If music be the food of love; play on...

In the words of Shakespeare:

If music be the food of love, play on;
Give me excess of it, that, surfeiting,
The appetite may sicken, and so die.
That strain again! it had a dying fall:
O! it came o’er my ear like the sweet sound
That breathes upon a bank of violets,
Stealing and giving odour.
(Twelfth Night, 1.1.1-7)

Yes, we are talking music at the wedding! Whether you are hiring a DJ, a string quartet or having a live band play, music lends an air of festivity to the event. The music at a wedding (or any party for that matter) can make or break the event. You know you have been at one of those weddings where the grooms brother's band was the main entertainment and, uhm, well, not so entertaining...



When considering what type of music to have at your wedding ceremony, consider your theme and the formality of the event. If you are having a formal affair, consider a string quartet or if you are getting married in a church or chapel, let the organist guide you through the music choices. For a more casual event, consider having your favorite song played on CD as you walk down the aisle. Or be radical and have African drummers drum away as you float through the veld at a bushveld wedding!

For the reception you can have a live band or a DJ provide the entertainment. The choice of live bands are endless and a good place to start is at 5 Seasons Music. Also poll your friends about bands they have heard and loved. And make sure you hear them play before you sign on the dotted line! When considering which route to go, keep in mind the size of the venue, the acoustics and the average age of your guests.

These days DJ's are artists in their own right. If they are professional they know how to read the room and how to get (and keep) everyone on the dance floor. Be sure to provide them with a list of songs you definitely want played as well as a NO-PLAY list! If you hate the chicken song, make sure they will not play it, no matter what!

We are going the DJ route for the reception. We haven't decided on the ceremony music yet (I like the drummers idea!!!), but will have to make a decision soon...

More on the specific songs for each special moment in a future post!

Play, music! And you, brides and bridegrooms all,
With measure heap'd in joy, to the measures fall.

Shakespeare-
(As You Like It, 5.4.174)