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Wedding Music
As luck and life would have it, I've attended four weddings recently, and I couldn't help noticing the differences in the styles of wedding music chosen at each one of them. The type of music you and your fiance select for your special day carries the mark of your personalities so that the occasion remains unique in your friend's minds.
There is no right or wrong style. But the one you choose should reflect your tastes, both musically and emotionally. If you prefer a specific type of music, then most of the music chosen for different parts of the wedding and for the reception should reflect your preferences.
Popular classical songs for the wedding processional include:
"Salut Da Amour" by Sir Edward Elgar
"Ode to Joy" by Beethoven
"Canon in D" by Pachelbel
"Wedding March" (Here Comes the Bride) by Wagner
You also want something to play as you exit the wedding place:
Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream, Opus 61" is the best-known recessional.
"Badinerie" by Bach.
Or something more modern-day: "Till There Was You" by the Beatles.
Something up-tempo: "Everlasting Love by either Natalie Cole or Robert Knight.
More ideas for Recessional Music can be found here
For the wedding music at the reception, you must remember that your assembled guests reflect a diverse group of people who have varying tastes. You should sprinkle songs from several genres into the primary playlist of chosen music. Plus, a change in musical styles keeps it interesting!
One of the most important decisions is whether you hire a DJ or a band. Cost, size of the reception, and space available all influence which you choose. Either way, you need to seek a professional who has a playlist geared to your taste. You probably need to book the entertainment six months to a year ahead of time.
You should be certain to sign a contract with the entertainer. Read the contract to see if it specifies how many people will perform at your wedding and how many hours they will play. Be sure to understand when your deposit is due and when your balance is due. Will they accept a check or cash only?
Does this include the dinner hour or not? They should not expect to eat at your event, but be sure this is understood. You can check over a suggested playlist ahead of time to make certain it meets with your approval. Keeping in mind your entertainer will have some wedding standards and your guests will make requests, you only need to suggest about two or three dozen songs.
Disc jockeys typically play a mix of oldies and current popular songs. But some DJs specialize in genres, such as rap, blues, country or other types. My coworker, Mindy, hired a DJ recommended by a vendor and discovered at the last minute that the DJ's standard playlist was all country. He had other music available, but switching it up at the last-minute generated a little tension. Ask the DJs you are considering whether they have an online website with a video available so that you can see them in action before you hire them.
A DJ will charge $500-$1,000 for four to six hours, depending on where you live.
Bands this means anything from a solo performer to a fix- or six-piece ensemble or even a small orchestra will usually be known by the style of music they favor. Ask ahead of time if they want a playlist from you, or if they have a preassembled list of songs they will perform. The amount you pay will vary on the time of year, the number of players in the band, and the number of hours they play. Four players playing for two hours could run $1,000, again depending on prices in your area.
Ultimately, the wedding music will set the tone for the reception. The entertainer can mix it up with some of your favorites, some old standards with widespread popularity, and some dance music. Music is a way to entertain and relax people, and by following these guidelines you can be entertained and relaxed at your reception along with your guests.
More even more Wedding Music Ideas make sure you grab a copy of The Wedding Reception Kit which includes the Ultimate Wedding Songs list on the internet - "Top Wedding Songs". Click Here to find out more!