wedding 2020

by Anne Pyburn Craig

date posted: March 17, 2020

From the first note played as people are arriving, to the night’s last encore, your soundtrack has the power to set moods: reverence, romance, reflection, joy, fun.

some things to think about:

It’s still tough to beat the transcendent feeling of a soloist accompanied by strings for your ceremony’s prequel.

The energy flow between a live band and a dance floor full of happy people is euphoric, and bands with wedding experience are well-rehearsed in serving that joyful bliss to meet your specifications.

On the other hand, a DJ lets you and your guests enjoy favorites, whether classic anthems or new and hot, as performed by the artists who created them. A DJ can muster any song you can dream up, no learning curve involved, and you know exactly how it will sound.

Tough choice! That’s why more couples are combining both, having a DJ do cocktail hour, take over while the band’s on a break, or rock everyone through the after-party. It’s a great way to make sure the soundtrack of your wedding is nonstop and perfectly customized.

Make sure you and your music providers are clear on who is providing sound systems. Not every venue’s got equipment that will please a professional ear, so get this sorted out in advance. Same with essential songs and your do-not-play list.

Close your eyes and picture key moments. What does your heart hear?

Some people love the group stuff: The Electric Slide, “Macarena,” limbo contests, conga lines, “Shout,” “YMCA.” If you love them, find a DJ who can make that kind of 80s-retro moment sparkle. They’re fun—that’s what made them so popular.

Another fun possibility: a little taste of choreographed performance! Hire pros or rehearse with some friends. Segue from the rehearsed riff into something so catchy that the dance floor fills.

copperpiper llc

Mid-Hudson Valley, 845-389-9532, Copperpiper@aol.com

Make your special day a regal event with some bagpipe playing by Copperpiper LLC! A high-quality bagpipe performance is a timeless gift to be enjoyed by everyone attending your wedding and is a surefire way to make your special day extra memorable. Testimonials available upon request. Email copperpiper@aol.com for details.

dj bri swatek

Wappingers Falls, 845-235-0080, 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?

dj dolce productions

Poughkeepsie, 845-489-5214, djdolceproductions.com

Angela, DJ & owner, delivers an exceptional, professional, and fun DJ service in the Hudson Valley and beyond. Close attention is given to all the details that make your wedding such a wonderful and beautiful day. Choosing your personalized playlist adds to your special memories. I make sure to provide only the best to you both, because after all... “it’s all in the details.”

get down upstate

Kingston, getdownupstate.com

Get Down Upstate delivers inter-generational inclusivity, mindful professionalism, and lovingly curated sets. Improvisation is our strong suit, bringing you and your guests the expertise it takes to mix genres, eras, and BPMs on the fly to keep the dance floor bumpin’ all night. From the Motown sound to A Tribe Called Quest, from Bowie to Beyoncé, and all of the pop/disco/Afrobeat/dancehall in between, we’ve got you covered.

jtd productions

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

JTD Productions is a boutique DJ and entertainment com¬pany, owned and operated by Dave Leonard. Our carefully selected DJs and live musicians are available to provide music for your party, event, ceremony, or wedding reception. Our experienced and devoted staff will help you plan and execute your wedding or event with passion and know-how. We have been providing professional DJs and talented live musicians for elegant country weddings for over 25 years.

nick gianni

Hudson Valley/NYC, facebook.com/nick.gianni.5

Sophisticated and professional music for your wedding ceremony or cocktail hour. Choose from a Jazz duo or trio, solo saxophone, solo piano, flute, strings, etc. to fit any live music style. Nick Gianni is a multi-instrumentalist raised on a steady diet of music. His grandfather made sure Nick had learned the basics of piano, violin, and clarinet at an early age. With a vast skillset, he’s is sure to make the music of your event both unique and memorable.