Top Nine Wedding Music Mistakes

  1. Offending your Officiant – It may be your wedding day but it’s not your religious venue. When it comes to ceremony music, many churches/temples have certain rules that will affect your tune selection.  They typically prohibit secular songs or ones composed by anti-religious composers.  Some may ban electric music or not allow an orchestra on the altar.  It is best to always check with the officiant before deciding the music.
  2. The Unending First Dance – You may have fallen in love to a certain song but if it’s eight minutes long, it’s probably not the best choice.  Even four minutes can seem like forever to you and your guests if you’re just rocking back and fourth.  If you’re heart is set on a certain song, however, there are other options.  Talk to your DJ or find a local music studio that could trim it down for you.  It will be short and sweet in the end.
  3. The Painful Past Song – While you should trust or DJ/band as far as music selection, it’s always a good idea to provide a short (or long) list of do-not-plays.  No one wants to hear a song with painful associations pop up.  Start by consulting your DJ on what genres you like/dislike.  Then sit down with your fiance and write down specific songs you want and don’t want to hear.  If you’re using a band, make sure to do this plenty of time in advanced so they have time to learn music.  Hand the lists to them and then leave the rest to them!
  4. Blowing Out Speakers – Despite the alcohol and college friends, your wedding should not be compared to a frat party.  Loud music will frustrate older guests and make it challenging to talk to one another.  When coordinating the playlist, be sure to give appropriate volume transitions.  Maybe ask a bridesmaid or groomsmen to monitor the volume level.
  5. Playing Certain Songs Dinner – Of course you want to hear the songs you love but don’t destroy your lovely dinner with drug/alcoholic references.  Music should fit the mood of the moment.  Stick with instrumental music/soft ballads during cocktail hour and then slowly transition into the dance party that suits you.  Any expert DJ/band should know what songs fit each moment.  Work with them to pick an appropriate number of dinner-friendly selections so your attendees can digest with out the screaming of Led Zepplin.
  6. Rocking Out to R-Rated Songs – The times have definitely changed but be careful not to mix progressive with perverted.  Beyond blatant profanity, really pay attention to song lyrics and interpretation.  There might be inside, innocent jokes behind your request of “99 Problems” but Grandma Annie will be perturbed. Keep it to a sensible PG-13 for best results amongst all age groups.
  7. Too Much of a Good Thing – You both may love electronic music but five full hours of Dubstep beats might makes someone actually go deaf.  A night of Skrillex or an single genre is just bad. Including your favorite kind of music is perfectly fine but do so in moderation. Your wedding is a celebration of your relationship, one that could be based a lot on music, but it’s also a time to share with your family.  Throw your parents back with some Dean Martin here and there a long with the your favorites and you’re sure to have a good night
  8.  Starting the Ceremony in Silence – Because the focus of your entrance is so big, it is easy to forget that part of the ceremony before you appear. There will most likely by 20-30 minutes where your attendees will be waiting for the service. To avoid impatient guests, be sure to start your music at least 45 minutes before your processional as people arrive. It should be music that’s consistent with the other songs chosen for your ceremony but doesn’t necessarily have to be classical.
  9. Skipping the Sound Check – With so many outside noises and distractions at outdoor locations and the closeness in an indoor vicinity. Be sure to carefully assess the setting when coordinating DJ, band, etc. Noise can easily drown out instruments and wind can even cover the strongest voice. Make sure to talk with the venue manager since they have experience with the sound. Though you may have your heart set on one thing, losing the music entirely will be more disappointing.
~Samantha