you've planned the music for the wedding reception, make sure you didn't overlook cocktail hour music. This is the music that is playing when the first guest arrives at the reception and it also lets everyone know the celebration has begun. Some ideas for the cocktail reception music include an a cappella group, strolling violinists (more than one), a jazz trio, a gospel group, French accordion players, a steel band (perhaps playing reggae) or even fiddlers. The most important thing to remember is that people will be arriving, saying hello to one another and getting into the spirit of the wedding celebration. Give them something to smile about as they sip their aperitif and snack on appetizers.
Tip: First Dance Music
Everyone knows the importance of the first dance at their wedding. This can be one of the most special moments at your wedding reception. Ballroom dancing is the way to go if you can do it, so consider taking lessons before the big day. Otherwise, you will still be expected to get on the dance floor and do a little something. Go for the waltz because it's a basic box step dance that anyone can do. If you are taking dance lessons before the wedding, ask your dance teacher to help you choreograph something special.
Other things to think about include wearing the proper shoes and of course, the song you will dance to. There are so many first dance song choices that it’s hard to know where to begin. If you have a favorite song with your future husband, go with that choice as it will be more meaningful. Otherwise, some tried and true songs include "In My Life" by the Beatles, "Just the Two of Us," by Grover Washington, Jr., "Annie’s Song" by John Denver or "Here and Now" by Luther Vandross.
Tip: Reception Music
There are two mainstream options for music at the wedding reception: a DJ or a band. How do you choose which musical act to go with? Your budget will play a big role in what you can afford for your reception entertainment. Consult your friends, co-workers and family members on DJs and bands they've used for their wedding reception, cocktail parties or events. .A DJ is usually the less expensive option, but if your heart is set on the band, try and cut your budget from another wedding section, like favors or flowers. If you do decide to go with a band you want to make sure the band is able to perform a wide range of songs, both fast and slow. The bandleader will also serve as the “master of ceremonies,” but there will be an extra cost for this so be sure you factor that into your overall wedding music budget.
Tip: Rules for Hiring the Band
If you're having live music at your wedding, there are few things to think about when deciding on the size of the band. Plan on approximately one musician for every 25 guests. If you want a big band, but the reception hall does not have the capacity, have the band play without the amplifiers. Remember that a "band," is considered to be three musicians. You can always add on as needed, but you will want to start with a keyboard, bass and drums. If you don't want to add a fourth musician, find a band with a singer who also plays one of the three main instruments. The band should also supply a sound system and a CD player for when they are not playing. The group might be on break, but you don’t want to the music to stop playing. Also, ask if the band will supply a cordless microphone for speeches and toasts.
Tip: Special Songs for the Wedding Reception
The bride and groom will present themselves as the new couple at their wedding reception so they want to choose a song that represents them. Some ideas for first dance songs are "Just the Way You Are" by Billy Joel, "I’ll Always Love You" by Taylor Dane, "Unforgettable" by Irving Gordon, "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton, "Endless Love" by Diana Ross and Lionel Ritchie and "We’ve Only Just Begun" a Carpenters song written by Paul Williams with music by Roger Nichols.
After the first dance, it's traditional for the bride and her father to dance. A few popular songs for this dance are "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" by Cole Porter, "Sunrise, Sunset" from Fiddler on the Roof by Harnick and Bock, "Thank Heaven for Little Girls" from Gigi by Lerner and Loewe or "The Times of Your Life" by Paul Anka. These are only suggestions and if you and your fiance or your father have a song with a personal meaning, you should choose that.
The groom's family shouldn't feel left out, either! Remember there can also be a mother and son dance.
Song suggestions included "Summer Wind" by Mayer and Mercer, "My Mother’s Eyes" by Gilbert and Baer or "You are the Sunshine of My Life" by Stevie Wonder.
Tip: Using Church Musicians
Using church musicians for your wedding is always a good option. Ask your church to put you in touch with the musicians they use during normal service hours, or for more formal events like weddings. Church musicians will be able to offer suggestions as to the best music for the wedding ceremony. Many church musicians also have contacts to choirs and solo singers. Ask the church musicians for their song selection recommendations during the prelude, during the ceremony, and as the guests are leaving. If you are getting married in a church remember that the music used must be acceptable with church practice and approved by the minister or priest overseeing the ceremony.
Tip: Wedding Music For The Ceremony
Music is an integral part of the wedding ceremony. It serves as background music while guests are being seated, fills the silence during prayer and meditation and signals a cause for celebration when the "I Do's" are over and you're pronouced man and wife. So how do you go about wedding music planning for the ceremony? Here are some classic wedding song ideas that stand the test of time:
During the processional, Mendelssohn’s "Wedding March" is most commonly heard. But if you want to change things up, consider Wagner’s "Bridal Chorus," Bach’s "Sleep May Safely Graze," or Handel’s "Hornpipe."
You will also want something upbeat to play as you are leaving the ceremony. Common song choices include Purcell’s "Trumpet Tune," "Wesley’s "Choral Song," or Widor’s "Toccata." Here are some other popular traditional songs that you might play during your wedding ceremony:
- The Bridal Chorus (also known as "Here Comes the Bride") from the opera by Wagner called Lohengrin.
- The "Wedding March" by Mendelssohn,
- "Ava Maria" by Schubert,
- "In Thee is Joy" by Bach,
- "Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring" by Bach,
- "The King of Love my Shepherd is" by Hinsworth,
- "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee," by Beethoven,
- "Biblical Songs" by Dvorak,
- "The Lord’s Prayer" by Malotte and "Liebestraum" by Liszt.
- "Follow Me" by John Denver
- "We’ve Only Just Begun" by The Carpenters
- "Hawaiian Wedding Song" by Al Hoffman and Dick Manning
- "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley
- "Do You Remember?" by J. Ivanovici
- "Morning Has Broken" by Eleanor Farjeon
- "What I Did for Love" by Marvin Hamlisch
- "All I Ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera by Webber, Hart and Stiltoe
- "Wedding Song" by Paul Stookey
Tip: Wedding Music Options and Ideas
Choosing your wedding music is a very creative part of the planning process. Because there are so many choices of music, you can have a lot of fun deciding on the perfect tunes for the big day. Consider wedding music ideas like big band, jazz, swing or even Latin music, which is very popular and a surefire way to get people up and dancing. If you choose Latin music, consider jazz, salsa, Cuban or even a mariachi band.
If you don't want the traditional keyboard, drums and bass, why not make a few changes? Include a choir, stringed trio, harp player or any other instrument that could stand alone, such as a trumpet or flute.
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