Curate the Ultimate Wedding Day Soundtrack

Planning your wedding music requires more than just choosing a few favorite songs. From the ceremony to the last dance, the right musical choices can transform your celebration into an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

Time is critical when securing wedding musicians. Rachel Waldron-D’Abruzzo, a local cellist and violinist, has been booked a year in advance. She recommended reserving musicians at least six months ahead, particularly during peak wedding seasons. DJ Lex Gonzalez, who works for Loyalty Entertainment, can be booked two years out. “Do your research,” he advised. “Book as far out as you can, especially if there are live musicians as part of the day’s events.”

The choice between live musicians and a DJ depends on your priorities and budget. Waldron-D’Abruzzo believes live music adds something special. “You can listen to recorded music any time, and recorded music is better for dancing,” she said. “Live music adds a special touch to your day that you don’t usually have.”

Most couples now hire live musicians for the ceremony and sometimes cocktail hour, while DJs handle the reception. Some couples opt for a six- to eight-piece band for their reception instead of a DJ, though this depends on preferences and budget. Gonzalez noted that DJs remain the most popular option for receptions because of the variety they offer. After 15 years as a wedding entertainer — starting as a rapper and singer before adding DJ services eight years ago — he understands what makes receptions work.

Waldron-D’Abruzzo typically sits down with couples to discuss themes and preferences. After choosing a musician and receiving a quote, couples work together on music selections and appropriate placement within the ceremony. For DJ services, Gonzalez uses a portal called DJ Planner through Loyalty Entertainment, where couples fill out their musical preferences, desired genres and overall vibe. He takes a comprehensive approach to understanding couples’ tastes.

“It’s just as important for me to know what you don’t want me to play as much as what you do want me to play,” Gonzalez said. “I’m never scared to take a playlist or 10 from my couples because it gives me a lens into what they listen to. It provides nostalgia that you might not get otherwise about a couple to help tap into their grooves.”

Couples must plan appropriate space for musicians, Waldron-D’Abruzzo noted. For outdoor venues, a covered area protects musicians from weather.

Typically, vendors are booked before musicians are hired. Gonzalez sees his role extending far beyond playing music. “Your DJ is kind of your quarterback,” he explained. “It’s my job to make sure that everyone understands the next play.” He handles all announcements, coordinates with vendors, manages timelines and keeps crowds engaged from beginning to end.

Successful reception music requires understanding your guest demographics. Gonzalez begins reading the room at the ceremony, noting current trends like Bridgerton-inspired covers. The cocktail hour reveals whether guests will be a dancing crowd. “I’m a firm believer in serving the family before the individual,” Gonzalez said. “Our wedding crowds are getting younger. They want to hear dancing music. But most of your party are your family and your mom and dad’s friends. They’re the ones who are going to dance all night long.” He advises couples to spend 20 minutes serving older demographics with familiar songs. “If you play those songs, you can go anywhere after that. It gets the party started for everyone.”

DJ Lex Gonzalez

Gonzalez cautioned against overplanning. Cramming too many activities — dollar dances, garter tosses, exit dances — into a two- to three-hour window can detract from the experience. Another mistake is forgetting the group experience. “If you know your age demographic is split 50-50 between people 45-65 and 25-35, then you want to find a happy medium of music to serve both of these groups of people,” he said. “If your grandparents are in the room, you definitely want a slow dance so they can come up and enjoy the moment, too.”

When incorporating live musicians with a DJ, communication is key. Gonzalez recommended that musicians and DJs connect before the event to plan accordingly and avoid playing the same songs. The styles should complement each other. If a jazz trio performs, the DJ can avoid jazz but choose something harmonious. “If you can streamline it and complement the music, those instrumentalists will share your name with others because it all flowed really great,” Gonzalez said.

When interviewing musicians, Waldron-D’Abruzzo suggested asking about their wedding experience, musical education, genre capabilities and understanding of ceremony formats. For DJs, Gonzalez recommended knowing what kind of party you want. DJs can play songs three ways: in their entirety, blended with other songs or quick-mixed with just the chorus. Peak reception hours after 9 p.m. should reflect what you want to hear to get everyone dancing.