This blog, “From Ceremony to Celebration: The Impact of Live Music for Your Wedding” was inspired by a photo I posted last week about Spotify not smiling at you mid-song. I found myself laughing at that caption a little more than I should have, I just thought it was so clever! (Insert eye-roll here.)
Here are some biased reasons why having live music at your wedding is a must. Not just coming from a Sunshine Coast wedding musician, but even if you asked me as a celebrant, I’d still say: if you have the budget for it, then yes!
(If you don’t have the budget, keep reading because I still have some hot tips for you because I want everyone to have the best night ever.)
Here’s why…
Ceremony Music by a Live Musician
Imagine this: you’re taking your first steps down the aisle, the gentle strumming of a guitar begins, perfectly in time with your steps. The melody isn’t just being played and sung; it’s being created in that very moment, full of raw emotions.
What live musicians can do that pre-recorded music can’t (other than smile mid-song, of course):
Live musicians can adapt their songs to the flow of your ceremony. Whether it’s changing the length of a song to accommodate a longer walk down the aisle or a large bridal party. We do this by simply adding another chorus or adjusting the tempo to match the mood.
It offers a flexibility that ensures it fits just right, so there’s no need to fade out halfway through a verse. I’ve found some couples prefer the second verse of a song and ask me to start there or even change the pronouns in the lyrics.
Enhancing the Atmosphere
Live music for you wedding by a live musician doesn’t just fill the air; it sets the tone and elevates the overall ambience. It doesn’t have to be loud and in-your-face, just some quiet, beautiful love songs while you and your guests are enjoying your dinner.
Why Having a DJ Is Better Than Spotify
There was a time I never thought I’d have this conversation, but after years of trying to keep people on the dance floor with my acoustic guitar, stomp box, and voice, it was time… time to move to the next level by adding DJ music. What I’ve learnt so far is it is super fun!
Musicians Create a Personalised Experience
Live musicians and DJs create song lists that set the soundtrack for your special day. They can incorporate your favourite genres, artists, and songs, ensuring that the music resonates with you and your guests.
We Have Good Sound Systems
Professional DJs and musicians always come with high-quality sound systems and lighting, ensuring optimal audio and visual experiences. We also have the technical know-how to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. And if they’re like me, they’ll have a huge bag of extra leads, spare mics, batteries, tape… there may even be some bobby pins hiding in there.
We Engage with Your Guests
A professional DJ ensures that the music flows smoothly throughout your event, eliminating awkward pauses or abrupt song changes. Our expertise in mixing tracks maintains the energy and keeps guests engaged on the dance floor. We read the room to match the crowd’s energy and keep that dance floor lively. If couples allow guests to make requests, it gives them an opportunity to pick their favourite song which may just be the perfect song to be played next!
Live Music and DJs Are Out of Our Budget! Help!
If having live music and a DJ isn’t an option, here are some pro tips from a Sunshine Coast wedding singer and DJ:
- Have a list that starts with softer music for the ceremony and enough songs to go through to dinner. I work on roughly 20 songs per hour.
- For dance floor time, make sure to have a crossfade between songs so there isn’t any silence (if you’re using that Spotify that doesn’t smile back).
- DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT let guests go and help themselves to your Spotify list. Oh my goodness, some of the requests I get! (I’ve been a musician for 20 years, and when I don’t know a song…) You don’t know what they might play, and it will kill a dance floor for sure!
- Get your guests to send song requests before the event and filter out what will work and what won’t.
- HOT TIP because I just want everyone to have a good night: DOWNLOAD your song list before the day! Not everywhere on the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, and especially Hinterland areas up in Maleny and Montville have good reception if any at all.
- Grab some lights from somewhere… Kmart comes to mind for a one-off purchase that will be cheap and colourful! Make sure to ask the venue to dim the lights a bit. Having a bright room makes it hard for anyone to want to get on the dance floor.
Words of advice – if the bride and groom are on the dance floor, you’ll find most guests will join in because the whole night is all about you both, and they will want to be wherever you are.
Whether you are having live music for your wedding or not, here are some top ceremony and reception songs.
Top 10 Aisle Songs (Yes, I sing all these songs)
- A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
- Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley
- How Long Will I Love You by Ellie Goulding
- At Last by Etta James
- I Get to Love You by Ruelle
- Amazed by Lonestar
- Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden
- Feels Like Home by Chantal Kreviazuk
- Marry Me by Train
- Tenerife Sea by Ed Sheeran
Top 10 First Dance Songs (And I sing all these too)
- Perfect by Ed Sheeran
- You by Dan + Shay
- Say You Won’t Let Go by James Arthur
- Joy of My Life by Chris Stapleton
- Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli
- Kiss Me by Ed Sheeran
- Beyond by Leon Bridges
- Your Song by Elton John
- I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz
- Stand by Me by Ben E. King
Top 10 Reception Songs
(Not everyone’s cup of tea, but these ones are pretty popular—and it was really hard to only pick ten!)
- Dancing Queen – ABBA (any ABBA is so fun)
- I Wanna Dance with Somebody by Whitney Houston
- I Gotta Feeling by Black Eyed Peas
- Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars
- Yeah! – Usher
- Mr. Brightside – The Killers
- Shut Up and Dance – Walk the Moon
- Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
- Single Ladies – Beyoncé
- Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen (one of my fav, this song has all the feels)
I hope this blog, “From Ceremony to Celebration: The Impact of Live Music for Your Wedding”, has given you a little bit of insight into why live music might just be the way to go. If music isn’t in the budget…well, I’m not giving all my secrets away, but these are some pretty good tips to get you headed in the right direction.
Finally, if you’re considering adding live music for your wedding, feel free to reach out.
Let’s create a memorable soundtrack for your big day.
And remember:
Live music: because Spotify doesn’t smile mid-song.
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