Typically, the majority of your wedding components (such as the invitations, color palette, decorations, and photography style) will likely be organized well before you finalize your music selections. Therefore, you’ll want to make sure that your music choices—ranging from the prelude at the ceremony and cocktail hour to your entrance at the reception and the final song of the evening—align with the overall theme of the celebration.
“I firmly believe that music truly establishes the atmosphere for your wedding guests, which is why we always recommend particular types of entertainment for every segment of the wedding, from a playlist provided to the transportation service for shuttles, to the string quartet playing the tune that was playing at the bar where the couple met while guests are being seated at the ceremony,” says Victoria Holland, a destination wedding planner and the owner of Victoria Ann Events. “We always suggest seeking out creative and distinctive ways to use music to reflect the couple’s personality while also matching the ambiance, which can be easily accomplished by selecting specific performers and requesting they play particular songs that align with the couple’s preferences.”
In this guide, Holland assists us in outlining the essential factors couples should consider when harmonizing their music choices—both in terms of performers and songs—with the overall style of their wedding day, ensuring a consistent (and romantic!) experience.
Define Your Wedding Style
When you began your wedding planning, you likely had a particular vision in mind. Perhaps you prioritized the guest list first, knowing you would host a large, formal wedding. Maybe you have always envisioned a more intimate celebration that resembles an at-home dinner party rather than a conventional reception. Or, you might be planning a destination wedding and have chosen various elements based on that specific locale, whether it’s a beach, an island, or a desert. The key factors that have shaped your wedding concept will also guide you in determining your wedding style, which is an excellent starting point for deciding on the type of music you desire. “We love to draw inspiration from the wedding’s location or theme,” Holland notes. “If you’re tying the knot in Mexico, it’s natural to include a Mariachi band for part of the wedding weekend. For another wedding, we featured steel drums during the cocktail hour in a more tropical setting.”
Whether it’s based on the theme, destination, or a blend of stylistic elements, consider the following points when identifying your wedding style in relation to music choices.
The Photography Style
What type of photography are you envisioning? Do you want vintage-style images, film photography, or monochrome photos? Perhaps you’re interested in more editorial or documentary-style shots, or something darker and moodier. If you have a specific aesthetic in mind for your photography or videography (or even social media content for platforms like Instagram or TikTok), this should influence your choice of music style (for instance, for a vintage feel, playing classic 1920s tunes or hiring a jazz band could be ideal).
The Décor Aesthetic
Do you have a distinct aesthetic planned for your wedding? Some examples might include a garden wedding, nautical theme, rustic setting, bohemian style, or whimsical design. If you’ve settled on a certain theme, let that guide you in selecting a band, DJ, or individual performer, as well as the types of musical arrangements you want to include. For instance, if you’re hosting a bohemian-themed wedding with 1970s influences, aim for a playlist that echoes that time period. Conversely, if your wedding is colorful and whimsical, you might choose energetic, acoustic music throughout the event. While your music doesn’t have to adhere to a single genre, ensuring a smooth flow throughout the entire day is important.
The Destination
Are you planning your wedding in a specific location with traditional music that fits the wedding vibe perfectly? For example, if your wedding is set at Lake Como in Italy, you could engage local musicians to perform classic Italian love songs during the cocktail hour and reception. If you’re hosting a summer beach wedding in coastal New England, you might prefer laid-back, beach-inspired acoustic music as the primary backdrop for your celebration.
When Is Music Most Important During the Event?
Some couples might think that having memorable music isn’t the top priority for the ceremony or the sit-down dinner. If this is the case, consider investing in an excellent band and having them perform during the dance party to guarantee that the energy is high during that part of the evening. Alternatively, if you feel that you need some extra ambiance during the ceremony (for the processional and the walk down the aisle), having live musicians, such as a singer or a string quartet, during this segment of the event may be where you want to concentrate your efforts.
Think About the Space
One key element of your wedding aesthetic that will affect your music selections is the physical space where the wedding will take place. Will it be in a large cathedral with high ceilings or in a spacious hotel ballroom? Are you hosting an outdoor wedding by a waterfront (where sound carries well)? Or perhaps you’re in a more intimate setting, such as a bar or restaurant. The dimensions of your venue will definitely influence the type of music you eventually choose—for example, Holland generally recommends DJs, solo artists, saxophonists, or string quartets for smaller venues. “You can still fill the space with music, but the set-up doesn’t have to occupy too much of the valuable venue space,” she clarifies.
On the other hand, if you’re organizing an outdoor wedding, discuss all logistical aspects. “Ensure that everyone is aligned regarding sound regulations, when the entertainment must conclude, the permitted volume levels, and the power requirements for the entertainment—and whether that needs to come from you or if the venue can arrange for power at the reception site,” Holland advises. “Try to finalize these details before signing the contract to avoid unexpected expenses later.” She also points out that couples should consider what their musical performers will need regarding setup. “Most bands have specific requirements for their setup, such as the stage size.”
Find a DJ or Wedding Band With Similar Music Tastes
As you begin researching and interviewing various bands, DJs, instrumentalists, and vocalists, ensure that your music preferences align with what they provide—the last thing you want is for a performer to deviate and play something that feels entirely out of sync with your personality or wedding theme. Be sure to read reviews for each artist, watch recordings of their previous performances, check their Spotify or Apple Music profiles if available, and review their website to understand their style. Arrive at the meeting with precise examples of what you wish to hear at the wedding—and what you prefer to avoid! If you have a do-not-play list, make certain to share this with the musicians well in advance of the wedding day.
Holland notes that when she starts collaborating with couples, she always inquires about which music genres they would like at their wedding. “If they desire a club vibe and want everyone on the dance floor all night, we usually recommend a DJ, but it’s vital to find a DJ who gets the music style you’re after,” she explains. Conversely, if a couple specifically wants genres like Motown, Oldies, or R&B, she often suggests a band. “Experiencing those genres live always contributes to a fun atmosphere!”
Consider Nontraditional Music Options
People frequently discuss wedding bands and DJs—but there are numerous alternatives beyond just those two choices. Think about hiring individual musicians for various segments of the event. For instance, you might want a string quartet to perform an instrumental rendition of a favorite song as you proceed down the aisle, and again during the ceremony. Following that, you could prepare a playlist for the cocktail hour, reception, and dance segment. Alternatively, you may wish to play recorded music through speakers during the ceremony, then hire a solo singer accompanied by instruments (like a guitarist) for the cocktail hour, followed by either a playlist or a DJ for the remainder of the reception and the dance party.
Ultimately, the possibilities for selecting your wedding music are truly endless. Utilizing your overall wedding theme to guide these decisions—and collaborating closely with your planner and chosen musicians—will ensure that the day sounds as cohesive as it appears.