What music is good for a wedding?

[Intern Steve]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering what kind of music should be played at a wedding. I'm not getting married, but it's a question that crossed my mind. Should it be jazz, top 40, have a Dj, rock, swing etc.? I think it would be interesting to hear Jazz-Metal fusion at a wedding. Lay down an opinion if you want to.

Cheers
Steve

[wljmrbill]

At the reception anything goes BUT for the marriage service ,which I consider a Holy and sacred service, it would depend on the religious association. Many faiths have rules regarding the music to be used in the service. So a number of things must be considered. I personally would refuse to play any of those forms for a wedding service that you mentioned.

[Krummhorn]

I'm a traditionalist when it comes to music for the wedding ceremony itself. Guess it has been permanently etched in my brain after playing in church for almost a half century.

I quite agree also with Bill's post above ... anything goes for the reception.

But please be considerate of people at the reception ... the decibel level of whatever music is being played/performed doesn't have to bust everyone's ear drums ... it doesn't have to be heard 3 miles away to be appreciated as good music .

[Contratrombone64]

I think Bill and Lars' views are fine ... however, music choice is fundamental up to the bride and groom (often left to their parents). As to what music is appropriate for a wedding service, that's entirely up to you and the rector/priest. He/she will soon tell you if the music you're thinking about is not suitable.

If it's a secular service (not in a church), do whatever you want.

[JONESEY]

I'm with David on this one ... when I meet with wedding couples I stress time and time again that it is their day, and therefore their choice of music.

Unfortunately for some people I get told 'oh, we don't mind ... you choose something' and that's always a shame that they haven't looked into what music they would like.

If however the couple do request something different, I do my utmost to play it, as it shows they've made a concious decision on what music they would like to hear on their big day.

Just my two penneth

[teddy]

Yes, I am all for traditional music for the ceremony, and nothing too loud at the reception. Nothing is worse than not being able to talk to fellows guests without resorting to screaming. Several times I have left receptions or birthday events because the music was exceptionally loud.

teddy

[JHC]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering what kind of music should be played at a wedding. I'm not getting married, but it's a question that crossed my mind. Should it be jazz, top 40, have a Dj, rock, swing etc.? I think it would be interesting to hear Jazz-Metal fusion at a wedding. Lay down an opinion if you want to.

Cheers
Steve

You obviously mean at the reception and really that depends on the people you have asked, the worst thing you could do is to have music that they would not like, so a mix is a safe bet, why not a live trio or such ?

[Intern Steve]

Thanks for the responses. I guess metal wouldn't be best for a reception. I'm wonder what would be played at a multicultural wedding. Traditional is good, but what if there were 2 completely traditions?

[teddy]

Which two? Are we talking about traditional Indian and say Irish? In which case good luck to you. Different generations would be easier. Cater for the oldies during the first half. And the younger ones as it gets later. I think metal or heavy rock would be totally unsuitable. Remember what I said. People want to be able to talk to each other. They do not go to weddings principally to listen to music.

teddy

[hardbop grandpop]

i would think the piano of bill evans playing quietly in the back ground would be perfect at a wedding. gord

[frank_dale]

Which two? Are we talking about traditional Indian and say Irish? In which case good luck to you. Different generations would be easier. Cater for the oldies during the first half. And the younger ones as it gets later. I think metal or heavy rock would be totally unsuitable. Remember what I said. People want to be able to talk to each other. They do not go to weddings principally to listen to music.

teddy

I agree, ceremonies are generally more subdued, jazz would be more suited to the reception. Having said that I've been to a wedding that had acoustic jazz guitar during the ceremony and it was beautiful.





jazz

[naDiNawasA]

I like Celine Dion's Colour of My Love

[JHC]

Why not some Chopin nocturnes just quietly in the background

[JONESEY]

I played Piano for a civil ceremony last year and Chopin's nocturnes featured in that. Also some lighter Beethoven, Mozart as well as modern pieces and some show tunes (brides choice!)

I had a couple of meetings with the couple - before the first one I had them draw up a list of their favourite songs - important ones to them as a couple etc.
The second one I made sure I had a decent selection ready to play for them.

It worked well for me - just a suggestion.

[teddy]

Any news on your wedding Steve?

teddy