Wedding music is an important part of the celebration as it elevates the spirit of the occasion. We looked at the music as a wedding element that creates the atmosphere, brightens emotions, unites and inspires. We also asked for some wedding music genre suggestions from a European wedding saxophonist Eric Sax. Additionally, he talked us through the process of working together with the couple to arrange the perfect musical accompaniment for the wedding day.

Wedding music underlines your wedding concept

Music is a powerful tool to create the different  moods of the day. Think of the music as a soundtrack for a movie that is your wedding day. The music should flow harmoniously with your wedding scenario. Use more uplifting and energetic tunes to get everyone’s attention and focus when you need it, and some soft laid-back background music to make the guests relax and chat with each other. Sometimes a good musical accompaniment is something that doesn’t take your attention but simply sets the mood for the conversations to start flowing. But to get the guests to the dance floor, play some pop songs that everyone loves. And while keeping the musical background varied, stick to a few of your favourite genres or decades and think how well those will blend.

Think of the overall atmosphere you want to create on your wedding day. Consider what kind of music best accompanies your wedding theme. Or maybe you have your favourite genre you want to hear at your wedding, and you can create a whole wedding theme around that. Here are some wedding music genre ideas – if it’s a summer wedding at the beach, you can go for more tropical tones; if you have chosen a rustic wedding venue, go for country music; if you want to create a retro vibe, play some classic rock and roll that’s very fun to dance to; nothing goes together better than classical instrumental music and elegant villa wedding; if you have a destination wedding, consider including some traditional songs from the country you’re going to. The possibilities are endless, just think of what you like in terms of music and how it will contribute to the atmosphere of the wedding.

Wedding music – the ultimate mood setter

One of the powers of music is its ability to influence emotions and bring people together. Music has both calming effects and, at the same time, it’s a tool for mood enchantment. Think of the moments when you will be alone, for example, while driving to the ceremony venue. Will you want to gather your thoughts in silence or listen to something soothing? Maybe you want to put together a little playlist of your all-time favourite happy songs to listen to after the ceremony when together, as newlyweds, driving to the celebration venue to express that joy and get into the party mood? For the party, think of your guest’s tastes, as people tend to create emotional connections through the music. Choose music that will appeal to your guests to please and unite them. Also, a surprise musical performance will be great entertainment.

As we all experience it daily when listening to music, it brings out memories and inspires us. On a wedding day, couples reflect on their previous path together and set their intentions for their bright future. The music is a great instrument for that as well. A lot of attention goes into choosing the song for the first dance, as it has to be both sentimental and inspiring. But remember, while it’s nice to dive into nostalgia, don’t be afraid to try something new and create new memories associated with the music of your wedding day.

Wedding music genre recommendations from a musician

Eric Sax is a saxophonist at the Moulin Rouge, where he plays jazz and international variety as well as parties in trendy Parisian venues. He explains that the saxophone’s trump card is its ability to blend seamlessly with all types of music. That’s why he generally likes to start with jazz and bossa nova for cocktails or dinner and then quickly move on to more modern music. His choice will include remixes of hits from the ‘90s and ‘00s, as well as more contemporary pieces.

Wedding musician Eric Sax also walked us through how the communication process with the couple usually goes. First, they have one or more calls to discuss programming, financial arrangements and music. He suggests general music styles that the couple can also find on his Instagram. He’s open to some song suggestions for the most special moments of the wedding day. When asked about at which parts of the wedding day he performs, Eric Sax says that the couple can call him for the ceremony, the cocktail party and the bride and groom’s entrance, which he likes to make festive, suggesting dancing for about 25 minutes before dinner.

During dinner, he also proposes passages as well as dessert and first dances. Finally, the evening dance is one of his favourite moments, when the sound is turned up, and the party gets going.

Lastly, you should always check all the technical aspects regarding music and entertainment with your wedding planner or the wedding venue manager.

Author: Renāte Berga

Wedding saxophonist: Eric Sax