Live ceremony music vs pre-recorded

Re: Live ceremony music vs pre-recorded

• Maggie0829 member

  

  January 2014

  We used our DJ for our ceremony. He played nice easy songs while guests arrived and took their seats. Then we had about 4 songs for the processional.  I had really wanted a string quartet but it just wasn't in the budget.  But looking back on our ceremony I barely remember what was played so I am glad I saved the money.

  
  

  In no way are pre-recorded songs tacky. I don't even understand how one can think that. I mean if you think pre-recorded songs are tacky then you shouldn't be using a DJ at all.

  
  

  
  

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• delujm0 member

  

  January 2014

  Lots of peole use DJs for their ceremony music, especially for outdoor ceremonies.  Don't worry about it!

   

  If you REALLY want live ceremony music, you'll need to find it in your budget - it won't be cheap.  We are using a string quartet for the ceremony and cocktail hour, and it's costing $1,200.  The music was a priority item for me, so i built that into my budget from the beginning.

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• pinkcow13 member

  

  January 2014

  I think it is fine to use the DJ. My cousin had a DJ for the processional, which was very much like you described (they had all old school R&B music, a few different songs). I am considering a string quartet for my ceremony, but that will be the very last thing on my list, so if the budget does not allow for it, no biggie. Our DJ will also play the ceremony so chances are we are going that route.

                               

  

  
  

   

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• kristyv1 member

  

  January 2014

  Thank you for your replies ladies! I feel a lot better. I was concerned about the music stopping abruptly and going into another song, the music not flowing smoothly. I guess it would make sense to speak with the DJ and ask him how it is typically done. I have been to a few weddings but they were all in churches and had live music with the exception of one. And I honestly don't remember how that one flowed.
  
  Maggie, maybe I should have chosen my words more carefully because I didn't mean to say that DJ music is "tacky" as in distasteful. The ceremony music is important to me because it will represent how we feel about each other (at least that's how we chose the songs). I wouldn't have chosen a DJ if I thought they were horrible, just worried about the flow of it. I am not worried as much about the reception because I know my DJ and trust he will choose the right songs for our night, with the exception of a few we requested.  $1200 on top of the DJ is definitely out of my budget.
  

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• Mkincaid2014 member

  

  January 2014

  If you are still considering live music, have you looked into local high schools or colleges?  We have a brass ensemble for the ceremony from a local college, and the string quartet playing during the cocktail hour is from my old high school (we had a fantastic music program).  The string quartet is $200, and the brass ensemble is $500-ish.   
  

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• Maggie0829 member

  

  January 2014

  kristyv1 said:

  Thank you for your replies ladies! I feel a lot better. I was concerned about the music stopping abruptly and going into another song, the music not flowing smoothly. I guess it would make sense to speak with the DJ and ask him how it is typically done. I have been to a few weddings but they were all in churches and had live music with the exception of one. And I honestly don't remember how that one flowed.
  
  Maggie, maybe I should have chosen my words more carefully because I didn't mean to say that DJ music is "tacky" as in distasteful. The ceremony music is important to me because it will represent how we feel about each other (at least that's how we chose the songs). I wouldn't have chosen a DJ if I thought they were horrible, just worried about the flow of it. I am not worried as much about the reception because I know my DJ and trust he will choose the right songs for our night, with the exception of a few we requested.  $1200 on top of the DJ is definitely out of my budget.
  

  If you trust your DJ to play music for your reception then you should trust that he will do just as good of a job at your ceremony.

  
  

  I don't understand your worry about the flow of the music.  DJs can cut down songs to still sound great but to fit in the allotted time needed for certain parts of the ceremony.

  
  

  I honestly think you are worrying over nothing.  And since live music for your ceremony is not within your budget then I would stop concerning yourself over wanting it and just talk to your DJ about your ceremony and what you want in the way of music.

  
  

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