How to Select Music for a Summer Solstice Wedding

Though somewhat time consuming, selecting the music for your summer solstice wedding could possibly be one of the most enjoyable entries on your wedding to-do list. Your music choices range from traditional to wildly eclectic, and literally anything goes because it's your big day!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Consult the officials of the church if you are planning to have your wedding ceremony at a religious place of worship. Some more traditional churches may have rules that dictate what music may or may not be played during your wedding ceremony.

2. Forget tradition and select music for the wedding ceremony based on your experiences as a couple and your feelings for each other. Just about every couple has a song that they consider their own, so consider ditching the usual wedding march and play something that really means something to you as you glide down the aisle.

3. Time your music skillfully. Determine how long you will need the background music to play before the bride's entrance and select songs that will play for just enough time. Also, practice the walk down the aisle and consider this time when choosing the wedding march and recession. You may need to choose a section of a song instead of an entire song to match the timing well.

4. Create an appropriately festive atmosphere at the reception by avoiding soft, mellow music or traditional musicians like harpists and violinists. Remember that ultimately the summer solstice is about a a great party in celebration of the season, so a good natured Gaelic stomp band will help keep the party going better than understated background musicians.

5. Select music that compliments the theme of the summer solstice. Upbeat songs about sunshine, nature and even sex are extremely appropriate for this kind of celebration. If you are keeping to Pagan themes, there are even certain popular bands that include Neo-Pagan messages in their music.

6. Choose a DJ based not only on his musical library, but also by his personality and on-air charisma. You can screen the DJs by asking for audition tapes, which most professionals keep on hand.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're getting married in a church, be sure to ask if the regular pianist, harpist or other musicians are available to play at your wedding. These are often much cheaper to hire than professional musicians who may be hired independently.