What Every Bride and Groom Need to Know About Wedding Music

Wedding music sets the tone for one of the most important days of your life. From the grand entrance to the last dance, music creates the mood, brings your vision to life, and makes memories that last a lifetime. Planning wedding music can feel like a daunting task, but with a little guidance, you can ensure your soundtrack complements every moment of your big day. Here’s everything you need to know to get it just right:

1. Start Early and Plan Ahead

The earlier you start planning your wedding music, the better. Ideally, you should begin at least 6 to 12 months before the wedding to ensure that you have time to book your musicians or DJ, select your songs, and make any necessary changes.

2. Understand the Key Music Moments

Your wedding day will have several key moments that require specific music. Here’s an overview:

• Pre-Ceremony: The music before the ceremony helps set the atmosphere for your guests. Soft instrumental music or light classical pieces work well here.
• Processional: The song you choose for the processional (when the bride walks down the aisle) is one of the most significant musical moments. This is your chance to create an emotional, dramatic moment. Classical pieces like “Canon in D” by Pachelbel or “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri are popular, but you can personalize it to fit your style.
• Recessional: After the vows, the recessional music kicks in, often upbeat and celebratory. Think “Wedding March” by Mendelssohn or “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder.
• Reception Entrance: The entrance to your reception sets the tone for the celebration. Choose something upbeat and fun that gets everyone excited. Popular choices include “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson or “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake.
• First Dance: This is your moment to shine as a couple. Your first dance should reflect your relationship. Classic love songs like “At Last” by Etta James or modern hits like “All of Me” by John Legend are always popular, but pick something that speaks to you both.
• Parent Dances: Many couples opt for a special dance with their parents. The father-daughter dance and mother-son dance are emotional moments. Songs like “My Girl” by The Temptations or “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart are timeless choices.
• Party Time: The rest of your reception is about getting your guests on the dance floor! This is where you can incorporate a variety of genres, from throwback hits to current chart-toppers.

3. Decide Between a DJ, Live Band, or Both

When it comes to choosing how the music will be played, you have three main options:

• DJ: A DJ offers versatility with a vast range of music. They can seamlessly transition between songs, take requests from guests, and create custom playlists based on your preferences. They’re often more affordable than a live band and ideal for couples who want variety.
• Live Band: A live band brings an extra level of excitement and energy to your wedding. From jazz bands to rock groups, live music adds a personal touch and can adapt to different genres. However, they can be more expensive and may require more space.
• Both: Some couples opt for both a DJ and a live band to combine the best of both worlds. For example, you could have live music during cocktail hour and dinner and a band with DJ for the dancing portion of the evening. The Chicago wedding band that gives you everything is Drs Music.

4. Personalize Your Music Choices

This is your wedding, so make sure the music reflects your personalities and relationship. Choose songs that have special meaning to you as a couple. Maybe it’s the song that played during your first date, or the one you both always dance to in the kitchen.

Consider these ideas for personal touches:

• Have a song that represents your love story.
• Incorporate music from different cultures or backgrounds if that’s important to you.
• Include favorite artists, genres, or bands that are meaningful to your relationship.

While other Chicago Wedding Bands play the same songs over and over again, DRS Music spends time getting to know you and plays only the music you love.

5. Create a Do-Not-Play List

While you want the music to be fun and celebratory, there may be certain songs you absolutely don’t want to hear on your big day. Be sure to provide a “do-not-play” list to your DJ or band. This could include songs that remind you of past relationships or just ones you don’t enjoy. Clear communication with your vendors is key to making sure the playlist aligns with your vision. Having a Chicago Wedding Music company that gives you unlimited song requests and a play and do not play list

6. Consider Your Guests’ Tastes

While it’s important to pick music that resonates with you as a couple, it’s also important to think about your guests’ enjoyment. Create a mix of music that appeals to different age groups and tastes. You want everyone to have a great time, whether it’s grandma hitting the dance floor or your friends rocking out to a pop hit.

Work with your DJ or band to balance your personal favorites with crowd-pleasers. Remember, a wedding isn’t just about you – it’s about creating a shared, joyous experience with your loved ones.

7. Check Acoustics and Equipment

Whether you’re hosting your wedding indoors or outdoors, acoustics and sound equipment are critical. A DJ or live band will usually take care of this, but you should still do a sound check. Make sure the venue can accommodate the sound levels, and there are no potential distractions or echoes that could detract from the experience.

Also, if you’re having an outdoor wedding, be aware of weather conditions that could affect sound quality, like wind or rain. Consider having backup plans in case of weather interruptions, such as a tent with sound equipment inside.

8. Don’t Forget the Exit Song

Your exit from the ceremony or reception is another memorable moment that can be enhanced with music. Whether it’s an upbeat song for your grand exit or a romantic one as you leave the reception for your honeymoon, the song should reflect the excitement and joy of the moment.

9. Consult Your Vendors for Expert Advice

Your DJ or band is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to wedding music. They’ve likely seen it all and can help you navigate the planning process. They can provide recommendations, help with song selections, and even suggest ways to personalize your music choices.

Don’t hesitate to ask your wedding coordinator for advice, either. Coordinators have experience with timing, transitions, and ensuring everything runs smoothly during the ceremony and reception.

10. Have Fun!

Finally, remember that music is meant to enhance the experience and have fun! You’ve spent so much time planning your wedding day, and music is a key part of creating memories. Enjoy the process, dance with your friends, and sing along to the songs that mean the most to you.

Wedding music is more than just a backdrop to your big day—it’s a soundtrack for one of the most important celebrations of your life. Take the time to thoughtfully plan and personalize it, and you’ll be sure to create lasting memories that you and your guests will cherish forever.