How to select music for your Wedding or Special Event
Selecting the music for your wedding or special event can be daunting but should be fun. It is a reflection of who you are and sets the tone for this important event. Are you fun and lively, are you quiet and reserved? Is this a Christian ceremony? What is the celebration about?
I am passionate about live music and how it helps people. Pre-recorded playlists are reliable but they cannot slow down, speed up and change as quickly as a live musician. Good vibes are a real phenomenon. People actually feel good or better when listening to a live musician. If you can afford a live musician for your special event, you will never regret it, there is nothing that can make an event more meaningful that humans creating beautiful music for you and your guests.
That being said, music is better than no music! I am happy to help put together pre-recorded music playlists for your special event.
Below are several tips to help you narrow down your selection of music for the big day!
Tip #1 -Meaningful
There's no point in providing special music if it is not meaningful to the bride and groom or attendees at as special event. The music before a wedding can help calm jittery nerves, create a sense of drama and importance, entertains and heals the people listening. Usually there is 30 minutes of prelude or gathering music before a wedding or special event. I often play a mix of styles, to make sure there is something for everyone but include light classics such as Arioso, Jesu Joy of Mans Desiring and a few Broadway love songs like, Think of Me and Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
If you love Country a few love songs such as I Will Always Love You and Humble and Kind would be good choices. If you prefer pop songs, All of Me or Perfect would be good to mix in. If you're not sure, I have a mix of all genres of music that would ensure the audience is well entertained.
For the Ceremony, selecting Processional Music and the Brides Entrance are the big ticket events. Because both songs will have people walking in to them, it is good to ensure that the tune has a walking pace, is not too fast or busy but also not too slow or dark. Some often requested songs include, Canon in D and __________.
Tip #2 - Formal Wedding Music
The Bride's Entrance Song is often the most important and meaningful song selected. The text or lyrics should be considered as some songs as lovely as they are may not be about love or healthy relationships. Don't rule out unusual songs, I played Crazy Love by Van Morrison for my nieces wedding and it was lovely. Often requested bride entrance songs include, Wedding March from the Sound of Music, Trumpet Voluntary and _____.
"I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music." – Billy Joel
Tip #3 - Solos or not?
I've sung for many weddings. But you may or may not want to include this. It needs to be meaningful if it is done and it should be done well. Well meaning family members who "sing" may not be able to perform in front of 100's of people, stay on key, memorize their music and be relaxed when singing. At a minimum this takes years of practice. A good filter would be to ask if the singer has sung solos in front of large audiences and performed with other musicians. I am always happy to help a bride or family see if a solo or soloist is a good fit. Songs from the Musicals are good choices as well as folk songs and many Beatles songs.
Tip #4 - Recessional Ceremony Music Sets the Tone
"All You Need is Love" is a favorite recessional song as it is a march tempo, good for the bridal party exiting the ceremony and it is light, fun and about LOVE! It sets the tone for the Reception and celebration. I can help you select a song similar to this to ensure all are ready to celebrate the happy couple or special event.
Tip #5 - Cocktail Hour Music Fun
This is my favorite time to play music! As a child one of my favorite pastimes was setting up the sandbox for my brother to play in. My life has continued to lead me to work that helps others and creates beautiful, meaningful and fun backdrops for life. My brother and I played music together for many years growing up and it created in me a love of the casual gathering music that is the Cocktail Hour. I played for cocktail hours at Kendal at Lexington for more than 10 years so I have a healthy repertoire in Big Band and Jazz tunes. I have a broad range of fun music that can be quiet and graceful or become lively as your guest get ready to dance.
Tip #6 - Dinner and Dance Music
Soft piano music for dinner keeps the music going but can be quieter so that guests can hear each other speak. It can provide a calmness before the fun of dance music and if there are announcements, the pianist can stop at exactly the right time. The live musician can also entertain if there are awkward silences in speeches or emotional moments. It's not as important what the musician or pre-recorded music plays but how it is played during the meal that is important.
Keep it Simple
Keep it simple is always a good rule. Selecting music that is meaningful to you is easier than you think. Here's link to my Piano Playlist:
I'm always open to song suggestions, please let me know!