Whether you’re creating an outdoor or indoor wedding, you’re going to have a list of important decisions to make. For many couples, one of the most important elements of their big day is the music. Whilst you may be tempted to choose popular music for the sake of crowd pleasing, it’s much more personal to choose a musical genre that’s meaningful to you both as a couple.

For your ceremony, you may opt for a string quartet or simple acoustic guitar, but for the party you’ll want to choose something that will raise everyone’s spirits. Choosing which instruments and genre of music carefully will help to create the perfect mood and ambience for your big day.

So without any further ado, here are some top music genres for you to consider for your wedding.

Jazz

Jazz is a popular music genre because of its complex harmonies and emphasis on improvisation. For an authentic experience, you’ll want to hire a jazz band that’s comfortable creating a range of different moods – from soft, background melodies to compliment your dinner through to energetic and funky beats to get everyone moving in the evening. And for the first dance, of course, there’s nothing like a soulful saxophone for creating a touch of romance.

Classical Music

Classical music has a timeless charm, and masterpieces by such immortal greats as Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin will be sure to add an air of sophistication to your proceedings. There are a range of classical instrument combinations to consider for your wedding, depending on the tone you want to create. A simple piano accompanied by one or more string instruments offers an elegant and traditional accompaniment for your day – and you can choose from a variety of processional songs to serenade your guests as you walk down the aisle.

Soul and R&B

Soul and R&B has become an extremely popular choice for weddings. Its peaceful, romantic sound is one that many of us simply can’t resist. You could either use a DJ or hire a vocalist to play well-known classics from artists such as Luther Vandross and Stevie Wonder, which are sure to have everyone singing along. This is also a versatile genre, meaning you could hire the same band for the daytime and evening celebrations and up the tempo accordingly as the sun sets.

Rock and Roll

Rock and roll is still a favourite genre for many, both old and young. If you love music from artists such as Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Little Richard, this is definitely the genre for you. Afterall, there’s nothing quite like ‘Jailhouse Rock’ for getting everyone moving on the dancefloor.

Many rock bands have an extensive collection of old classics and newer tracks they can play, so this is a great genre for ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Club or Pop Music

Whether or not you have live musicians for your ceremony and wedding breakfast, you can’t go wrong with a little club or pop music to get everyone on the dance floor throughout the evening. This style of music is best suited to a DJ, with their extensive catalogue of songs to choose from, or a band that’s comfortable playing a range of popular music covers.

Make it your own

Everyone has a preferred music style and genre, of course, and so there’s no single right choice here. It may be that you decide one genre suits your wedding theme more than another, or you could even mix and match a range of genres which flow with the different elements of your day. Choosing your music is a really fun part of your wedding planning, so take your time to go and see any bands you’re considering in person to ensure they’re a great fit for your day.