LET THE MUSIC PLAY

From throwback playlists and choral numbers to rousing sing-songs and acoustic ensembles, here’s how to make music rock your day

words Elizabeth Chester

LET THE MUSIC PLAY If music be the food of love… You don’t need to have a Shakespeare-themed wedding to appreciate that music and love are intertwined. Indeed, so many of the greatest songs ever written have love at their heart. So, on your wedding day – a day filled with joy and emotion – music can be at the heart of each step. Music can fill spaces when people are arriving or leaving, create an atmosphere in an instant, make us howl with laughter or shed a tear, as well as help to sum you up as a couple and set the mood and tone for the rest of the day.

As music is so personal, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. So here are some musical ideas for your wedding day, whatever shape and size it may take…

Getting ready

If you’re getting ready with friends, music can play a significant part in your preparations. A get-together with the girls or boys could open up the potential for some tunes to reminisce to, perhaps from your childhood, or school or college days, depending on how long you’ve known each other. Choose songs that remind you of each other, of fun times and memories made. If you have the time, you could always set the music to images to create a nostalgic video montage.

Prelude (as your guests arrive) Gentle background music can create a lovely atmosphere as your guests eagerly arrive for your wedding. As anticipation and nerves are usually running high at this stage, something calming and mellow is usually a good fit rather than anything too loud or boisterous. Traditionally, string quartets are used as a serene soundtrack to welcome guests.

The processional (bride’s arrival) Depending on the style and theme of the day, entrances can vary from traditional, such as ‘Pachelbel’s Canon’, ‘Bridal Chorus’ or ‘Ave Maria’, to something more contemporary. However, it’s important to take your pace into consideration. You don’t want to be galloping down the aisle, or likewise if you choose anything too slow, you might struggle to find your groove. If you’ve got your heart set on a favourite tune but it’s just too fast, consider a slowed-down or acoustic version. Well-known retro or contemporary love songs that your guests will likely know and love often make for a tear-jerking entrance for a bride.

Recessional (leaving your ceremony) These are the songs typically played as you make your way back down the aisle from your ceremony (or however you choose to leave). This is the time to up the tempo should you want to – think joyous, bursting with excitement and love-filled. We’ve witnessed many a bride and groom boogie their way back down the aisle, impromptu-style, because the music and the atmosphere were just too much to resist!

This can also be a chance to get creative with your sound. Who can forget the gospel choir singing ‘All You Need Is Love’ in the film ‘Love Actually’ complete with strings, brass, and an electric guitar solo? Other filmbased choices include ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’

Reception

Entering your reception as newly-weds is a wonderful moment when you won’t be able to wipe the smile off your face, so choose a tune to reflect this feeling. Uptempo songs to reflect your togetherness and happiness always work well, or you might choose to add humour with perhaps a film soundtrack if one of you is a fan of a particular film. We’ve seen couples recently enter to the ‘Match of the Day’ theme tune, and ‘The Eye of the Tiger’. True champs!

If you haven’t seen the ‘Say A Little Prayer’ scene from ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’, you need to check it out. An entire restaurant bursting into song is one of our greatest weddingrelated musical loves, and there’s no reason you can’t encourage your guests to do a group singalong. You could always organise this as a surprise for your other half if they have a penchant for karaoke-style moments!

First dance

This is often the big one. Whether your first dance encompasses just the newly-weds, or your entire wedding party pile on to the dance floor and get things started, there are numerous musical ways to kick off the dancing. Swaying to a love song is an obvious win for the couple, although if you want to forego anything slow, consider opting for a choreographed first dance with a routine from one of your favourite movies or dance videos. Flash mobs are also an option if you want to launch straight in and get people foot-tapping and itching to dance right away. If you opt for a traditional, slow first dance, once it draws to a close, good DJs will be able to seamlessly blend a floor-filler in for the rest of your guests, so they can step onto the dance floor to join you.

Party

DJs will take the strain away from you having to spend weeks thinking of your all-time favourite tunes to fill three hours of party time. Most wedding DJs will be able to collate a playlist you didn’t know you loved with just a few simple pointers in the right direction. Bands are another option for dancing the night away. Covers bands for hardcore fans can work well, whether it’s a surprise for guests or your other half, and can usually put together a bespoke package based on songs you love.

Finale

Whether it’s your whole party exiting a forest glade at sunset or just the two of you roaring off in an MG or old banger to the clatter of tin cans tied to the back, leaving your wedding offers an opportunity for a soundtrack that sums up the mood of the day. Leaving guests both desperate for more and full of fond memories, you might opt for anthemic, celebratory music as fireworks fill the sky, or create a festival feel with a headlinerworthy tune played by a live band amidst a carnival of tea lights. For a more mellow vibe, an acoustic band could follow you from the venue to the carriages.

Whatever your favoured style of music, let your imagination rule when it comes to the sound of your big day. Think about the feeling you’re trying to create – look to your favourite films, music videos, books and archives for inspiration – and go with whatever you love the sound of!

Head to the Wed Directory at wedmagazine.co.uk/directory for aselection of musicians, bands and DJs for your wedding daysoundtrack.

Noah Werth Photography