Choosing Your Wedding Music
Choosing your wedding music is one of those tasks that is deceivingly demanding.
You might think that this is an easy task, but once you start you will quickly realise the significance of the responsibility.
The music you choose for your wedding is such a big deal because……music is such a big deal. When we watch a film or go to a restaurant, music is used to create atmosphere. It changes the way people feel. The same is true for your wedding music. The music you choose is ultimately going to affect the mood of both you and your guests, so making the right choice becomes very important.
There are 3 main points of your wedding where you will need to choose music:
- Ceremony
- Dinner
- Dance
Before we look at each section, consider the feel you want to create and make sure this fits with your theme. The feel will determine the style of music you should be going for. E.g. Easy-listening acoustic music would go well at a boho or rustic wedding, but wouldn’t be as fitting at a formal affair. Likewise, some indie-grunge might suit a rock n roll wedding but would be unfitting for almost any other style. Perhaps extreme examples, but you get the idea.
So let’s break down each point of the day
Ceremony
This is probably the easiest section of the day to choose your music for as there are certain pieces that have become synonymous with weddings. This is very dependent on the type of ceremony you are having so the best approach here is to discuss the options with your officiant as he/she might have some suggestions.
Dinner
Background music during the meal is an area that people often miss as most wedding guides won’t mention it. This is really not necessary as most of your guests will be talking and not listening to the music but it is really helpful in setting the scene and creating the feel that you want the day to have.
A good option here is to make a Spotify playlist in advance and plug it in to the PA system at your venue during the meal. Remember to match your music to your wedding theme.
Dance
Ah, the dancing! The grand finale to your wedding day. There are only 3 rules when choosing the music for the dancing(although you can break as many of these rules as you wish).
- You must like it
- It makes you happy
- You can dance to it
Other than that, the choice is yours.
If you have hired a band, your choices will be easier as they will have a set playlist for you to choose from. You may be able to request that they learn 1 or 2 songs if you have something special you would like played(i.e. your first dance).
If you have hired a DJ on the other hand, the choice is as widespread as you like which takes you back to square one. Just make sure it’s happy music that’s good for dancing.
We’ve put together a guide on crafting the perfect wedding playlist in case you need some further inspiration.