Music

The Life of the Party

date posted: April 17, 2015

Haven’t we all wished on occasion that life had a soundtrack? And haven’t we rejoiced in that moment when some DJ somewhere happened to play the perfect song at the perfect time? Your wedding day is your big chance to be the musical director of your own production. Have fun with your music choices, pick the right people to put them into action, and craft a flowing celebration that moves people in more ways than one.

MUSIC IS THE DIVINE WAY TO TELL BEAUTIFUL, POETIC THINGS TO THE HEART -pablo casals

ceremony music

Some religious venues may have limits on playing secular music or even require that you hire their organist, and if your heart’s set on a postcard vintage ceremony, that may work beautifully for you. “Ave Maria” and “Here Comes the Bride” are classics for a reason.

In most situations, it’ll be completely up to you. The processional can be used to set a tone for the entire ceremony:sweet and simple, exultant and victorious, stately and elegant, or casual and bubbly. Spend some time together reading love-song lyrics and listening to samples. Most likely, you will want to choose a processional song, a recessional song, and a special song to incorporate directly into the ceremony along with your vows. But you’ll also need to create a set list of background music to play while guests are getting seated before the ceremony.

If you and the wedding party want to have a little fun with dance steps, the recessional is usually the perfect moment. You’re married, the tension has broken, and everyone’s mild stage fright will be gone.

reception music Lucky Hudson Valley lovebirds will find a broad, rich vein of local talent happy to play their songs. Whether your vision is a cutting-edge techno dance rock party, a string quartet, or a mix of music to please all the generations at your wedding, a professional DJ or band leader with wedding experience will coordinate with your venue, photographer, and caterer, as well as act as MC, leaving you and your beloved to concentrate on each other. Most wedding musicians and DJs have websites with playlists and video clips. Even so, make sure you meet your DJ or band in person. You want someone who will listen well and understand what your dream party would look like and then dedicate their gift to making it happen for you.

MUSICDJ ALI GRUBER
845-658-9689,
djalispinsvinyl.comShe specializes in beautiful, homegrown, DIY, and alternative weddings. If you’re looking for a loud emcee, smoke machines, and line dances, look elsewhere. Her job is to showcase the simple and elemental joy that music invokes in all of us. She provides an eclectic soundtrack to accompany your big day, including cocktail hour music, dinner music, and her true forte: a bumpin’ dance party that spans generations.

HUDSON VALLEY LIVE BANDS
Hudson Valley, 845-926-6652
The Hudson Valley is bountiful with incredibly talented local musicians of all genres. A professional live band is just the right touch for any wedding. Whether it’s a three- or four-piece jazz ensemble for cocktail hour or a rockin’ dance party during the reception, let Hudson Valley Live Bands help. Contact Lee Falco for assistance in curating the perfect music for your wedding.

JTD PRODUCTIONS
Hudson Valley, 845-853-8912,
jtdproductions.comJTD Productions delivers peace of mind artistically, logistically, and financially. Our DJ’s have the experience and the taste to play music that’s hip without being esoteric and accessible without being cheesy. We know the ins and outs of every venue: where to set up, where to plug in, and where the back-up help is if needed. We have a DJ for almost every budget (all of them kick butt) and we have back-up DJs, back-up systems, and a million dollars insurance for every job. Our artistry, our know-how, and our people are the reasons that JTD delivers the peace of mind that no one else can.

LUTZ ENTERTAINMENT
Poughkeepsie, 914-456-4143, lutzentertainment.comThe Hudson Valley is bountiful with incredibly talented local musicians of all genres. A professional live band is just the right touch for any wedding. Whether it’s a three- or four-piece jazz ensemble for cocktail hour or a rockin’ dance party during the reception, let Hudson Valley Live Bands help. Contact Lee Falco for assistance in curating the perfect music for your wedding.

reception music A Perfect Blend Entertainment, apbentertainment.com
Blue Vipers of Brooklyn, thebluevipersofbrooklyn.com
Catskill Quartet, catskillquartet.com
David Albert Temple, Guitarist, davidtemple.com
Harpist Janet King, newyorkharpist.com