Music plays a pivotal role in setting the tone for your wedding day, so here’s how to make the right choice for you and your guests
From morning to night, your wedding day will be characterised by the music choices you make. With various styles of music at your disposal, it’s important to decide how music reflects your personal taste and how it is translated into your wedding theme and style.
This begins with the ceremony, spanning the arrival of guests, through to the bridal entrance and the exit of the happy couple. The ceremony music is so important as it is the first glimpse into the couple’s choices for their day and the music interests they share.
Chris Slatter, cellist and manager of Scintillo String Quartet, who cover Norfolk and Suffolk, says: “Our couples love to have music which has a personal meaning to them, perhaps evoking memories of their shared experiences, engagement or even childhood.”
Processional songs can vary from the traditional Bridal Chorus by Wagner, to something as quirky yet beautiful as the Jurassic Park theme tune by John Williams. The processional tends to be a slow, melodic and graceful choice to allow for an emotive walk down the aisle.
From the point in the ceremony that the couple are declared married, the celebrations can get fully underway. This is why recessional music tends be more upbeat and up-tempo. The rest of the day then follows suit, with music choices made to best reflect the ages and interests of your guest list.
Chris continues: “Music covering a wide range of tastes will be enjoyable for your guests during the reception and is a great way of ensuring everyone feels involved in the ambience; it really helps to create a celebratory atmosphere. We always enjoying playing the ceremony choices again during drinks or dinner so our couples hear them as they have photos and mingle with their guests.”
A string quartet, pianist, acoustic duo or saxophonist is particularly suited to background music during the day. It creates a welcoming and celebratory atmosphere that isn’t overwhelming or too loud for guests to converse with one another.
Once the wedding breakfast is eaten and the speeches have been made, then the party can get started – typically signalled by the first dance. Guests are then invited on to the dance floor for a night to remember, so ensure that a wide range of genres are covered; from mainstream classics, to disco anthems and family favourites.
Ask guests to submit their song requests with their RSVPs so you can put a playlist together well ahead of your big day. This can be shared with your DJ or band so that they can get a better handle of how your evening party should play out and keep the dance floor full all night long.
Live entertainment is a great way of maintaining the energy levels throughout the evening. A saxophonist or electric violinist can add a modern edge to the celebrations by playing a repetoire of well-known songs, while a céilidh (barn dance) or band will encourage everyone to join in.
Whatever your choices, ensure all your guests are catered for to create memories that will last a lifetime.
