“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.” ― Victor Hugo
No wedding can be perfect without the music that accompanies it. While it is true that the interior decorations of your wedding reception are the main part of your event aesthetic, Music will always have more of an impact on the atmosphere you are trying to create. you can have music without decorations at your wedding but not the other way around. you can have a wedding in a plain undecorated hall and still, have a magical evening with just the sound of a harpist giving you that heavenly music that'll make you feel that you're walking on clouds.
The most important moments of a wedding-the reception entrance, first dance, last dance- are all defined by music. but that doesn't mean all the other moments of your wedding shouldn't have music.
Music sets the mood for meaningful moments and adds to the ambiance you desire for your wedding. it also keeps your guests entertained while they wait for the festivities to begin.
It's a music playlist usually played by a band or a DJ during certain parts of your event where there is nothing really significant going on. for example, while your guests are eating, drinking, or just mingling with each other. it keeps your guests entertained while adding a certain vibe to your event and keeping the energy of the room going.
Well, anytime really. The purpose of wedding background music is to fill the silence with ambient sound aimed to entertain and engage your guest while they eat their meal or when some of your guests arrive early and are waiting for the event to start. although you are not required to provide entertainment during this time, it's not a bad idea to play something to set the mood.
The general rule is you should play wedding background music when there isn't something going on at the event that warrants its own music. like your reception entrance, first dance, and last dance. but to help you out, here are a few times you should play background music at a wedding.
This part of your event is where you and your fiancé officially become husband and wife, so while not required during the ceremony, it won't hurt to play some music while you and your significant other exchange vows. add more magic to the already magical moment of your life.
After playing your reception entrance song, and walking through the smiling crowd towards your sit. it's not right to let your guest eat in silence without any entertainment. that is why background music during this portion of your wedding is important.
Different from the wedding reception, the wedding breakfast or wedding luncheon is the main meal of the wedding day, while the wedding reception is the post-ceremony celebration from drink, to dinner, and dancing. background music during this stage is also greatly appreciated.
After all the eating and all the dancing, comes the drinking. if you got an open bar for your wedding. music is another way to add another layer of relaxation after a day of partying, Speaking of party, take your party to the next level with the best party entertainment ideas for 2023.
To answer this one question, there are a few other questions we need to answer first. are you a fan of classical music? or are you more inclined to favor modern music? would you like your wedding to have a live wedding band? or maybe you'd like to hire a DJ for that disco feel? we know it can be a bit daunting to choose, and that is why we are here to help you pick out your ideal wedding background music.
Choosing between these two types of music is one of the most difficult decisions a couple has to make when planning a wedding.
The difference between these two, aside from the obvious time periods, is the instruments in which they are played. classical music is usually performed with groups of acoustic instruments like the violin, viola, cello, flute, upright bass, piccolo, French horn, trumpet, tuba, trombone, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, and saxophone. while an orchestra may use all of these instruments. a combination of these instruments is used by chambers ensembles to perform classical music. chamber ensembles typically include string quartet, brass quintet, and woodwind quintet.
Modern music utilizes instruments like an electric guitar, electric bass, and or keyboards. While both types of music use percussion instruments, modern music usually has a musician playing a drum set and sometimes one or two exotic percussion instrument players. classical music however uses a percussion section with musicians playing different instruments each.
Now, choosing between these two types of music for your wedding entertainment always comes down to your preference. if you prefer the elegant and romantic way classical music sounds. it should give you that magical and serene aesthetic you're looking to create. but if you do like the sound of modern music. the energy and engaging vibe should keep your guests entertained throughout your event.
After choosing between the two types of music to play at your wedding, you are now faced with another decision. Whether you're going to hire a wedding musician or a live band to perform your songs or a DJ to play your playlist for you.
As both of these have their own merits, it can also be quite difficult to pick from one another. so to help you out in this regard we made a Pros and Cons of both choices. Let's start.
Performed by a live band or a singer with a backing track. live music can provide your event with wedding entertainment that will make your guests want you to sing and dance.
They can provide you with a great show, and live bands can interact with your guests engaging them throughout the night and making them have more fun. and if the band is capable, they can also take requests, adding a personal touch to your guests' favorites songs. you can also talk to them about playing certain songs at a certain time. or maybe just don't play songs from artists you don't like.
