Your wedding is something that only comes around once a lifetime. You want every single aspect of it to be absolutely perfect, including the music. Even though choosing the music might not be your first priority, it should be high on the list of important issues. Remember, the wedding music you select sets the tone and helps bind all the various aspects of your big, romantic day.

Do You Have Key Songs?

You and your future spouse need to sit down and discuss if there are any songs that are important to either of you. Think about songs that played when you first met, first kissed, and first knew this was going to be the person you spend the rest of your life with. Next make a list of songs that are important to each of you as individuals. The last list of songs should be songs that send a message about what you hope your future together will be like. Together, you and your fiancée should note which songs have to be played either during the ceremony or reception. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to build an entire wedding music playlist out of the lists you’ve just created.

Consider your Wedding Theme

If you’re having a themed wedding, you will want to select music that reflects the theme. In some cases this will be easy, if you’ve chosen a movie theme, you can use the movie soundtracks as your wedding music. If you opt for a specific era theme such as Jane Austen’s Regency Period, the Roaring Twenties, or Victorian Steampunk style, your wedding playlist can be a list of popular songs from the selected era.

Other themes can be a little tougher. You might not be able to find music that’s an exact match, instead you need to look for music that generates emotions that matches your theme. For example if you’re having a beach, summertime, or festive wedding theme, think Jimmy Buffet. If you favor a more sophisticated theme, maybe classical music with lots of string instruments. Country music is always a great choice for rural weddings, and there’s no shortage of romantic wedding music for a hearts, flowers, and pink candies kind of wedding.

Working with your Live Wedding Band

There’s nothing quite as remarkable as having a live band playing the wedding music you’ve selected. They have a richer and fuller sound. They also create sense of energy and intimacy a DJ or personal iPod can’t replicate. When choosing a live band for your wedding you need to select a band that handles the type of wedding music you’ve selected for your playlist. During the selection process, you and the band’s manager need to discuss the list you’ve created and make sure they’re comfortable with the material. Listen to any suggestions the band makes regarding your wedding music playlist: there’s a good chance they know music that perfectly compliments your special day that you’re unfamiliar with.

Make sure the band knows which songs you’ve selected for special moments including your first dance with your new spouse, and the father/daughter dance.

The two most important thing to remember when it comes to choosing your wedding music is not waiting until the last minute, and to not stress if you can’t find the absolute perfect song. Picking the music should be fun!