Many people find the process of choosing music for their wedding a bit daunting. The bride and groom have individual musical tastes. There are the guests to consider, and the place and/or theme to take into account. So… people often stick to tradition.

However, weddings need not take place in a church or a church wedding need not have organ music. When the father of the bride walks his daughter up the aisle, it does not have to be to Wagner's "Here comes the bride" and when the newly weds leave Mendelssohn's Wedding March need not be the theme

The selection of songs can fit with the theme, style, and setting of the wedding. For a formal church wedding, it should be the more traditional classical or religious pieces to be in harmony with the formal nature of the setting.

A less formal setting allows for broader choices, but chances are those being married aren't musicians or serious music connoisseurs, so find songs that have an emotional or sentimental meaning, and then decide where they best fit into the wedding.

A fun option is to send your invitations with a place on the reply card to write down a favorite romantic song. Having the band or DJ play your guests’ chosen favorites, will be a big hit.

Don’t forget that experienced wedding musicians and DJs will be able to play appropriate songs in the right places. But selecting your own music in places can be more meaningful.

For your music budget figure an average of $300 for a solo musician - ceremony; $500.00 for classical trio/quartet - ceremony; $700 – 1000 for DJ – ceremony/reception; $1,700 for a live band - reception.

Decide whether you want your music to be traditional or contemporary.

Music can be affected by a venue’s size, accessibility, acoustics, and restrictions.

Professional musicians add elegance to ceremonies. They should have an ample selection of music to choose from. If a piece is unfamiliar, it may require time to master, which may increase fees or affect performance. Audibility may be an issue at outdoor venues, as classical combos generally don’t bring their own sound equipment.

Wedding DJs have the broadest selection of music and can provide music for a ceremony, as well as the reception’s cocktail hour, dinner and dance. Most DJs can double as an emcee, convenient for reception activities.

Choose music that each age group is likely to recognize and enjoy. An experienced band or DJ will be able to read the crowd and select music accordingly.