Wedding Blog: Tales of a Planner

Wedding Ideas and Planning Tips from Industry Professionals here at Ybarra Events

Wedding planners are more than just event planners. We're designers, problem-solvers, coordinators, budgeteers, part-time therapists, and friends to the couples and families who are entrusting us to help them with their events. Since we're on friendly terms now, here are some tips and tricks to the trade of navigating wedding planning! 

Dancing into Forever: Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Music

By Katie Pierce

updated: 04-04-2023

Photo: Amy Jordan Photography

Music will always be an essential part of the wedding experience. It sets the tone for your ceremony and reception, provides a soundtrack to your first dance as a married couple, helps guests get into the mood to celebrate with you, and more. But selecting wedding songs can be overwhelming—there are so many options! How do you choose? And where do you start? In this article, we'll give you the top ticks and tricks to make planning your wedding playlist less stressful than walking down the aisle! 

Top wedding music hacks for the best experience ever

Here are some of the best strategies to make planning for your nuptial tunes effortless and enjoyable!

1. Start early

Start planning your wedding tunes early, so you won't be hard-pressed to make rash decisions you'll likely regret later on. First, decide on a timeline, so you'll have enough time before the big day. Next, create a budget for all aspects of your ceremony and reception, including entertainment expenses such as hiring musicians or DJs who'll provide live music during the ceremony and reception (or both). You may also want an MC to host all events throughout the day. They could be someone like an uncle or cousin who is comfortable speaking in public and doesn't mind taking on such an important role! 

2. Consider your venue

When planning your wedding, it's easy to get caught up in the details of where you're going to get married. But one thing that can make or break your reception is the music! So, before booking a venue for the big day, check out the acoustics and sound quality of the space. 

It can be super exciting to shop for DJs or bands. But before you make the plunge, take some time out of your busy schedule and think about what kind of music will work best at each phase of your party. Dinner hour? Dancing time? Cake cutting? First dance? The best way to do this is by researching the acoustics and sound system at each venue. 

3. Research your options

Once you know what kind of music you want, it's time to explore your options. Start by looking at different types of bands and DJs that are available. This can be done by researching online or asking friends for recommendations. Then, identify potential wedding bands or DJs who fit your needs and check their availability on the day or days of interest.

4. Create a playlist

If you aren't into creating playlists, some great apps can do it for you. Spotify and Apple Music both have great options for building wedding playlists, including themed collections like "First Dance Songs." You can also use these apps to find new music that fits your style and vibe (and then add those songs directly to your lineup).

5. Think about your guests and the photos you'd like to have

It's important to consider your guests' age range and the type of tunes they would enjoy. If you have a lot of older relatives, you might want to play something more traditional like "Here Comes The Bride." If you have younger friends and family members, choose something more modern. 

The songs you choose should also evoke the emotions you want to feel when looking back at your wedding photos. If you plan on having a more formal ceremony, consider picking classical music or instrumental pieces appropriate for the occasion. Leaning toward an upbeat reception with lots of dancing? Then pop songs may be the way to go for the evening!

6. Book a professional

You'll want to hire a professional musician or DJ to create a customized playlist for your wedding day. This will ensure that all of the songs are appropriate and fit in with the theme of your ceremony. Additionally, this will help keep people on time so they stay within their allotted time slot.

7. Take advantage of technology

Streaming services and apps can be used to create a personalized soundtrack for your wedding. From the moment guests arrive until they leave, you can play the music that fits the day's mood and helps set the tone for your reception. If you need help figuring out where to start, try using an app like Shazam or SoundHound to identify songs playing in public places around town. Then add them to your playlist!

Make sure there are no copyright issues by searching for songs on Google before adding them as favorites on your phone or computer. This will prevent any legal problems later down the road once you start sharing with friends and family members.

Wrapping up

Choosing the right tunes can create an unforgettable day that reflects your personality and style. By planning early, researching your options, and considering all aspects of your celebration, from the venue to the photos, you can create a customized playlist that will have you and your guests dancing all night long. So get started on your music planning and make your day one to remember! Or better yet, work with an award-winning events team like Ybarra Events Wedding Planning & Design. We would love to discuss your wedding day dreams and help them become a reality. Call us today!

More Wedding Articles

About Tara: 

Tara Ybarra, Co-Owner and Event Planner for Ybarra Events, has been in the Wedding Industry for over 20 years. From Photographer, to Wedding Cake Artist, to Florist, to Officiant, and now Wedding Planner, her accumilated experience, paired with her College Courses in Event Planning, have given her the experience she has today. Blogging gives her an opportunity to share that knowledge with her readers. 

Ybarra Events is located in California’s spectacular Napa Valley. Ybarra Events are the pièce de résistance of wedding planners. Run by the dynamic duo of Tara and James Ybarra, they help couples organize, design, and plan their nuptials at some of the most fabulous and luxurious wedding venues in Napa, Sonoma, San Francisco, and Beyond. Chat with them today to start planning the wine-country wedding of your dreams.