Music for LDS Wedding Receptions
Aside from the lighting, the music you play is the biggest determinant in the overall mood of your wedding reception. Your important wedding music decisions include what to play, when to play it, and whether to hire a DJ, a live band, or do it yourself.
Music is an effective, inexpensive way to create a mood. Whether you want your reception to be elegant, upbeat, romantic, fun, or serious – playing the right music is vital to its success. Classic, very formal weddings can’t go wrong with the likes of Harry Connick, Jr. and Frank Sinatra. But more casual, playful weddings can play more unconventional songs like recent pop, alternative, and punk titles and pull it off beautifully.
Depending on the length and timeline of your reception, you’ll need background music for dinner and socializing, plus a few special titles for the couple’s first dance and the mother/son and father/daughter dances. Many couples also use music to augment their cake cutting and bouquet toss moments.
You will naturally focus on the song titles, but remember that who plays them is just as important. LDS brides and grooms can either hire a DJ, get a live band to play at their wedding, or do their own music.
♥ DJs can play continuous music, have a large music library, and are known for crowd interaction. However, they can be pricey.
♥ Live bands carry the excitement and authenticity of a live show, but band members do need breaks and have a more limited repertoire of music. Depending on the number of band members, this option can be expensive.
♥ Doing your own music is labor-intensive and stressful (if last-minute technical difficulties occur, it’s up to you to fix them) but a lot more affordable.
No matter what method you ultimately choose for playing your wedding music, make sure to ask plenty of questions. Seek references from any band or DJ you consider and ask to see a recording of them performing a gig before you sign on the dotted line.
In the months leading up to the wedding day, keep your ears open for new music ideas. Some LDS brides carry around a notebook and pen in case they hear a new title they love in an unexpected place. Scan lyrics (all verses, not just the first) for profanity or embarrassing references that wouldn’t be appropriate for an LDS guest list. Also keep tabs on the length of songs you like if you plan to use them as a first dance or daddy/daughter dance.
The music you play during the few hours of your wedding reception may go by fast, but it will leave a lasting impact. From the moment your guests walk into your reception venue, the music will set the mood for the rest of the night. So what will your guests be hearing? What do you want it to say to them?
♥ Jenny Evans
Exclusively for WeddingLDS.info
Copyright © 2011 WeddingLDS.info. All rights reserved.
