The music played at your wedding will be one of the most remembered elements of the entire event. You will need to find your style, decide upon a live band or a DJ, and create the ultimate playlist. We have some tips to help you plan your wedding music and create the experience you want.
Budget for Wedding Music
Planners recommend spending about ten percent of your budget on the entertainment. A smaller budget might struggle to make the live band experience a reality. A live band exists on the opposite end of the cost spectrum as the DJ. They both play the same music, but with a very different experience and price tag to match. Talent, popularity and time can drive the cost up or down for both. The average DJ costs between $800 and $2,000. In contrast, the average cost of a live band is between $2,500 and $6,000. Keep in mind that you can pay more or less for talent.
Choosing Your Wedding Music
Choosing the playlist and the experience you want to deliver it are equally important. You will probably choose a different genre of music for the ceremony than the cocktail hour and reception. A special song should be chosen for each highlight moment. You should plan songs for the grand entrance, the first dance, spotlight dances, open dance floor, cake cutting ceremony, bouquet toss and other special rituals.
Live Wedding Music
There is no comparison to the live band when it comes to crowd motivation, sophistication and charisma. Live wedding music adds life to the occasion. It breaks down the barriers between genre and decade, and can be entertaining and appreciated as an art by all.
Types of Bands
Big band
Jazz band
Country band
Cover band
Latin band
Reggae band
Oldies band
Rock band
Swing band
Traditional wedding band
Top 40 band
Choosing a Wedding DJ
A wedding DJ is not pressing play on the radio. They mix tracks and fade between them with special effects. Every wedding DJ will have a different style that can include light shows and sometimes live performers. While a band might take breaks between sets, the DJ doesn’t stop until the party does. The DJ has the ability to create a club-style feeling that can maintain the energy of the room. A live band has limitations with a smaller library of wedding music, while a DJ has an expansive library and more variety.
Creating a Playlist
Whether you choose a live band or DJ, you will need to create a playlist. We have a list of a few popular wedding songs to help you plan your wedding music.
“Speechless” by Dan + Shay
“Bridges” by Aisha Badru
“Make You Feel My Love” by Adele
“Marry You” by Bruno Mars
“All of Me” by John Legend
“How Long Will I love You” by Ellie Goulding
“Marry Me” by Train
“Amazed” by Lonestar
"Say It First" by Sam Smith
“Songbird” by Fleetwood Mac
“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
“I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz
“One Call Away” by Charlie Puth
“The Promise” by Tracy Chapman
“Crazy Love” by Michael Bublé
“Gotta Have You” by The Weepies
Crystal Ballroom Saint Augustine
Crystal Ballroom Saint Augustine is an all-inclusive wedding venue with an in-house design team that is dedicated to bringing your vision to life. Weddings at Crystal Ballroom include all of the furnishings, décor and staff services to make your dream wedding possible. Create your entertainment experience in a ballroom designed just for you.
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