Even if you and your fiancé aren’t exactly known for cutting up a rug, you’ll want to make sure you have music of some sort on your big day. From your ceremony to your reception, there will be moments of downtime, or sentimentality, that will be best accented with the right tunes. And, of course, most guests always appreciate good entertainment. The question is then, what music should you pick? Here’s out thoughts.

Church/Religious Ceremony

Pick music that reflects your religious roots and/or the traditional music of your respective church. Is there a favorite song you loved to sing as a child attending church? Have it played either during your procession or in between the religious litany. Is there a traditional song from your respective heritages, consider having it worked into the musical arrangement during the ceremony as well. The ceremony is always the most reverent and personal part of the big day, so your music choices should reflect a nice balance between the cultures and religions being united by the couple.

Alternative Ceremony

For those a little on the funkier side, alternative weddings may not even need music. If you’re saying “I Do” while parachuting out of an airplane or bungee jumping off a cliff, you probably don’t need to worry about music (you won’t hear it anyways). But, if you’re going a little more low key, like having a nondenominational wedding at the zoo or a local park, pulling out your favorite acoustic hits is a great idea. Bands like Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young evoke a nostalgic yester year feel, while contemporary artists like Ray La Montaigne and Coldplay channel the inner funky you.

Indoor Reception

Indoor receptions are likely going to be formal. When you think of indoor weddings you think of ballrooms, country clubs, and historic venues. Your music choices should reflect this air of sophistication as well.

Outdoor Reception

Though not always, outdoor receptions are usually more informal. The key factor is location. A garden wedding could be more formal than a beach wedding (the iconic informal wedding), but it doesn’t have to be. You can still get married by the beautiful Spanish fountain and boogie on down to James Brown on the open piazza. Decide which atmosphere you want to create in your outdoor setting: formal or informal, and then consider the following:

Formal Reception

Formal receptions tend to be more reserved than informal receptions. By their very nature, there’s a certain etiquette and décor that accompanies formal receptions. Channel formality without being stuffy by playing a mix of classical music (very formal) with a little Big Band and Swing to switch gears and heat things up. A perfect option would be a live band, who can handle a mix of both classical “dinner music” (as we like to call it) and Big Band-esque “dance music.” If you’re having a formal wedding, you’re probably not going to consider a DJ or a DIY music station because they channel more informal wedding vibes.

Informal Reception

Informal receptions are perfect for bringing out those classic albums. Love The Beatles? They’re great for those outdoor summer weddings; pair them up with Van Morrison, Joss Stone, and Joni Mitchell for a nice blend. Informal receptions are all about personalization and laid back comfort. Reflect those moods in your music choice and you’ll send hints to your guests that its time to chill out and party on.

DIY

If either you, your fiancé, siblings (or someone close enough to ask) owns a nice portable stereo system, you just need to make sure there are proper hook ups for the technology at your venue. The new ipod systems are more popular than ever because you can store an entire library along with organized play lists (one for ceremony, one, two, or three for the reception!). Adding to the convenience of the ipod system, most portable ipod players are small yet efficient. You may want to hook up a few extra speakers for added “oomph,” so get the techy in your wedding guest list to help you out.

Lastly …

Consider the Demographics

Are there going to be a lot of teenagers and young adults? How many grandmas and grandpas are making it out to the big day? Consider the varying age groups of your wedding guests and try and create different “play lists” or song selections so that you offer a little something for everyone.

A DJ can easily handle (but won’t always volunteer or offer this as part of their package: be sure and ask) personal song requests; it’s usually best if you take this up with them before the wedding.

Another nice option is asking guests to fill out their favorite song on their response card.
With all in hand, give them to the DJ and allow them to shuffle through their library to account for as many “requests” as possible for a pleasant surprise for your guests. If you’re doing the music yourself, make alternative play lists or multiple mixed CDs with as many of these songs incorporated as possible; shuffle accordingly.

The main idea is to get as many people on the dance floor at possible and keep them there. That won’t happen if you’re only playing hard rap or punk alternative, or on the same note, all Adult Contemporary and Big Band. Mix it up and people will likely have fun gettin’ down!