Can you imagine a wedding without music? We can’t. What about a wedding without structure or coordination? You won’t find out how valuable structure can be until you don’t have it on the most important day of your life!
Without music, a wedding has little to no support or structure. Not only does it enhance the experience for your wedding party and your guests as music tends to lift spirits, but it also moves your celebration along throughout the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and so on. The right music creates the ideal ambiance for a bride and groom to celebrate. From walking down the aisle to the first dance, music must be done right. The wrong music will not only be uncomfortable for guests but also detract from the significance and elegance of the celebration.
The role of a music provider, whether it is a DJ or a band, is to always keep the ball rolling, never allow a dull moment, and build a relationship with the guests so everyone feels comfortable to get jiggy on the dance floor. Weddings require social music, not necessarily the nonstop beats you find at the club, but music that allows for conversation and invites dancing. An experienced DJ will pay attention to the volume, tempo, and energy during each stage of the celebration.
A DJ in particular can also provide the structure, timeline, and coordination of the event no matter how big or small, in the absence of a wedding coordinator. Our DJs will always defer to a hired planner or coordinator, but you should rest this job in the hands of a hired professional, DJ or planner, in any case.
The music during your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception should all be different and heighten as guests’ desire to have fun increases. The planned changes in music can also alert guests that the ceremony is beginning, direct attention, and provide a fun atmosphere in general.
The Ceremony
One of the biggest mistakes a couple can make is to start a ceremony in silence. Most guests arrive 20-30 minutes before the ceremony begins, but the wait will seem a lot longer if they have to wait in silence. While traditional ceremonies have prelude, processional, and recessional music, there is room to express yourself as a couple. The music should reflect the seriousness and commitment between the couple. Music during the ceremony creates an emotional impact and can be used as a signal for guests to be seated or get quiet.
Cocktail Hour
Upbeat music takes any event to the next level. The cocktail hour is the stage of a wedding where friends and family are taking time to connect. The music should be lively, but quaint. It’s common to hear jazz music or drum beats. Nothing too crazy, the real party hasn’t started until the bride and groom come back in from taking pictures!
The Reception
Now, we can get the party started. The music at the reception will make or break the whole vibe of a wedding, making it essential to hire a trusted, experienced, and successful DJ (that’s us!) to take charge of gauging the direction of the night. A DJ will also understand how to engage your guests at an appealing pace. The first 15 minutes of the reception are crucial to giving the guests an idea of what type of music will be playing for the remainder of the celebration.
The First Dance
It’s always bittersweet to watch a newly wedded couple dance alone during their first dance. However, a common mistake is allowing the first dance to go on for too long with just the bride and groom in the spotlight. And sometimes couples don’t want that much spotlight. While a wedding is about the couple, you should keep your guests in mind too. Consider inviting them to dance with you after 30 seconds of swaying back and forth. If you want to have your entire 5 minutes, we invite you to do the whole song too!
From this moment on, it is up to the DJ to keep the night moving and to keep guests from standing on the sideline. Always have a conversation with your DJ about the “must-play” songs and the do-not-play list. It is important to play the music that will appeal to everyone and save your obscure favorites for your honeymoon playlist!
How We Can Help
Great music energizes a crowd and an energized crowd makes for a great party. Music helps break the social barriers among guests, helps them to loosen up, and lends shape to a celebration where the bride and groom are the centerpieces. Because music is so important to your special day, we provide the best quality DJs just for you. And a hired hand, coordinator or DJ, can make or break your timeline, structure of the day, and overall happiness when you accomplish all of the important aspects you wanted to cover on the biggest day of your life.
At HD Entertainment, we are professional and experienced DJs that will work with your vision in mind to plan a wedding that keeps the focus on you and creates an environment of unforgettable enjoyment. Contact us today to book.