Planning your wedding can be an exciting journey with countless choice. From picking the perfect venue to choosing the right dress, each decision plays a vital role. One of the most important elements, however, is the music. It elevates the atmosphere, helps craft unforgettable memories, and keeps your guests entertained. Let's dive into the top five factors you should take into account when selecting the music for your wedding.

1. BUDGET & LOGISTICS
Budget: Music costs can vary greatly, so plan according to your budget. If your total wedding budget is £20,000, consider setting aside 10-15% of this for your music, about £2000-£3000. This could pay for a band and some music throughout the day too - some bands may have three members while others may have 8/9 members? Does the band offer a DJ service as well - this could be cheaper than hiring live music and DJ separately? Work out how how to get the best for your money.
Venue: Check if your venue has sound restrictions - is a band appropriate for the type of venue? Is there a sound limiter that could affect your music choice? Consider space available for a live band or large DJ setup - is there a fixed dance floor, or do they need to move tables after dinner to create a small dancing space?
Timing and Transitions: Ensure your music aligns with your wedding day itinerary and that transitions between ceremony, reception, and dancing are smooth. The good news is, Undercovered can provide soloists, duos and bands of varying sizes to not only make this aspect of planning much easier but also to cover everyone's budget!
2. ATMOSPHERE & VIBE
The music you choose will set the tone for your entire wedding. Consider the atmosphere you want to create during each part of the day:
Ceremony: Do you want something elegant (e.g. classical, acoustic) or contemporary? Choose music that enhances the emotional tone of the moment as well as choosing the songs that mean the most to you.
Drinks Reception/Dinner/Cocktail Hour: Background music is often softer and more relaxed, but still create a welcoming feel. However, if you prefer something more fun & lively during the day, go for it!
Evening Reception: A lively mix of genres and tempos will keep the energy high and encourage guests to dance. If you choose to have a First Dance, is your band able to perform it live to create a unique moment, or would you prefer the original recording before getting the party going?
3. LIVE BAND, DJ, OR PLAYLIST?
Live Band/Musician: Offers a dynamic and personal touch. Consider a band that specialises in wedding events who can adapt to the crowd and keep the dance floor busy!
DJ: Often more budget-friendly and can offer a broader selection of music at the click of a button. Decide whether you want someone who can actually mix and create a fully interactive experience, or someone who can just keep a playlist running.
Playlist: If you have a smaller budget or want more control, you could curate your own playlist. Just make sure you have a reliable system and someone to manage it. Booking with Undercovered offers you the best approach to evening entertainment as we provide an 'All-In-One' service, with both band and DJ service. This is perfect if you and your partner don't share the same taste in music! Whatever the band don't play can go into the DJ sets to keep you both happy!
4. THINK ABOUT YOUR GUESTS
While it is your special day, considering your guests is equally important. Your music choices should engage and entertain everyone throughout the event.
The music should cater to your guests' tastes and create an inclusive experience. Consider:
A variety of genres and tempos to keep everyone engaged.
Include classics and current hits to appeal to different age groups.
Asking for song requests from guests to keep them involved and ensure they have fun:
One idea could be to ask guests to submit a song when they RSVP, which you could add to a Spotify DJ playlist. That way, your guests help to create the party soundtrack and will feel like they have contributed to your day when they hear their song!
Music during a drinks reception is also important to your guests. This is often a time when the newlyweds and bridal party/other family go with the photographer for special photos. By having music and entertainment means the rest of your guests are kept happy!
5. BE SOCIAL!
It's not always possible to see your musicians live before booking, especially if they only do private events. Find out whether there are any public events coming up, even if they are ticketed, where you could potentially see them live and speak to them in person.
Like any business, following suppliers on social media is a great way to get a feel for what they can offer. Photos, music samples and videos, in addition to online reviews/personal recommendations are the next best thing to help you feel more confident about your choice.
Phone calls and emails before - and after - booking are important too.
Don't forget to check your Spam/Junk folders!
Undercovered ALWAYS respond to emails and messages. We are proud to have won several awards for our customer service and will never leave you hanging!

FINAL THOUGHTS
Choosing live music for your wedding is a key decision that will enhance the enjoyment of your special day. By thoughtfully considering the above points, you'll be set to create a memorable soundtrack for your wedding.
With proper planning around these essential factors, you will craft the right atmosphere for both you and your guests. As you navigate through the planning process, keep these key points in mind, ensuring your wedding music becomes an unforgettable experience that resonates with everyone's hearts for years to come.
Got some questions?
Please email us and we'll be more than happy to help!

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