You will have to provide a stage for the performers and the bulky instruments need a little more space, if you're looking to acquire a small venue for your wedding it's going to be a problem. and if you're tight on the budget, a band will cost you more than a DJ. as there are more members in a band plus the price of the equipment it's a bit more expensive.
if you're really a fan of a certain artist, but don't have the budget to get them to perform at your wedding. you may have to settle for pre-recorded music. buy their album, make a playlist, and play it at your wedding. it's that simple.
It's less expensive than hiring a live performer or a band. it doesn't take too much space at the venue as it only really needs a small corner for a DJ to play your playlist. and if you really like the way you're favorite artist sings a song, it's better to play their album than hire a band to perform the song.
There is little guest interaction, sure if the DJ has the songs they want he can take requests. but if not, there's nothing to be done. also, if you're going for a certain aesthetic, it's going to be hard to match pre-recorded music to the vibe you're going for.
And that's it! when choosing between Live and Pre-recorded music for your wedding, you just have to consider the Pros and Cons of each and find out which better fits the wedding you are planning. The same goes for whether you want Classic or Modern Music, it is all about your preference and the vibe and aesthetic you're going for.
So now, that we've tackled what is background music, when should you play it, and what should you play. let's talk about the popular types of musicians for weddings.
As we said, background music sets the mood and adds to the overall vibe and aesthetic you want your wedding to have. but not all background music is the same. a different instrument, ensemble, or a combination of both will give you unique results every time. so to help you better understand, and allow you to choose the ideal one for you. here are some of the most popular background music performers and ensembles for your event.
The most in-demand for weddings and events, a skilled pianist will entertain your guests with a wide range of classical and modern musical numbers and is sure to add some magic to your event. they're the most common accompaniment for the entrance of the bride and can also provide backing for singers during the ceremony.
Perfect for country or folk-style weddings, the unplugged sound will get your wedding guests tapping their feet to the rhythm.
Also a traditional option for a bridal entrance, Harpists will give your wedding a classy feel and make you feel like you're in heaven as the sound from the vibrations of the string serenade you as you walk.
Getting Nervous on your wedding day is normal, so why not hire a Flautist to relax the mood. The flute at the hands of an expert musician can give a serene sound, guaranteed to calm you down.
Another popular one, If you haven't heard of a song played on a violin, you are missing out. getting a violinist to play for your wedding will give your event a soulful vibe.
If you're a fan of Jazz, then you're familiar with the sound of a Saxophone. you can give your reception a jazzy feeling by hiring a saxophonist to play in the background.
We all know that the sound of stringed instruments is perfect for weddings, so why not a whole ensemble of them. whether duos, trios, or quartets. an ensemble of these instruments is sure to give your event some prestige.
With a minimum of six musicians playing different instruments each, Classical Ensembles should guarantee music with beautiful harmony and make your guests feel that they're in a concert hall.
If you like how certain love songs convey their message through meaningful lyrics or maybe the way skillful singers harmonize their voices to create the most beautiful music. Hiring singers or a choir may be ideal for you. whether acapella or with a backing band or track, expert vocalists should be able to provide your guests with great entertainment. You also have an option to surprise and delight your guests with the ultimate guide to surprise singers for weddings and parties.
These are only the most popular kinds of musicians to play at your wedding, there are still a lot out there. especially if you're from a culture that has its own wedding traditions and music. so pick the one you think would fit your ideal aesthetic.
As we said, there are various points at a wedding where you should play music. so, what music should you play during these points? and as we also already said it's all about your preference. but in case you still can't decide, here are our suggestions.
The most formal part of a wedding, the wedding ceremony is where you should impress your guests with your good taste and set the appropriate mood for the vows you are about to make with your significant other.
As per tradition, the wedding ceremony often includes 4 significant points where music should be played.
The prelude, it's when the guests arrive and take their seats. background music should be played at this point to set the mood and entertain the guest as they wait for the ceremony to start
The entrance of the bride. arguably the most memorable part.
the signing of the register, this part of the ceremony can take up to 10 minutes so it's important to keep the mood and atmosphere going.
The exit of the couple from the venue.
Being the most serious part of the day, going for something classy might be something you should do. Pianists, Harpists, Flautists, Violinists, Saxophonists, String duos, trios and quartets, Classical ensembles, Singers, and Choir. these popular types of wedding music are all traditional options. while a singing acoustic guitarist performing your favorite song while you sign the register will also work well.
If you and your significant other have Scottish heritage, Bagpipes during the entrance of the bride are also a popular choice. and if you are planning to get married in a church and would like a traditional-sounding entrance hiring an organist might be something you want to consider.
