Musical Tips To Consider When Planning Wedding Ceremony Music

You only walk down the aisle once (hopefully) and so getting it right is so important. This unique experience will be enhanced by creating the right mood - and choosing the right musical accompaniment for this is essential.

This article would like to suggest five tips to make sure that you Waltz, Swing, Rock or Jive down the aisle with grace and style. We consider choosing a theme, preparing the music, organisation and delegation, scheduling and communication. All vital components in this task.

 

•   Consider a Theme

The Music played as the bride enters her wedding venue or church can set the mood for the day to follow. Think about how you want the day to feel, for your guests as well as you and your partner. Maybe you'd like an elegant, sophisticated ambiance with classical music, or is the occasion a more informal, relaxed affair? Maybe you'd prefer a funky entrance with jazz or swing being played, or maybe you want to create a real party atmosphere from the off, by playing pop or rock anthems.

Whatever your choice, make your own choice, it is after all your big day and if you enjoy it, then everyone else will too.

• Take Great Care in Your Preparation

Check with the wedding venue, exactly how your preferred musicians can be accommodated. If you are having live music as you walk down the aisle, make sure that there is enough room for them and that everything that they need (power, lighting etc) is available.

If you are rocking on into the night you will need to consider enough music to fill the dance floor without repetition. So whatever ideas you may have, discuss them in detail with your musicians before booking them. Even if you don't offer a complete set list, there maybe several specific songs that you'd like playing or certain genres that you'd like to stick to throughout the evening. If your chosen musicians can't play those specific tracks then it might be time to consider other options.

If you'd like a family member or friend to be included in the performance on the day, be sure to check that they have rehearsed with your hired band before the big day, or at very least discussed their intentions and requirements. Make sure that the right equipment, microphones, instruments etc are available and maybe have a backup option just in case there is a sudden bout of nerves on the day.

• Organisation & Delegation

It is always a good idea to ask one of the bridal party (maybe an usher or the Best Man) to take responsibility of linking you, the professional musicians and the venue staff. Small tasks, such as giving the nod for when to start the music, dim the lights etc will make everything run much smoother. For example, if the musicians are not located within sight of the entering bride they will need to be given the nod for when to begin - timing is everything!

• Consider Your Schedule

Keep in mind the length of time that each piece of music lasts and allow for extra time between tracks and for any requests or unplanned additions to the bands set list. If each track lasts for about 3 minutes it will only take about ten songs to add an extra thirty minutes on to your ceremony. If this comes on top of any other un-expected delays (maybe the bride arrives late), this could affect the schedule for the day/evening.

So it may be worth considering 2 playlists, one containing ONLY the music that you really, really want and if things start to run behind schedule it can be adopted quickly and easily by the band.

• Communicate Well

Touch base with your professional musicians a week or two before the big day. Re-confirm the date, time and venue of the ceremony or the evening venue and check any last-minute details.

It is always worth ask the hired band for their opinions, you may not have planned a wedding before, but they will have lots of experience and knowledge. If you have picked the right band in the first place, you will probably find that they think along the same lines as you and do things just how you like them