There are so many details to consider when planning a wedding that brides often set music on the back burner in favor of other important venues. Yet, in a recent survey from Bride and Groom Magazine, 72% of all brides say they would have spent more time choosing their music and almost 100% say they would have spent more of their budget on the musical entertainment. When asked, 81% of guests say what they remember most about a wedding is the entertainment.

As important as the music is, it can be a challenging task to find the right group or DJ and choose the right music for all the parts of your wedding day. Even a very small or simple outdoor wedding ceremony can be made more memorable just by including a solo musician or a duet with a combination of elegant sounds.

Ceremony Music

Many of us have sat in a church and become misty eyed from the music. Sound creates many moods that set the emotional tone for the ceremony itself. Most often, brides will choose a processional song for the bridal party and a separate song for the bride's big entrance. Another possible option is to choose another song entirely for the parents entrance, mothers' candle lighting, etc. Processionals tend to have a slower tempo. You'll also need to choose a recessional song for when you exit the ceremony.

Receptions

Be sure to ask who will emcee the formalities such as the toasts, cake cutting, garter ceremony, bouquet toss, or special bridal dances. Plus, you should listen to an actual demo tape before hiring anyone. The first dance is traditionally an important part of the reception where a particular song with significance for the bride and groom is played. If you can't select one particular song, ask the musicians or disc jockey for suggestions for the first dance.

Disc Jockeys

Today's disc jockeys are performance artists in their own right, offering balanced and eclectic types of musical styles for all types of people. Most DJs can provide music for the ceremony, even if outdoors, as well as the cocktail hour, dinner time and the dance portion of your reception. It is a good idea for your DJ to have a cordless microphone so the toasts can be given beside the bride and groom so guests can watch their reactions.

One important DJ duty is to announce the arrival of the immediate families and the wedding party into the reception. Brevin Cawthorne of Dancehall DJs says, " You should provide the disc jockey with a complete list of names and the correct pronunciation of those to be introduced. Also, it's a nice touch to explain their relationship to the newlyweds."

Having a good disc jockey at your reception can make the difference between guests simply just having a nice time and having a party they will never forget. DJs offer a variety of music styles, specific song titles, traditional favorites, as well as activities and even games or contests if you wish. Your DJ will also serve as the evening's emcee and will take care of announcing any details to your guests. DJs usually welcome a list of your favorite songs to be played at the reception, but trust their experience if they decide not to play them. Your DJ knows what songs work and which ones will clear off a dance floor. Trust these professionals as they are there to make it all happen.

Musicians and DJs with experience performing on Mackinac understand the special transportation and environmental challenges of an Island wedding. Issues such as dealing with the ferries to the Island, using the horse drawn drays to move their equipment, the weather and other unique challenges that come with a Mackinac Island wedding. DJs, bands and performers unfamiliar with the Island may have difficulties making these arrangements. Musicians who are experienced with these challenges and familiar with the Island's hotels never have problems and as a result, offer lower rates. Trust these professionals, and then enjoy your party.