Music Ideas

Planning Your Wedding Music

Let the music reflect the style of your wedding, be it traditional or otherwise.

Here are some suggestions to help you in your choice as far as  the selection of musician(s), music and preparations are concerned.

If the music for your wedding seems daunting and you have a feeling of being lost at this subject a professional musician will be able to guide you through the process and can take care of all the details for you. If this sounds like an expensive idea let's consider some other factors and ideas to simplify the matter.

Questions to Ask a Wedding DJ

 

Music is an absolutely essential element to any wedding, for setting the mood in a wedding ceremony and reception and serving as backgroung interludes to brighten and compliment the occasion.

With the right music, you create the right romantic and festive ambiance in your wedding.

The wrong choice of DJ and/or musician/group will ruin the most glamorous of weddings, approach the venue owners/management as they will serve you a list of possibilities to suit your music needs. Remember they have seen and heard many and would have a good selection to choose from.

When consideri ng a DJ here are a few questions to guide you to make a fine selection:-

  Are you a professional DJ?

  We would appreciate references from previous clients.

  They should also have a public liability insurance in case someone has an accident with their equipment.

  Can the DJ play the songs on the playlist you and your fiancé have decided on, something you want palyed during the reception and other for the ceremony.What  about your favorite songs or songs that are meaningful to your relationship.


  Once you have decided on your songs, you should make up a playlist and present them to your DJ candidates.

  A professional wedding DJ should have the songs that you want in their repertoire or be able to source them legally.

  A professional wedding DJ will have made a serious investment on the equipment they use on the job, and they will show a lot of enthusiasm in talking about them.

  They are not just people who play mp3 files on a laptop or an iPod when they work. They will have top-of-the-line DJ equipment such as speakers, cordless microphones and the like. High-end brands of DJ equipment include ElectroVoice, OSC, JBL and Crown.
 

  There must be  a backup system in case of emergencies, breakdown in DJ environment during a wedding can spoil the entire night. Talk to your venue folk about a backup system, an y worthwhile establishment will have resources to rely on.

  Selecting the right wedding DJ for your wedding ceremony and reception is a serious task. If you want to create a truly romantic ambiance in your wedding, you should pick a wedding DJ who really knows their job.

Finding the right musician(s) for your wedding.

Word-of-mouth is always a good point of reference but consider the music preference of your referee and yours.

Do an internet search for the type of musician(s) you are looking for.

The venue folk where you are having your ceremony or reception should be able to provide you with suggestions.

Check with other facilities that hire musicians for their recommendations.

Select a number of musician(s) and go hear them perform live.

Ask the musician(s)for references.

Do they play the style of music you are looking for?

Are they willing to accompany vocalists or other instrumentalists?

What backup plans can they offer if they are not able to perform at your ceremony?

Request  a sample contract and compare prices.

How do they charge(by the hour, or by the job) and what are there timeframes as standard. What are the afterhour charges should you wish to take the reception a little longer.

Find out the total cost to you including travelling, set up fees, rehearsal, practicing with other musicians, learning new music, etc.

Once you find the musician(s) that best represent your wishes, you will  be asked to provide a deposit  to secure the date for your wedding.

If you are considering asking a friend or relative to sing at your ceremony, it's best if they are an experienced ceremony vocalist. Just because someone has a beautiful voice singing karaoke doesn't mean they will be able to do a professional job at your wedding, remember it's your day and let's minimise the possible disappointments.

Finding music for your ceremony.

 

Once you have selected your musician(s), you need to meet with them to plan your ceremony music.

The musician(s) must be able to offer advice and provide you with a variety of music to choose from.

Be sure and tell your musician any special song requests that you have. It can sometimes take a while to order your special selection ofmusic, so it's important to do this well in advance of your wedding. The musician will appreciate some time to learn the music as well. Here are some free resources.

 

If you are having a traditional ceremony, you need to confer with your musician(s) regarding:

 

Prelude Music........

This sets the mood while the guests are being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Parents and Grandparents Song..........

Sometimes bridal couples want a special song played when the parents and grandparents are seated.

Bridal Party Processional........

This song is played during the bridal party entrance.

Bridal Processional.........

This is played when the bride walks down the aisle. It could be the same as for the previou(processional) selection.

Signing of the Wedding License.......

If this is part of the ceremony, music provides a nice background.

Recessional............

This music is played at the conclusion of the ceremony when the groom accompanies the bride down the aisle. This music is usually bright and lively.

Postlude Music..........

Your musician provides music for your guests to enjoy while the guests are departing the ceremony.

 

If your choice is a non-traditional ceremony.

 

Meet with your musician(s) early in your planning stages, so that all of you will have time to locate and select the music that will reflect your style of wedding and accompanying tunes.

If you prefer using recorded music for your ceremony rather than hiring a musician, check that your wedding facility has adequate sound equipment available. Ensure you have a capable person to man this aspect to prevent hitches and mishaps.

 

a Few more points to ponder:-


1. Does your musician need to provide his/her own instrument/s? eg. if an instrument is not available, you may wish to rent one from a local music store or find out if your musician will provide it.
2. Do you have vocalists(professional) that will need accompaniment? Let your ceremony musician know.
3. Ensure the repertoire is known and that it will be followed to avoid disappointment.

Well, that's it , you have chosen your musician(s) and finalized your music selections, covered all the details now you can relax knowing that your musician(s) will create the perfect setting for your wedding ceremony.