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Choosing the Music for Your Wedding Day
Choosing the right music is one of the most important decisions you make in planning your wedding celebration. Music sets the tone for your whole day, from the walk down the aisle to the last dance.
While the process can seem intimidating, with a little support it can be a wonderful opportunity for self-expression.
Here are some things to think about when planning your music:
- Start the selection process early. The best bands are booked well in advance. The busy wedding months in the New York metro area are March through June and September through December. Also keep in mind that Saturday nights are more in demand than other times.
- Look for a band that can play styles to suit all your guests. Your wedding should reflect your tastes, but you want everyone to have a great time. Look over your guest list and think about what they might like to dance and listen to. Of course, your friends are very important, but you should consider your relatives and your parents' friends as well. Be sure to choose musicians who can provide the variety of music you want. A great band will make each one of your guests feel that at some point in the evening the band was playing just for them.
- Find a band that's got "staying power" and adaptability. A showcase or a set in a club is a great opportunity to see your band in action. But fifteen minutes of exciting material does not tell you how well they will hold up over a 4-hour wedding. Do they take requests? Are they versatile and experienced? Can they adapt to the changing dynamics of your party? Ask questions and get references.
- Look for musicians who can serve as a resource about every aspect of the entertainment for your special day. Talk with the bandleader about repertoire, volume levels and pacing. Ask lots of questions and be specific about your expectations. Don't hesitate to ask for suggestions.
- Think about using different musical styles for each part of the wedding celebration. A wedding with three parts–ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception–offers the opportunity to introduce different musical styles into your wedding day. While couples often choose classical music for the ceremony, and jazz for cocktails, there are no hard and fast rules. The musical possibilities are endless and exciting. Choose something a little bit different and make the day your own!
- Choose a band that will fit in your space. Make sure that your musical adviser is familiar with the venues where your ceremony, cocktail hour and reception will take place, or is willing to check them out. An eleven-piece band requires a lot of space. Can your band perform with fewer members, if necessary? How will that effect the music?
- Be sure that all of the details are clearly laid out in a contract that you fully understand and feel comfortable about. Are you clear about instrumentation and which musicians will perform? What will the band wear? Are there any extra fees that you should know about? How about overtime? Does the company have liability insurance in case of an accident? Do they have professional sound equipment in good condition?
Your music company should listen carefully to your ideas and concerns. It is their attention to detail that will ensure that your wedding day will be all that you dreamed.
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