Top Wedding Day Music Mistakes

Your dress is to die for and your wedding color palette is superb. At the end of the party, it is the music makes your wedding memorable. After all, music is a key factor during almost every moment of the day, from the walk down the aisle to the cocktail hour and your reception finale. More important, it is a reflection of your personalities. Whether it is searching for the perfect piece for your ceremony or picking the tunes for a swinging reception, the music matters. So make it count. From volume control to song choice, here are things L&A SoundCrew would ask you to consider and that we deliver.

Starting the ceremony in silence.
Because of the focus on your big entrance, it is easy to forget the chunk of time before you appear and make your procession down the aisle. There will likely be 20-30 minutes where your guests will be waiting for the service to start -- do not try their patience with absolute silence.

We at L&A SoundCrew suggest you start your ceremony music at least 45 minutes before you begin your processional. This prelude music should be consistent with the other songs chosen for your ceremony, but do not feel the urge to go strictly classical. Pop songs are a popular option, from James Taylor and Sarah McLachlan to Coldplay and Maroon 5. Of course, this is already included in our price.

Skipping the sound check. 
With outside and non-church weddings growing more popular, brides and grooms have to consider if the location is microphone-friendly. When you hire L&A SoundCrew, we assess the site when coordinating with the bride and groom. Some locations need special attention.

Make sure you ask the location's event manager before you book. He will have experience with the space and know its acoustic limitations. It is important to be flexible. Though you may have your heart set on a harp or flute, losing the music entirely because of background noise will be far more disappointing. Remember properly placed microphones and speakers can help but they cannot cancel loud background noises.

Offending your officiate.
It may be your wedding day, but unfortunately, it is not your church. When it comes to ceremony music, many churches and synagogues have certain rules and regulations that will affect your choice of tunes that are allowable as you walk up the aisle.

It is common for religious congregations to prohibit either secular songs or ones by a composer with a reputation for anti-Semitism. Some may also ban electric music entirely or take issue with an orchestra at the altar. So speak to your wedding officiate before you have a classical version of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin" composed for your wedding's ceremony.

The Never-ending first dance.
You may have fallen in love to "Free Bird" but imagine how long nine minutes and eight seconds will feel alone on the dance floor. Pay careful attention to your love song's length before committing to it for your first dance.

Time your song and practice dancing to it. Even four minutes can kill you if you are just rocking back and forth. If your heart is set on a certain ballad, look into having it cut down to a reasonable length. L&A Sound Crew is happy to edit that special song or remove that one bad word at no additional cost.

To get the reception off to a smooth start L&A SoundCrew also suggests coordinating to have your attendants join you on the floor for the last two minutes of the first dance. (If there are no parent dances) Your maid of honor and best man can lead the way. Alternatively, have the DJ make an announcement for everyone to join the couple on the floor. Either way, let some key people know ahead of time so the crowd can actually follow your lead.

We will just let the DJ do his thing.
While you hire L&A SoundCrew to provide music it is your job to guide the music, we will work with you to develop a play list and more importantly a no-playlist that will leave you and your guests happier in the end. You certainly do not want a song with painful associations to pop up unexpectedly.

Blowing out the speakers.  
Despite the presence of alcohol and all your friends, a wedding should not resemble a frat party. Club-level volume during the reception will frustrate older family members and make it impossible for your guests to talk to one another.

L&A SoundCrew understands that weddings are often reunions and people do not want shout at each other over dinner. To make your day as stress free as possible part of our job is always making sure the music is at an appropriate volume.

Playing punk songs during dinner.
Sure you want to hear all your favorites, but don't destroy your sit-down dinner because you had to fit "I Wanna Be Sedated" in there somewhere. Music should fit the mood of the moment.

L&A SoundCrew recommends instrumentals or soft ballads during your cocktail hour and then transition into the dance party with whatever suits you. We are experts at knowing what songs fit each moment and can help you refine your music selections.

Rocking out to R or X-rated songs.
Indeed these are more liberal times, but be careful not to confuse progressive with perverted. This is your day, but there is a glaring line you should avoid crossing. "The Humpty Dance" by Digital Underground - maybe, "The Thong Song" by Sisqó - pushing it. “Shake That” by Eminem - over the line.

Beyond blatant profanity, really consider the song's lyrics and meaning. There may be a very innocent inside joke behind your choice of "The B**** Is Back," but Aunt Mary from Minnesota will be on the outside, and so will your flower girl. Keep it to a sensible PG-13 for best results among all age groups. We at L&A SoundCrew suggest that as the evening progresses the music can push the envelope a bit more. Remember radio edits may take out the “offensive” words but the feeling and flavor that is left behind still may be a bit much for your event (Click here to see our offensive lyrics policy).

Too much of a good thing. 
You both may truly love late '80s hair bands, but five full hours of Def Leppard and someone might actually go deaf. A night of Nirvana or a rap-based reception is just as bad.

At L&A SoundCrew, we have and will play your favorite genre. Your wedding is a celebration of your relationship, one that likely involves music, but it is also a gift to share with family and friends. Keep them in mind when developing your playlist. Throw your parents a thank you with Frank Sinatra or Huey Lewis & The News here and there. Seeing them enjoy the night will be well worth a little Bobby Darin.

Phone: 815-978-6673 • Fax: 815-248-3053 • Email: DJ@LASoundCrew.com