So, how do you choose what kind of music to play at your wedding? Do you pick a live musician for the ceremony and hire a DJ for the reception? How about live music for the whole thing? What about plugging your iPod into the PA system and letting ’er rip? Choices, choices. Let’s start with the ceremony.

Before the Ceremony

Your guests will have a while to sit, relax and enjoy the venue before you and hubby-to-be walk down the aisle. You should probably provide some music to set the tone. It will be easiest for the pre-ceremony music to be played by the same artist or instrument that will play the ceremony music. The most popular musical choices for ceremonies tend to be solo musicians, small ensembles and recorded music.

The Ceremony

We’ve come a long way from “Here Comes the Bride.” Feel free to think independently when it comes to your wedding ceremony music. Harpist Pamela Pamperin has played hundreds of wedding ceremonies. She says the majority of clients are happy with the traditional Pachelbel’s “Canon in D,” but that she’s also played songs as diverse as Billy Idol’s "White Wedding" and the theme to Raiders of the Lost Ark. Request songs that reflect you and your groom’s personalities. Just give the musicians enough time before the big day to learn the songs they might not already know.

If you do go for traditional music during the ceremony, try something more surprising for the recessional. JoAnn Moffett and Ricardo Goni, recently married at Westminster Prebyterian church in Sacramento, chose an organist and singer to perform during the ceremony, then brought in a mariachi trio to perform in the church’s courtyard for a rousing tequila toast following their vows.

If you plan recorded music for your walk down the aisle, provide the facilities coordinator or DJ with specific versions of the songs you want. Also, be sure to test CDs, MP3s and players before the actual ceremony, using the equipment they will be played on. A quick sound-check before the ceremony can help avoid difficulties later.

Cocktail Hour

If you’ve hired a live band for the reception, ask the band leader if one or two of the band members can fulfill music duties during the cocktail hour, or ask if you can hire the band for an additional hour.

If you hire a DJ, let him know what mood you’re after. Doug LaVine of Music on the Move MCs & DJs says a good DJ should be able to give couples what they want, whether that’s a romantic, classy, or fun atmosphere. “The most popular cocktail tunes are songs with that Rat Pack vibe,” LaVine says. “But that doesn’t mean just Sinatra and Bobby Darin; you can have Norah Jones, Diana Krall, and Michael Buble as well.”

Dinner

Background music during dinner should be nearly unnoticeable, yet if it’s not there, silence will be noticed. During dinner, DJs or bandleaders can perform emcee duties to keep things moving, make introductions and prompt toasts. Before you sign a contract with a band or DJ, discuss everything from how to pronounce names to what type of announcements you want made throughout the evening.

If you use a custom playlist on the iPod, put someone is in charge of music. They’ll need to turn it off during toasts and turn it back on when needed. You could also appoint this person as emcee for the evening. One small piece of advice regarding iPods: avoid live recordings. Applause on the tracks tends to be distracting.

The Party

For most couples, enlisting a DJ or band is a matter of preference. Undoubtedly, the two types of musical entertainment are unique—distinct styles of music, varying levels of interaction with the audience, even separate space requirements—but one area they are similar is price.

Many DJs offer services from $1,500 to $2,500, which may or may not include lighting, photo slideshows, special effects and travel. A live band with five to seven members will typically run about the same.

Once you’ve hired your band or DJ, communicate with them. Develop a list of favorite songs and “do-not-play” songs. If you don’t like country music, make that clear; if you want jazz, specify modern, Latin or classic jazz. Determine how long you want to dance, and choose songs for the first few dances. On the flipside, there’s no need to choose every song. Professionals know how get the party started and keep the party going with just the right choices.