How to Choose Music for Your Wedding

There are countless details to consider when planning a wedding—everything from choosing a photographer and selecting floral arrangements to renting the car that will carry the bride to the church (in this regard, Ghisu’s fleet offers complete freedom of choice). Yet one element you shouldn’t overlook is the music: every truly memorable reception needs its own special soundtrack. How can you be sure you’re making the right decision? First and foremost, you need to think about the setting.

Feel free to explore genres from jazz to blues, although you’ll want to consider how formal or casual the reception will be, as well as the average age and musical preferences of your guests. Whether you lean toward traditional ballroom music or upbeat rock, the goal is to strike a balance that pleases everyone.

A good approach is to create a musical crescendo: start with softer, more relaxed tunes during the cocktail hour and dinner, then gradually amp up the energy for the evening’s dancing and festivities. Throughout the meal, the music should serve as a pleasant backdrop, allowing guests to converse without having to raise their voices. Keep the volume moderate—music is there to frame the celebration, not take center stage—though you might turn it up a notch for special moments like the cake-cutting.

Consider alternating instrumental pieces during the banquet with occasional vocal tracks between courses. If you hire a band or solo singer, be clear that lyrics should be kept to a minimum, and make sure to agree on every detail in advance to avoid unwelcome surprises. Finally, for the later part of the evening, nothing beats a mix of contemporary pop and commercial hits—though of course you can always tailor the playlist to your own favorite songs.