the Arcadian Duo

Weddings are festive occasions and music should be a key consideration in every couple’s wedding plans. Music can help to enhance the atmosphere of poised serenity which is desirable during a ceremony; elegant music encourages people to be elegant. Simple, graceful pieces of classical music are ideal. Save the energetic tunes for the reception, when you want to get the party in gear.

During the ceremony, live music is always the best choice, especially in a church setting. Live music is more flexible than recorded music and can easily respond to the flow of events and make transitions seamless. The ceremony music consists of pre-service music, a processional, registry signing, communion (optional), and finally a recessional. The pre-service music can be a mix of styles and the recessional is always up tempo and festive.  All other ceremonial music should be serene and elegant. Having a friend or family member sing or play a solo is a great idea but if they are inexperienced you may not want them to provide all the music. Professionals lend a sense of ease and confidence to the ceremony.

It is at the reception where recorded music can be a logical choice.  There can be a span of three generations present and they all have favourites that they want to hear.  A good DJ can accommodate a very broad range of taste and it is their business to be abreast of all the latest trends. Make sure your DJ is sensitive to all age groups, has a broad knowledge of music, and shows discretion with the volume settings. A light jazz or classical group can be very classy early in the reception, but later, people often want to let loose and take it up a notch or two and a DJ can deliver the goods.

Music should be everywhere at a wedding. Musicians and DJs should be secured well in advance. Just remember: “if you pay peanuts, all you’ll get is monkeys”.