People might not remember the food they ate at a reception or what the flowers were, but they will remember the music they heard, danced to, and enjoyed. Most important, you and your fiancé need to agree on the type of music the two of you want at your wedding.

Do You Sing the Same Song?

Sometimes one person loves classical music and the other enjoys heavy metal. Well, that makes for some potentially interesting choices, especially on your wedding day. Consider the character of your ceremony and how the music will complement it. Whatever music you choose, it will be right for you, your fiancé, and your day together.

Make sure you check with your ceremony venue to find out what type of music they allow. In some locations, only taped music will be available or appropriate, but other places may require you to hire a live musician. If you are getting married in a religious setting, ask whether it's acceptable to stray from traditional pieces.

Hit the Right Key

Making sure you find the right musicians for the right price is the next important step in your budgeting. How important is music in your wedding? How much do you want to budget for it?

Susan and Nick, the college sweethearts with a modest budget, lucked out. “I started out thinking that it was going to be hard to have what we wanted with our budget, ” Susan said. “I mean, we just don't have that much to work with.”

One day she was walking on campus, and it hit her: “There's a music department at our college and many of the music students hire out for occasions in the community. We have our choice of harpists, violinists, pianists, and organists — you name it! Even a steel band made up of students from the Bahamas!”

Susan and Nick had a long conversation and decided on a harpist. “I've always loved the music of a harp,” Susan said. “And the setting seemed perfect for it. We'll seat her under a tree near the reflecting pool, and have her playing when the guests are gathering. Then she'll play during the ceremony and after, while we have our picnic. I can't imagine anything more elegant.”

“Even better was the price,” added Nick. “She gave us a special rate because we're students, and because she's living on campus.”

If you have a college or university in your area, even a small music school, you might be able to find musicians available there for your wedding and reception. Students are always in need of money for tuition and living expenses, and playing at a wedding gives them a chance to gain experience for their future careers.

Be sure to check the musicians' references and make certain that there is a backup plan in place if they are ill or can't make your event. Also offer to provide a reference for them if you're happy with their work.

Music in the Key of Life

A fan of the traditional, Kylie wants the church organist to play Wagner's Bridal Chorus. “I just always dreamed that I'd hear that music when I was walking down the aisle with my father. When I told Sean, he said he wanted me to have that,” she said.

It took only a few minutes after church one Sunday to talk with the organist, find out whether he could play on the wedding date, and arrange payment details. Kylie was satisfied that the church organist will do a good job, since she had heard him play many Sundays and for a fellow church member's wedding.

It may not be quite so easy for you to find ceremony musicians. Ask friends and family for recommendations. Your ceremony venue is also a good source of information.