WEDDING DJ - PARTY DJ SERVICES

In Tune

Music can have a major influence on your wedding's mood. Choose well throughout the event, and you'll make the whole day pitch perfect.

Although its influence is subtle, the music you choose will color the atmosphere of your event and set a pace for the day, whether you're looking to build anticipation as the guests file in, lend a note of beauty during your ceremony, or set toes tapping at the party afterwards.

There are no rules about what music you must include during the event. The flip side of this kind of freedom is the responsibility that comes with it, and choosing the right music can be intimidating. Make the task easier by breaking your wedding day down into its component parts. Think about what kind of mood you'd like to set as the hours proceed and how you want your guests to feel at the different points of the celebration.

The price of such a project can seem daunting, but some simple cost-saving measures do exist.

Finally, a DJ at the reception provides tremendous savings over a live band, and you'll know exactly how the music will sound.

The Breakdown

• The processional
• The recessional
• The reception

And here are the times that would be enhanced by music:

• The guests' arrival and seating
• The ceremony
• The cocktail hour

GUESTS ARRIVAL AND SEATING
The seats are filling and the sanctuary is buzzing as guests crane their necks to get a good look at who's here and what they're wearing. Attention is on finding a seat and greeting each other; this is not the time to showcase your favorite song or performer.

Instead, look to set a mood. How do you want the room to feel? If you want a feeling of quiet harmony, chamber music or gentle jazz will set the tone nicely. Use our own line library to help you zero in on what composer feels right to you.

THE PROCESSIONAL
The measured pace up the aisle, the moment when parents relinquish their children to a new family: the processional is generally a solemn moment. Solemn does not have to mean somber, but you will want to choose music that makes sense. You'll probably want to stick with the traditional here—but traditional doesn't have to mean boring.

THE CEREMONY
All attention is focuses on the bride and groom as the two of you stand before the world and plight your troth. A piece of music that is especially meaningful to you might be able to convey some of the emotion you're experiencing.

Many things can work here: a folk song, a classical guitar piece, a German lied, or a flute solo could capture the essence of how you feel. Remember, however, that music is not mandatory during the ceremony, and may be proscribed by certain religious ceremonies.

THE RECESSIONAL
You're married! Mark this joyous moment with a joyful noise. The recessional should be lively, whether it's a classical march or a swinging jazz tune. This can also be a time to use music that you love, but that wouldn't quite work during the ceremony.

THE COCKTAIL HOUR
The wedding party is being photographed in every possible combination as the guests chat, sip drinks, and nibble on hors d'oeuvres. The party is warming up, but the meal has yet to be served.

The mood here should be festive but anticipatory; the crowd isn't ready to really let loose quite yet. Swing or jazz can work wonderfully here. The music is infectious, but not aggressive.

DURING THE MEAL
The guests have found their seats and are ready to dig in. Don't confuse them by playing dance music while you want them to be eating. Turning the volume down a little and sticking to instrumentals only can help get people to their tables.

Mealtime music can be tricky, however, as some couples like to have dancing in between courses, while others like to get the meal out of the way before hitting the dance floor. Be sure to communicate clearly with your DJ about how the evening will be paced.

FOR DANCING
Finally, it's time to let loose and party. The type of music you pick will define the evening, which is why people spend so much money on wedding entertainment. You have a lot of choices, but you'll want to go with something that people can get down to—keeping in mind that pounding rock or hip hop might be a turn-off to the older crowd. Rhythm and blues (think Motown classics), big band or even swing tunes are often popular choices across generational lines.