Party Vibes, Guest Experience, & the Perfect Soundtrack - The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Music
Looking for the ultimate party vibes that will have your guests reminiscing back to your wedding for years? Let’s talk wedding music! Whether it’s a romantic first dance, a chilled-out cocktail hour, or a dance floor that doesn’t stop, all night long, the right music transforms your wedding into a celebration that feels uniquely you.
Your wedding music can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be with the help of an experienced Wedding Planner. Picking the perfect band or DJ can feel overwhelming, especially when there’s so much to think about.
When we were planning our own wedding, music was everything. We wanted a big party, and when I say our band delivered, they really did deliver! From the very first dance to the final track, the energy was electric. Guests of all ages joined us on the dance floor, creating memories that we’ll treasure forever. Music is the heart of your wedding’s atmosphere, setting the mood and shaping the guest experience from start to finish.
This guide is packed with everything you need to know, from how to choose between a band or DJ to the key questions to ask and those hidden costs you might not have considered. By the end of this blog post, you’ll have all the tools to make confident decisions and create the perfect soundtrack for your big day.
Music & Guest Experience
It’s easy to focus on the aesthetics, style and décor of your wedding day, but don’t underestimate how much the music impacts your guests! Music is the one thing that stays with them all day and night, setting the mood for every stage of your celebration. Are you looking for a high-energy dance floor where your friends and family can dance the night away? Or perhaps a more intimate vibe that encourages everyone to mingle during the Cocktail Hour? The music you choose plays a huge role in shaping memories.
How to Choose the Perfect Band or DJ?
Picking the right music for your wedding doesn’t need to be overwhelming. When I help my wedding planning clients find the most talented music suppliers, we always kick things off with a simple list of questions. Don’t worry, I’ve included them below for you too.
1 - What’s the ultimate wedding music vibe?
Think about your venue, guest list, and overall wedding theme. A stylish London wedding at a modern venue might suit a DJ with club vibes, while a countryside manor house wedding could be the perfect backdrop for a live acoustic band during the Cocktail Hour.
2 - What’s your budget?
Music is worth investing in, but costs can vary. Bands often range anywhere from £1,500 to £5,000 (or more for something extra special). Don’t forget to ask about hidden extras, like travel costs, extended playing time, or additional equipment. Plus, you’ll need to factor in costs for production, staging and lighting.
3 - What are your ‘must-haves’ and ‘no-goes’?
Do you want your band to learn a specific song for your first dance? Are there tracks you absolutely don’t want to hear? Sharing your preferences upfront will help your music pros tailor their setlist to your vibe.
4 - How involved do you want to be?
Some couples love curating a detailed playlist, while others prefer to leave it in the hands of the experts. Be clear about your level of input, trust me your band or DJ will appreciate it!
Now, let’s review some all-important questions to ask before booking any music supplier! It’s important to make sure they’re a good fit, and the right vibe for your wedding day.
Can you adapt your setlist to suit different parts of the day?
Do you take requests, and how do you handle last-minute changes?
How long do you play for, and what’s the charge for extra time?
Can you provide background music during breaks?
How will you manage any sound limitations at our venue?
If you’ve never worked at our venue before, will you conduct a site visit?
Finally, here’s my top tips to round up your The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Music.
Don’t be afraid to mix it up: Consider live music during your ceremony or drinks reception, then switch to a DJ for the evening to keep the energy high.
Be realistic about your space: A 10-piece band might not work in a compact venue, while an acoustic duo could feel too small for a grand London ballroom.
Trust the pros: Share your preferences, but let your band or DJ read the room and adapt as needed. After all, they know how to keep a party going!
Don’t forget transitions: Music can create seamless moments between parts of the day, from soft acoustic tracks as guests arrive to a party starting playlist for the evening.
Wedding music isn’t just about filling the silence, it’s about creating moments that will stay with you and your guests forever. Don’t forget to save this blog post and refer back to it later in your wedding planning process. Planning your wedding for 2025 or 2026? Get in touch to chat about how we can help you create the ultimate celebration, with or without the perfect soundtrack.
Wedding Credits
Photographer: @amysampsonphoto, Wedding Planner: @rebeccavalentinedesign, Florist: @flowersbybriege, Make Up: @hcbrides, Bridal Dress: @asar_london, Marquee & Festoons: @tenbyfifteenstructures, Band: @datbrassuk