The Bridal Book

Wedding Planner

Celebrations

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The best way to ensure your wedding is music to the ears is to consider the day as three separate events, each requiring its own distinct music. According to Craig Scott, of Craig Scott Entertainment, "It's all about creating different atmospheres (or movements) throughout your wedding. For example, the first "movement" occurs when the guests arrive. This music should be very subtle but create a distinct atmosphere much like the first movement of a classical piece of music."

Go with something soft and easy, such as two violinists playing at the entrance to the ceremony or reception site to greet your guests, or perhaps a classical guitar to create gentle background music as your guests gather prior to the start of your ceremony.

The second movement would be the ceremony itself, building and enhancing the first movement. Try adding a few more strings to complete a string quartet. You can also add a flute and piano. But the key ingredient here is to build and use something a little bit different than you had for the arrival and ceremony. Your guests will now be in a different environment and the music should change also.

At the cocktail hour, consider switching to light jazz standards, perhaps some Gershwin or Cole Porter. The atmosphere is a little more lively. The trick is to keep the music moving as you leave the ceremony and head to the cocktail hour. "It's a little like creating a soundtrack to a movie," says Scott.

The third and final movement would be the reception itself -- where the dancing and the party really kicks off. You've had all of the other movements setting and building up to this part.

Looks do count, too. The band or deejay should look as good as they sound. Your entertainment should look polished, formally dressed with equipment and bandstands looking neat and clean. You don't want to see wires dangling all over the bandstand or messy equipment.

Next, you want to make sure that you have continuous music from the start of the reception to the end. The music should be brought down to background music during all of your courses then a great mix of diversified dance music when you're not eating.

Professional entertainers will work closely with the maitre d' to ensure that there is a seamless flow through out the reception.

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