Wedding Songs & Wedding Music Lists

Getting the Perfect Wedding Music - Article courtesy of Mikki Verek, Wedding Songs by New Traditions Wedding Music - Read the full page article

"A wedding day is filled with moments that become memories. Wedding music gives those memories a melody to play in your heart forever"

As soon as you confirm a wedding date and secure a location for your ceremony and reception you should begin making arrangements to hire musicians and/or a DJ. The most popular wedding music professionals are booked at least one year in advance.

Usually a bride and groom will need music for the wedding ceremony, the social hour or cocktail hour (the hour just before the reception begins) and the reception.

One month before your wedding date you should have a meeting with your musician (s) to confirm all ceremony music details. Most times a wedding ceremony has four parts when music should be playing.

Note: *Many times a church, chapel, synagogue, etc. will have strict guidelines about wedding songs used during your ceremony; be sure to ask your clergy person!

Cocktail Hour Music

Your bandleader or DJ should be able to provide Social Hour Music. Having music greet your guests at the social hour is a wonderful way to begin the party part of your wedding day. The music should not be loud because the social hour is when your guests will want to "socialize" and catch up on old times.

Wedding Reception Music

One month before your wedding date have a meeting with your bandleader or DJ to confirm all your reception music details such as introductions, announcements and special songs. Bring a list of songs you want played for special moments. (i.e., first dance, father bride, etc.)

Tell your orchestra leader or DJ exactly when (and in what order) you want special moments such as the blessing, toast, cake cutting, first dance, father daughter dance, groom mother dance wedding party dance, ethnic dances, garter and or bouquet toss, etc.

Confirm band breaks (The band should play CDs while they are on break). Confirm the band or DJs attire. . Request a wireless microphone for the blessing, toast, etc. Review the entire contract including any overtime charge. Confirm final payment and when it should be paid. Above all don't' be shy about telling your bandleader or DJ exactly what you want.

You should have a signed detailed contract for your ceremony, social hour and reception. The person who signs the contract should be the same person working for you on your wedding day. You don't want some mystery musician (or DJ) at your wedding.

Be sure to designate from the start exactly who is in charge of confirming details and scheduling meetings for the wedding day music. By doing this you will avoid confusion, delays and most importantly misunderstandings.

An ink pen is the magic wand of a wedding day
Get it all in writing, no matter what they say
Good intentions, happy thoughts, won't make "wrong" a "right"
So, get it all in writing-and you'll sleep well tonight!

"Where did you put the contract for hiring the band?" The frantic bride asked the groom with the wedding close at hand He said, "I thought your sister was the one who had that job" The bride shrieked in disbelief, "That was your job, Bob!"

Jack and Jill looked far and wide to find a wedding band
Together on a mission they searched throughout the land
At times they got discouraged-growing tired of the quest
But all their work was worth it when they found the very best!

Hiring Your Wedding Entertainment:

A contract should include: