The Top 5 Wedding Music Mistakes You Must Avoid

When it comes to adding to the ambiance of your wedding reception, the music you play has a key role. Wedding music shouldn’t be taken lightly, and you can use it to enhance your wedding theme and entertainment. So, how can you guarantee your wedding music does just that and not the opposite?

Here are the top 5 wedding music mistakes you must avoid.

Mistake #1: Not creating a must-play and don’t-play lists

The biggest mistake to make is not knowing the kind of music you want to hear. As mentioned, music is great at setting the ambiance at a wedding or any such event. You could suddenly hear a song and feel exhilarated, humorous or just sad. On your wedding day, the last emotion is definitely a feeling you don’t need.

Start by making sure you know at least a few songs you want to hear during the reception (your first dance being the obvious!) and list those songs you really do not want the band or DJ to play.

Mistake #2: Sticking to a single genre too strictly

It’s important to match the wedding band or DJ with the theme of your wedding. If you’re throwing an elegant 30s-themed wedding reception, music from a 30s wedding band will highlight the theme beautifully.

However, it doesn’t mean you need the band or DJ to stick religiously to the genre. People like change and there are ways you could incorporate modern hits to your swing-themed wedding music. So, check with your music provider what kind of music they are able to play and will they mix it up a little on the big day.

Mistake #4: Crossing the line of appropriateness

OK, your wedding day is definitely your day as a couple, and you shouldn’t be forced to do things you don’t want. There’s no reason you just need to follow tradition – breaking wedding rules can be a good idea to create a more personalised wedding.

However, you don’t necessarily want to push all the boundaries – especially with music. While you might understand the fun side of songs that use profane language, your elder relatives or those who have brought their children to the wedding might not!

Mistake #5: You don’t properly schedule your music

It’s important to ensure your music is scheduled according to the reception program. You don’t want music to be boxed as a few hours of the event – getting people on the dance floor – while the rest of the time everything’s quiet. This is especially true if you are having the wedding, reception, and party in the same place, or are having a full sit-down meal during the evening party, and are looking to keep guests entertained throughout the day.

Scheduling also ensures music is played with the right volume. A good band or DJ knows to keep music in the background during the dinner or cocktail hour, while upping the volume and the tempo as the night progresses.

Mistake #6: Not caring about the details

Don’t feel like pre-listening to your chosen wedding band or DJ? If you approach music with ‘a whatever’ attitude, chances are it won’t add positively to your wedding. You shouldn’t have to micromanage your wedding music, but you should still care.

Talk with your chosen performer beforehand, think carefully what you want from them and read the contracts carefully. Wedding music might just be in the background of your wedding, but it can quickly change the atmosphere from good to melancholy.

When it comes to creating the right ambiance at your wedding, your music choices will be at the heart of decisions. So, ensure you don’t make the above six wedding music mistakes.

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