One of the most important wedding elements that is frequently overlooked is: the music. Regardless of whether or not your hiring a professional band or DJ, or if you’re planning on managing the tunes yourself, you need to do your research! Even a DJ will want to know what kind of music you want played and what song you want to walk down the aisle to. Think of the wedding as your very own movie and set the mood with a theme song that you’ll want to remember the wedding by for the rest of your life.
Of course, if you’re a music connoisseur, choosing just a few songs may be the hardest thing you have to do. You’ll find that is especially true of the ceremony, which can be very limiting in music choice. While many brides and grooms play it safe by reverting to the classics like Bach and Mozart, modern-day couples try to insert current sound such as Enya, Corrine Bailey Rae and Andrea Bocelli. When it all comes down to it, there is no right or wrong when it comes to your wedding. Just make sure that whatever you decide on, that you know you’ll be happy with it for the rest of your life.
If you’re having trouble trying to come up with some songs for the ceremony or reception, think back on the better weddings you’ve attended over the course of your life. Were there any songs or background music that you remember liking? If you can’t remember the exact music that was played, try to recall the way it sounded or how it made you feel. Creating the right atmosphere is key to any good wedding, and can be easily accomplished with a top-notch DJ or band.
In order to comprise a successful wedding soundtrack, you should begin song-searching months in advance. The day your boyfriend asks for your hand in marriage, start making note of any song you hear on the radio or in passing that strikes your fancy. Visit the nearest Virgin Records store and ask a knowledgeable staff member for assistance. Give them a list of your favorite artists and see if they can find tasteful classics that would suit the wedding as well as your own personal style.
For ceremony music to be played while the guests are being seated, feel free to mix and match genres and time period. Select a couple orchestral hits and some Celine Dion that you really love. The music that will be played while the bridal party makes their way down the aisle will be more difficult to determine – for that you may want to brainstorm with your DJ or wedding band.
Also, keep in mind that many religious facilities are very strict about what kind of music is played on their premises. Before you begin to assemble your music list, ask the pastor or minister of the church where you are getting married for his approval. If he refuses to give his consent and you have your heart set on the tunes you’ve chosen, you may need to reconsider your ceremony venue. Otherwise you’ll be forced to play pre-approved tunes that may ruin the overall atmosphere you’re trying to achieve.