wedding 2023 | Band, Dj, Or Diy

Music Options for Your Big Day

by Anne Pyburn Craig

date posted: March 17, 2023

Music options are important for your big day. Here are tips to help you hit the right note.

• A live band is going to cost more than a DJ and require more time and space for setup, but nothing stirs the soul like real live human music.

• If you’re considering hiring a pro, whether band or DJ, see if you can get a peek at them in action. At the very least, watch videos of more than one event. Besides the music, you’ll want to make sure you like their look and their style of interacting with an audience.

• Consider hiring a DJ if your dream playlist contains a lot of distinctive songs from varied genres and you want them note-perfect.

• If you have a favorite bar or club where the sounds are always lit, ask management for their band or DJ recommendations. You can also check online booking agencies and (of course) wedding websites and magazines for ideas.

Top: Photo by Love Me Do. Band, Love Revival Orchestra. Bottom Left: Photo by Love Me Do. Bottom Right: The Catskill Quartet/Woodstock Trio.

• Once you have chosen a music provider, make sure they know everything they need to know—songs to include, songs to avoid, the overall mood you’re going for, and a general sense of their audience. Do you want to throw that Sinatra number in for Grandma? Is there a group dance you love, or one you hate? Let your band or DJ know.

• As tech has improved, being your own DJ has gotten easier. All you need is the premium version of a good music streaming service, solid WiFi, and decent speakers. Of course, if you go this route, you’ll be the ones choosing every single song on the playlist—which can be awesome or a chore, depending on how you look at it.

Playlist Perfection

Major Mayhem Karaoke.

Determining what songs will accompany the moments of your special day can be wonderful fun. You may want to create custom playlists for pre-wedding events too, like some special songs to get the wedding party mood just right while getting ready. You probably have a few must-have songs in mind for major moments. As soon as you know how the day will flow, sit down together and plan out your musical score. Chamber music as people arrive and get settled? A soloist for the bride’s entry, or as part of the ceremony? Recessional? Cocktail hour, grand entrance, dinner music for the reception? This is your production, and you get to pick the soundtrack that makes your hearts happy.

elegant cocktail music

Sullivan County, Hudson Valley, 917-660-4375, luxrdmusic.com

LuxRd. (“Lux Road”) specializes in creating a joyful and sophisticated atmosphere for any occasion. Our focus is The Great American Songbook–classic popular vocal music, with a contemporary twist. We’re seasoned veterans who have played on and Off-Broadway and on numerous tours. We’re also aligned with excellent DJs who can provide custom, collaborative playlists that will have your party guests dancing well into the night.

major mayhem karaoke

Hudson Valley, 646-472-6248, MajorMayhemKaraoke.com

Looking to create an inclusive, uplifting musical experience? Want to elevate an expression of love in a next level performance? Inspire an impromptu dance party? Sabrina has an unmatched gift of bringing everyone in the room together with this super uplifting, participatory and festive musical adventure. Major Mayhem has created such experiences for over 20 years in NYC and now in the Hudson Valley.

makebelieve av

Hudson Valley/NYC, makebelieveav.com

Makebelieve Audiovisual specializes in creating captivating, functional lighting and sound solutions for events. We provide lighting design, as well as DJ and live sound equipment rentals and installation. Whether you are organizing a corporate event or perhaps something more personal, we can work closely with your team to achieve truly compelling results that range from live event production to post production.

the catskill quartet / woodstock trio

Hudson Valley, catskillquartet.com catskillquartet@gmail.com

On your special day, you want every sound, sensation, and sight to be stunning. What could be more perfect than the sound of a live string quartet? Wini and the members of the Catskill Quartet/Woodstock Trio have decades of experience and are perfect for any occasion! From Bach to Vitamin String Quartet pop arrangements…check out our website’s vast music listing!