How to Plan Your Wedding Music

Choosing a wedding band or DJ is the first step in arranging the music for your wedding. The next step is to plan exactly what you would like to have played at your wedding ceremony and reception. Weighing a few important decisions will help ensure that your music is the perfect accompaniment to your special day.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• DJ or wedding band
• Knowledge of all wedding venues
• List of key moments you wish to underscore

1. Ask your DJ or the leader of your wedding band for advice on which songs to play. Wedding musicians often have years of experience and will be able to guide you through the process of picking the songs to be played during each special moment of your ceremony and reception. They should also be able to recommend songs that have been popular at other weddings they have accompanied and can suggest songs they commonly play for specific events, such as cutting the cake and the introduction of the wedding party.

2. Determine any special moments within the ceremony or reception during which you would like a specific song played. For example, you'll most likely want to plan music for the moment when the bride walks down the aisle, the first dance of the bride and groom and the father/daughter dance.

3. Make a list of the specific songs that you would like to have played during these key moments. Review this list with your DJ or wedding band leader to be sure that she knows each of the songs and will be able to play them. Provide as much preparation time as possible, as the band may need to learn the song.

4. Choose appropriate background music for the downtime before the ceremony and during the reception, when your guests will be eating or making conversation. For example, it's a nice touch to have music playing when your guests arrive at the ceremony and are taking their seats, and you might also want to select music to be played during your cocktail hour or your dinner.

5. Favor music that can be played softly, such as classical or acoustic music, when you are choosing this background music. This will keep the ambient music from overpowering the conversation between you and your guests.

6. Find out if your DJ or wedding band needs to provide any special equipment to play music at the venue where you are having your wedding. For example, if your wedding band incorporates piano, find out if the venue already has one available or if the band will need to bring a keyboard or another alternative. A DJ should be ready to provide his own speakers and other sound equipment, but be sure that the venue is equipped with the appropriate power sources and outlets to support any electronic equipment.

Tips & Warnings

• You may be able to save money by having your DJ or band perform only at your reception and inviting the church organist, a friend or a soloist (such as a professional violinist) to play during the actual ceremony.
• If you are having your wedding at a church, check with the minister or other official performing the ceremony to make sure the music you plan to play is allowed within the church. Some churches have very strict rules about what can and can't be played.