Choosing Wedding Music

Choosing the music that will be played at your wedding is one of the most important decisions you'll make. A great band or dj can spice up a reception and ensure that everyone has a ball.

Before you begin your search ask your friends if they have anyone they'd recommend. If you've been to any weddings yourself recently and enjoyed the music you can try contacting the band or dj that played. A large percentage of their business comes from referrals.

Dj or Band?

If you can't decide whether you'd like a dj or a band to provide your wedding music, here are some things to consider:

• No matter how good the dj is he won't be able to create the same excitement level as a live band would.
• Bands will require breaks while djs can have the music going non-stop.

If you want to play different types of music at your wedding a band may have trouble transitioning. Many are only able to play certain genres well. They may perform your favorite song poorly.

A dj will have literally thousands of songs at his disposal and they will be performed by the original artist rather than an imitation.

Bands typically cost several times more than djs. The larger the band, the higher the price. Don't forget you'll usually have to pay for their meal at the reception too.

A great specialty band can really make a wedding fun, especially if you are looking for ethnic or themed music. A Scottish wedding just wouldn't be the same without live bagpipes.

Whether you decide on live band or a dj, you'll have to pick out your favorite songs for them to play at specific times. Here is a list of those special songs and a few suggestions for each:

The Bride and Groom's First Dance - All My Life by Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville, Forever & For Always by Shania Twain, At Last by Etta James.

Father & Daughter Dance - Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle, Unforgettable by Natalie Cole, My Girl by The Temptations, Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder.

Mother & Son Dance - What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong, A Song for Mama by Boyz II Men, Through the Years by Kenny Rogers.

Cutting the Cake - You're My Best Friend by Queen, Sixty-Four by The Beatles, I Got You Babe by Sonny and Cher.

Bouquet Toss - Man! I Feel Like a Woman by Shania Twain, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper, get the Party Started by Pink.

Article by Roger Mayne of Surrey Weddings wedding directory