Whether you decide to tie the knot at dawn or dusk the reception is a continuation of your wedding and your personality. Music for the event can be tailored to match your style and budget, daytime or night.
Whether you decide to tie the knot at dawn or dusk the reception is a continuation of your wedding and your personality. Music for the event can be tailored to match your style and budget, daytime or night.
Music has the power to uplift our hearts, raise our spirits and move our bodies. It creates a mood and carries us along for the ride. The entertainment you select for your wedding reception sets the tone for the experience you want to share with your guests. No matter what your budget or the time of day you choose to wed, music serves as a backdrop for the celebration and is a reflection of your personal style.
Music in the Morning
Morning weddings provide the bride and groom with a calmer more relaxed atmosphere. Barbette Falk, leader of the Quartette Barbette, suggests considering a softer musical approach to the celebration's mood. You may want to choose a classical group such as a woodwind trio or a string quartet, but don't forget options such as a guitar accompanied by a flute or saxophone. Many of these types of ensembles have the added benefit of transitioning easily from the ceremony to the reception and can accommodate a variety of musical styles from Classical to Jazz to Celtic.
Daytime and Evening
DJs and live bands lend themselves to the more upbeat mood of an afternoon or evening wedding. Use background music during dinner to provide a relaxing atmosphere but remember to keep it low key. It shouldn't be so loud that guests can't carry on a conversation. Then once the meal is over it's time to pull out all the stops and get the party started! The world is full of wonderful music and most wedding consultants will recommend a variety of choices rather than just one style.
When budgeting for your reception music, one thing to consider is that morning and afternoon weddings are generally less expensive. According to Doug McAlexander of Arsis Productions, some performers may give an additional discount if the timing of the reception allows the group to accept an evening booking. Because music is the key to providing the ambience you desire, it's important to get the best you can afford. No matter what time of day you have the reception, don't settle for a mediocre 10 piece band when you can hire a professional quartet.
A Musical Remembrance
Whether your budget accommodates a DJ, soloist, quartet or live band, couples who love music should make it a focal point of their celebration. One unique way to commemorate the event is to give your guests a personalized wedding CD. There is no finer expression of your joy than to share it through music. In the words of William Shakespeare, "If music be the food of love, play on."
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