WEDDING MUSIC

by DIANA WALDRON

date posted: March 16, 2018

MUSIC CAN CREATE A SUBTLE YET PROFOUND INFLUENCE ON YOUR WEDDING DAY BY EVOKING DIFFERENT MOODS TO COMPLEMENT EACH EVENT, SUCH AS THE CEREMONY, COCKTAIL HOUR, AND RECEPTION.

Selecting the right music that suits your style is important—it sets the tone and creates the atmosphere for both you and your guests. Don’t be afraid to be unconventional and reach beyond the typical “wedding music” genre. Choose music that you love and enjoy.

Depending on your preference and budget, various musical options exist for you to choose from:

Classical pianist or violinist
Small chamber music group
DJ
Jazz trio/quartet
Live band

Here are some guidelines to help you decide how, what, and when to incorporate music into your day:

Consider the type of wedding you are having. How many guests? Is it formal? Casual? Choose music that fits with the setting and style of your venue. The physical environment plays an important role: If your wedding and reception are outdoors, keep in mind that sound will travel differently outside and good sound equipment is key. If you’ll be celebrating indoors, a jazz trio or quartet can enhance the intimacy of the space.

Note that there are various aspects to the wedding day that might benefit from different types of music:

Arrival— This music is played while guests arrive, greet each other, and find their seats. Light classical harp or piano can create an uplifting and soothing mood.

Ceremony— While the wedding party walks down the aisle, live or recorded processional music can create a sentimental quality leading up to the bride’s entrance

Cocktail Hour and Dinner—The bride and groom are officially married! There will be a lot of conversation happening—subtle background music will make sure the guests can still hear each other.

Reception—Now that the serious (and possibly stressful) part of the day is over, it’s time to relax, unwind, and celebrate.

Consider whether you’d prefer a DJ or a live band. If you decide to hire a DJ, go over in advance what songs you’d like to have them play, and what songs you definitely do not want. For a live band, decide whether they’ll be playing originals, covers, or a mix of both. Ask for samples of what they offer.

Tips for Selecting Wedding Music

Conversations among guests are important: Music shouldn’t be too loud (unless it’s a celebratory part of the event or time for dancing). Choose music that is meaningful. Of course, there is a time for the lighter, feel-good music, but during the ceremony, choose music that means something to you and allows the impact of the moment to shine through.

If you decide to have a band, make sure there are clearly defined boundaries about when they’re playing— decide how long they will play and what they will play.

If you decide to get a DJ and are uncertain about what songs to have him/her play, spend some time browsing wedding song lists online. You can also ask other couples what songs they’ve chosen for their edding. Organize a schedule with the DJ to arrange for specific moments (toasts, spotlight dances, etc.) when music will be played.

Silence is powerful. Shifting back and forth between silence and music will allow those moments when music is playing to feel more meaningful.

The right music for the right moments will enhance the experience of your wedding and make it an unforgettable day for everyone.

dj bri swatek

Wappingers Falls, 845-235-0080, www.djbriswatek.com

Share your unique style with your friends and family on your wedding day! DJ Bri Swatek will work with you to plan a wedding to remember. Listening to you before your wedding and reading the crowd during your event, DJ Bri will make sure that your guests are up, dancing, and having fun to all the music you love (and none that you don’t). Ready to celebrate?

soul purpose

Hudson Valley, 914-489-8391, soulpurposehudsonvalley.com

Voted the “Best Local Band” by Hudson Valley Magazine, Soul Purpose is a seven-piece band that serves up a tasty blend of R&B, Smooth Soul, Swing, Jump Blues, Motown, New Orleans Funk, and Jazz music. The Huguenot Herald writes, “Soul Purpose is a smokin’ band whose joyous renditions of R&B, Soul and Swing gathers the boisterous energy of a dancing crowd and channels it into a melodic explosion.” Soul Purpose is guaranteed to get your guests—young and old—out on the dance floor!

jtd productions

Hudson Valley, 845-853-8912, jtdproductions.com

JTD Productions delivers peace of mind artistically, logistically, and financially. Their DJ’s have the experience and taste to play usic that’s hip and accessible without being esoteric or cheesy. They know the ins and outs of virtually every venue: where to set up, where to plug in, and where the back-up help is, if needed. JTD Productions has a DJ for almost every budget and back-up DJs, back-up systems, and a million dollars worth of insurance for every job. Their artistry, know-how, and people are the reasons that JTD delivers peace of mind.