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Things to Consider
Before choosing what music to have at your wedding, you'll need to consider a number of factors - in particular:
music format - live or recorded?
The type of music you have at your wedding will depend on whether you opt for live or recorded music. There are advantages and disadvantages to both as summarised below:
Live music - (individual act or a group)
Advantages
- Musicians can adapt their music to match the atmosphere required and fill in gaps as necessary
- Sound quality is usually better
- Live music is something that the guests usually remember well after the wedding day
Disadvantages
- Cost. Most musicians will charge anything from £150-£700 for a two hour performance during the day. Live bands can cost anything from £700 upwards.
- Depending on your choice of musician - you may be restricted to one kind of music genre
- Sound volume may be too loud for your choice of venue
- Musicians need to take breaks during their performance. Usually this won't pose too much of a problem, but you probably need to hire a DJ for the evening to play in between breaks and towards the end of the evening when the live performance has finished.
- You may not like their interpretation of your first dance song
Recorded music - (CDs and disco)
Advantages
- Cheaper
- Variety of music genre - music to suit all the generations
- Guests can make requests on the day
- You'll know what your first dance song will sound like
Disadvantages
- Music during the day will be more inflexible and may not match the mood
- Some DJ's will have a set playlist for weddings. Unless you have the option to put in
Type of ceremony
Civil ceremonies - Once all the guests are seated, you should aim to choose five further songs for: The Processional - 1 song; signing of the register (2 songs) The Recessional (1 song). CD's are a popular choice at civil ceremonies if someone is available to control the music. See types of wedding music for further alternatives.
Church weddings - As with civil ceremonies, you will need music for the Processional, signing of the register and The Recessional as well as a couple of Hymns. Organ music can be very dramatic and is a common choice if the church has one. See types of wedding music for other alternatives.
Budget
The amount you want to spend will obviously affect the type of music you choose for your wedding day. The typical costs of different types of music act are detailed below - see types of wedding music. Other factors affecting the cost of a musical act include:
- Number of people in the group
- How popular or well established they are
- Distance they have to travel
- Performance time
- Experience
- Type of music
- Extra equipment - such as lights, mirror balls, stage etc.
Suggestions to suit your budget:
- Low budget - play music CD's as background music throughout the day and during the ceremony (if civil ceremony) and opt for a DJ for the evening's entertainment. Ask around and see if you have any talented friends who could perform at some point during your day.
- Mid budget idea - if you fancy some live music - choose a small live act for your reception drinks, a DJ for the evening's entertainment and a CD for all the other background music.
- Big budget - if you really want to splash out - choose live music all the way. Don't forget to hire a DJ for the evening to play when the live band has a break and after their performance has ended.
Mood & atmosphere
The type of music you choose will also depend on the kind of mood you want to create at your wedding. Everyone has different ideas - perhaps you want a grand or formal affair, or perhaps a fun & uplifting atmosphere. Some types of music are better suited to certain kinds of mood, whilst other acts can be flexible and adapt to the mood required at different times throughout the day.
The venue
The type of music you have will also depend on your choice of venue. Providing the venue allows live music, other factors to consider include size & layout, noise restrictions and preferred suppliers.
- Size & layout - Most venues have room for a small dance floor and a DJ. If you want a live band or barn dance, you'll need to ensure there is sufficient space for the band or for the dancing itself. If there is a stage already set up, you'll need to check it is big enough for any live bands. Another consideration should be the location and number of power sockets - although most wedding venues will already have thought of this.
- Noise restrictions - Most venues will have a sound limiter which is requirement for music licences. Sound limiters measure the volume of music. If the volume exceeds a set limit, the power supply will automatically be cut off. The maximum limit is usually 90-95 decibels but could be lower. Some live bands may not be suitable if the limit is too low.
- Preferred suppliers - some venues might only allow their preferred suppliers to play at the venue. This is usually to ensure that noise restrictions are adhered to.