OK, guys. If you’re like most American grooms, you’ve been given a pretty short list of moderate tasks to complete before the big day. There’s the selection of cummerbunds for the groomsmen, the choice of wine for the reception and, of course, the decision of where to seat weird Uncle Gary during dinner. There also is one choice left up to you that is as important as anything: the music.

So how do you actually choose what kind of music you want for your wedding? Do you go with a live musician for the ceremony and a deejay for the reception? How about a live band for the whole thing? What about plugging your iPod into the audio system and letting ’er rip? Choices, choices. Let’s start with the ceremony.

Ceremony Music

The most popular musical choices for ceremonies tend to be solo musicians, small ensembles or recorded music. When thinking about choosing a solo musician, consider the instrument and what type of mood it sets. Whether it’s a harp, guitar, piano or organ, think of how each instrument will help set the mood.

Also, consider what type of music you want played at your ceremony. “Wait a second,” you’re thinking, “I have a choice of music for the ceremony?” Sure you do. Harpist Pamela Pamperin has played hundreds of wedding ceremonies. She says that the majority of clients are happy with the traditional Wagner’s “Bridal March” and Pachelbel’s “Canon in D,” but that she’s also played songs as diverse as Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters,” or the theme to Star Wars. Request songs that reflect you and your bride. Just make sure that you give the musicians enough leadtime before the big day to learn the songs they might not already know.

If choosing recorded music for your ceremony, test any CDs or MP3s before the ceremony on the actual equipment they will be played on. A quick sound check during the rehearsal or before the ceremony can help avoid myriad difficulties later.

Ringing in the Reception

For most couples, choosing between a DJ or band is an issue of preference. Undoubtedly, the two types of musical entertainment are different, but it may surprise you to learn that one area they are similar is price.

According to Matt Brys at Extreme Productions Entertainment, a basic DJ could cost $1,200 to $1,600 for the evening. If you’re looking for MC duties, lighting and other services in addition, you could spend as much as $5,000. Compare this to the cost of a live band. Guitarist Doug Pauly performs solo or you can hire him with a band and quotes about $300 per musician for a two- to threehour wedding. That means a quartet with a vocalist would cost about $1,500, but it doesn’t necessarily include MC duties, sound equipment or lighting.

So why choose one over the other? “Some people want a casual event, where the focus is on mingling, wine and food,” says Brys, “while others want their wedding to be something closer to a Rolling Stones concert.” Pauly puts it another way. “Weddings are made up of people of all ages, musical tastes and experience,” he says. “It’s not about the band; it’s about the party.”

Making the Choice

Personal connections always help. In the case of Michelle Lombardi, the musicians who played at her wedding were not only friends, but also former teachers. Choosing former instructors Mark Tulga and Craig Faniani to play her wedding was a “no-brainer,” she says.

Lacking a personal connection, consider a full service entertainment company like Extreme Productions Entertainment. Matt Brys at Extreme can set you up with a DJ, band, sound system, karaoke, lighting, set design, and almost anything else you can think of to create an entertainment experience.

Some venues may provide a musician for you as part of their wedding package. Similarly, churches with organs typically have specific organists who will provide services for ceremonies. Even at that, you might be a little leery to hire someone you’ve never heard, which is why harpist Pamela Pamperin offers a free audition/ consultation to give prospective clients a chance to hear her play.

Being able to hear a musician play before hiring them can be a great help. Pauly not only performs frequently throughout the Sacramento area, but also provides multiple sound clips on his website, dougpauly.com. He can suit a wide variety of tastes, covering classical, Latin, jazz and pop.

If contracting with a DJ directly, personal references can’t be beat. Odds are that you’ve been to a fun wedding or party in the last few years. Feel free to ask the host of the party whom he or she used for DJ services.

The Almighty Playlist

It’s always recommended that you give the music provider a list of favorite songs and a list of “do-not-play” songs. Also, let them know about your favorite styles, how long you want the dancing to go and what specific tunes you’d like played for the first few dances.

If you need some hints as to what your guests would like to listen to, ask them. Bride-to-be Allyson Thomas and her fiancé, Chris Conwell, are taking the novel approach of adding a line on their response cards that asks for special musical requests. Thomas says that she’s excited to see what her guests want to hear and happy to include their requests in the reception. “Unless they request the ‘Chicken Dance,’” she says. “We’re not playing the ‘Chicken Dance.’”

On the flip side, there’s no need to choose every song for the evening. DJs and bandleaders are professionals, and they know how get the party started and keep the party going.

Dos and Don’ts

Do:

• Get a contract. Make sure that services, accommodations,
  price and incidentals are spelled out.
   
• Provide three very important things for a band or DJ: shade,
  electricity and food.
   
• Choose first dance songs that really mean something to you.
   
• Ask for specific services such as MC, sound and lights.
   
• Provide a schedule to the MC of when you want various
  activities (cake cutting, garter toss, etc.) to occur.

Don’t:

• Don’t choose music that the majority of your guests won’t like.
  This may be your party, but these also are your guests.
   
• Don’t let family members sing during the ceremony unless a) there
  is time to rehearse, or b) he or she is a professional singer.
   
• Don’t hire a pianist to play the organ. Church organs are very unique
  and cranky instruments best handled by the church’s organist.
   
• Don’t overplan music selections. Trust the DJ or bandleader to set
  the pace.