The drink reception is where all your guests are mingling and getting to know each other. so to keep your guest entertained as they toast the newlyweds and to provide some talking points you may want some light background music. and as drink receptions are often held at small venues with bars, you might want to consider booking an acoustic band and any of the music for the wedding ceremony would work.
and if you're feeling a little bit jazzy, and want to add a little bit of energy to your wedding. booking solo jazz, swing, soul, blues, or singers, either with backing tracks or with a live band. would also be perfect.
While different in a sense that wedding breakfast is the main meal of the day, and the reception is the party after the ceremony. they are essentially the same as at these points of the wedding guests are mostly eating. as the nerves of the wedding ceremony have passed, they can now relax a bit more and enjoy the food.
Playing background music during this point is a great way to keep the party flowing as your guests sit down and eat. the traditional popular wedding music will always work during the reception. but we'd recommend going for classy jazz, soul, or blues. and if the budget allows book a DJ to play some smooth mambo style music for a chilled vibe.
If after all the things we've talked about you still can't choose a wedding background music. We've rounded up some other tips to help you out. we hope these tips would make it a little easier for you to pick out the playlist you need for your ideal wedding. let's start!
As we said, the purpose of background music is to set the mood and add to the vibe. so doesn't have to be bland or soulless, it just needs to be inoffensive enough to have a conversation over.
For a cool and sophisticated background tune without taking over the entire room, Jazz, Blues, and Swing music will always work.
If you're looking for something a little contemporary that ties in with your taste and complements your desired aesthetic. Chill-out electronic, singer-songwriter-type tunes, and fun rock songs are perfect.
Decide on a theme first, then match your music to your theme. as we said background music is only there to add to your chosen aesthetic. so choosing a theme is important.
Music that suddenly gets loud and heavy mid-way through the song, is a no-no. background music is supposed to be inoffensive. so choose something chill throughout.
Avoid anything with explicit lyrics. it's a solemn event. so it'll be better not to hear any profanity. especially if your guests brought kids.
Putting too many slow songs may not be a good idea. putting too many slow songs in a row may wane the energy of the room.
Do you have a favorite restaurant or café? if yes, next time you visit listen carefully to the music they're playing. chances are there is something about it that makes you enjoy the vibe and the food there.
Reception dinners are usually at least two hours long. so make your playlist a little longer than you expect you'll need. as they say "it's better to have something and not need it than need something and not have it."
If you choose to go with the pre-recorded songs route., if you're using a streaming service to play those songs. make sure to check if those songs are available to play offline in case coverage or WIFI is poor on the day of your event.
And finally, assign someone at your wedding party or a trusted guest to make sure the playlist is connected to the audio system at your venue so that they can turn off the music or turn it down for speeches.
You can also have a look at instrumental wedding songs that are good to walk down the aisle to, depending on the procession, reception or wedding prelude.
To further help you in choosing the perfect wedding background song, we've listed a few popular songs for you to play at your event.
If you decided to go with the live performance route for your wedding music. it's important to communicate with them so that they can better adjust themselves to better fit your desired aesthetic. it's important that they know exactly what you have in mind for your wedding day and how'd you like to contribute to the ambiance.
The easiest way to do this is to schedule a call or a meeting with the musicians or band leaders after booking. and discuss these questions with your wedding musicians.
If you and your fiancé have your own favorite songs and would like them to be played at your wedding and the band you booked doesn't know the song, then it's important to give them plenty of notice so they can learn and rehearse it.
If you're trying to avoid the cliché cheesy wedding songs that you've heard a million times at every wedding you've been to. or maybe avoid some song with vaguely suggestive lyrics, it's also important to notify your musicians in advance.
As we said, the wedding entertainment is for the most part there to add to the aesthetic you're going for. so if you can your musicians what to wear during their gig, you should. most musicians can offer a wide range of outfits for their performances. from the formal black tie to casual clothing or even a vibrant festive costume, if you're hosting a festival-themed wedding. so tell you're musicians what sort of vibe and aesthetic you're going for so that they can dress up (or down) to match your chosen theme.
The best way to keep your guests dancing throughout the night is to hire an experienced live wedding band or DJ, ideally someone who has performed in a lot of weddings.
If getting your guests on the dancefloor and keeping them there is something you want for your wedding you should check out our wide roster of live entertainment, from wedding bands, musicians, singers, entertainers, and DJs. all of our hand-picked musicians and entertainers are sure to keep the energy of your wedding going. so check us out at UK Live Entertainment
