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New Jersey Wedding Music

Find the perfect groove for your Garden State nuptials.

Music is almost always playing during the various parts of your ceremony and reception, so it is wise to give attention and planning to your song selections. Some couples have a song or two that they feel represent the heart of their courtship, engagement or relationship. If so, provide your DJ, band, or ceremony sound person with a list or digital copy, as well as when you would like the song to be played. But what about music for the remainder of the ceremony and reception?

New Jersey Wedding Ceremony Music

A harpist at your ceremony entrance might be a childhood dream, but your budget and time might call for a simpler approach. Whether you opt for a saxophonist, an instrumental guitarist, a piano player or an iPod, the music played during the ceremony should set the stage for romance in your New Jersey wedding. Classical pieces such as "Air (On a G-string)" by Bach, "Canon in D" by Pachebel, or the traditional "Here Comes the Bride" are all suitable for this special event. When choosing your wedding ceremony music, you'll likely want at least three or four songs:
  • The prelude, played while guests are entering.
  • The processional, played as you walk down the aisle.
  • The recessional, played as you exit up the aisle after the pronouncement of your marriage.
Some couples also opt to have music played during the exchange of vows or rings. This is generally also a classical piece.

Reception Music for All Ages

Your reception is your chance to celebrate and loosen up after the romantic climax of your wedding ceremony. Include some hits from every generation in attendance. For starters, you might think about Number One hits by year and decade. For older folks, include some cuts from Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, the Motown era, and other similar artists you can find through "sounds like" music sites such as Pandora.com.

Depending upon the style of your wedding, tunes featuring warm horns like saxophones, trombones and trumpets may be appropriate, though a more traditional affair will feature classical pieces. Mozart's music may evoke an intricate, complex feel which suits your wedding theme and preparation. Pachebel, on the other hand, is considered slow, sonorous, and slightly solemn. The great thing about all classical music is that it is suitable for all ages, which is why it's so popular. Look to waltzes from any era for classical pieces that make for easy dancing.

New Jersey Wedding First Dance Music

Beyond the traditional classical pieces, New Jersey has a lot of homegrown musical talent whose songs you might work into your ceremony, or, more likely, your reception. Think about artists such as Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel, all of whom got their start in the Garden State. Each of these musicians has an extensive catalog with many slow and fast songs which could give your reception a true "Jersey" feel and flavor. Favored songs include "Born to Run," by Bruce Springsteen, "Livin' on a Prayer," by Bon Jovi and "Lullaby," by Billy Joel.

Wedding music is a big decision for some couples, while others might not think about it until weeks before the wedding. In New Jersey, there are many professional DJs who can keep your reception party guests on their feet. While you might hire The Clinton String Quartet for your elegant NJ ceremony, a crowd-pleasing DJ might be the perfect choice for your relaxed reception celebration.

Written by: Creighton Connor
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