Creating the Atmosphere

There are quite a few options when it comes to the music you’ll be playing at your wedding. When touring venues, it’s a good idea to talk with the venue manager about what type of music typically works best for the space. Things like electricity for a DJ or space for a band or musicians will be important when it comes time for the event. Choose one or more music options based on what will fit your budget, wedding style, and desired wedding vibe.

Strings: This is a popular option for ceremonies, and can also be used for music at the cocktail hour or dinner.

Soloists: A soloist at your wedding ceremony will make it feel intimate and memorable. Hire a singer, or ask a talented friend or family member to sing a song that’s special to you.

DJ: If your reception venue has limited space, you should use a DJ. They don’t use up as much space as a band and usually cost less, making them a good way to save money while still providing a great wedding experience.

Band: Bands provide a unique experience, and the energy of a live performance is hard to beat. If you’re willing to spend a little more money and have the extra space, a band is the way to go.

Playlist: If a band or DJ is outside of your budget, and you want to truly personalize your wedding, make your own playlist. You can rent a sound system and ask a friend to supervise. Just make sure the music appeals to everyone!

CEREMONY MUSIC

Ceremony music has a reputation for being boring and slow, but that doesn’t have to be true for your wedding! Choose musicians that will express the feeling of your wedding through their sound and music selections.

Most wedding ceremony musicians are strings and soloists, typically performing traditional music. If you and your fiancé want something unique and that will show your personality as a couple, consider asking your ceremony performers to do an acoustic cover of a song you like.

Wedding guests will begin arriving about 30 minutes before the ceremony starts, but the wait will seem a lot longer if they have to wait around in silence. Schedule your ceremony musicians to start playing no later than 20 minutes before the ceremony is set begin.

Keep in mind that some churches have restrictions on secular music, so if your ceremony is being held in a church, ask your officiant about the types of songs that can be acceptable.

View the best Texoma area musicians at tbgvendors.com/music

Musicians: Four Strings

There are several parts of the ceremony that traditionally have their own music:

The prelude is the music played while people are gathering a half hour or so before the ceremony.

The ceremony begins with the seating of special guests and grandparents, followed by the seating of the mothers.

The processional starts when the pastor and the groom and groomsmen proceed to the front and the bridesmaids make their way down the aisle.

Then it is the bride’s turn to make a grand entrance.

There may be special moments during your ceremony such as the lighting of the unity candle or a solo after a prayer.

It’s time for the recessional and your grand exit!

RECEPTION MUSIC

The reception is usually two parts: eating and dancing. Background music is typically played during dinner so your guests can visit and enjoy their meal.

The background music will continue during the toasts and cake cutting, if these are part of your timeline. You may also have special songs played during the traditional dances you have planned.

As the evening progresses, the music will transition from background to main event. Your DJ or band will play popular songs, both fast and slow, to encourage your guests to get up and dance.

If you are working with a DJ, you will be able to wait until about a month before your wedding day to make your music selections. This will ensure that the DJ has enough time to make sure the songs are downloaded. However, working with a live band will require a bit more planning. If the songs you’re wanting played at your wedding aren’t already part of their regular rotation, the band will have to learn and rehearse them so they will be perfect for your big day.

THE TRADITIONAL DANCES

Most couples seem to have a special song, one that has significance in their lives. That song is what should be played for your first dance as husband and wife. That or another song that is special and unique to you as a couple, not just a random song from a list you found on the internet.

If you don’t want to dance by yourselves for the entire length of the song, work out a cue with your DJ so they know when to invite other guests to join you on the dance floor, or to move on to the next activity of the evening.

FIRST DANCE SONGS

“Thinking Out Loud” - Ed Sheeran “I Can’t Wait (Be My Wife)” - Runner Runner “You Are The Best Thing” - Ray LaMontagne “A Thousand Years” - Christina Perry

Remember that the parent dances are the one part of the reception that is not about the bride and groom. While some couples might not want to include parent dances in their big day, we encourage you to let your parents decide as it is their moment.

FATHER/DAUGHTER DANCE SONGS

“I Loved Her First” - Heartland “My Girl” - Temptations “My Little Girl” - Tim McGraw “Cinderella” - Steven Curtis Chapman

MOTHER/SON DANCE SONGS

“A Mother’s Song” - T Carter Music “What A Wonderful World” - Louis Armstrong “I Hope You Dance” - Lee Ann Womack “Simple Man” - Lynrd Skynyrd or Shinedown